Our Belief
"Good things enrich our lives.
Authentic things enrich our hearts."
Although Japan is a small island nation, each region is filled with captivating history and culture. A wide array of distinctive handcrafted items, including pottery, has emerged from these rich traditions. In Japanese culture, there is a deeply ingrained custom of choosing items that resonate personally and harmonizing them with one’s everyday life.
At MUSUBI KILN, every item we introduce carries the heartfelt intentions of its creator, along with its cultural and historical context. . We take pride in not only offering quality products but delivering truly authentic ones.
Instead of purchasing items to be used as mere tools, we believe that surrounding yourself with objects you genuinely connect with brings material abundance and enriches your heart.
MUSUBI KILN exists to be a source of authenticity, a place where you can discover items and artisans that truly resonate with you.
Why We Do It
We firmly believe that Japan’s traditional crafts have the power to touch and enrich people's hearts. As passionate fans rather than mere sellers, we eagerly anticipate the next creations from the artisans we resonate with.
Across Japan, there are exceptional craftsmen and artists dedicated to traditional crafts, but many of them are aging, and their numbers are steadily declining. While some areas are training successors, many regions face significant challenges as precious skills and cultural heritage gradually fade.
At MUSUBI KILN, we collaborate closely with local craftsmen’s unions, JAPPI (Japan Association for the Promotion of Pottery Industry), and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry to ensure that these invaluable techniques and traditions are handed down to future generations.
By purchasing from MUSUBI KILN, you are actively supporting the conservation of Japan’s traditional crafts. Since our founding in 2020, we have been dedicated to preserving these techniques and creating new value for future generations.
What Makes Us Who We Are
True Stories and Accurate Information
MUSUBI KILN's products are crafted by artisans from across Japan. To deliver truly authentic items, the combined efforts and skills of many are essential—those who make the tools, those who prepare the raw materials, and the artisans who bring the final product to life.
Through the artisans’ journeys and histories, you will deepen your connection to the pieces and appreciate them as not just mere tools, but cherished items to be used for years to come.
We don’t offer any products, no matter how excellent the design, unless we truly connect with the background of the artisans and their work.
Additionally, we continuously gather information from a wide range of sources, including relevant texts and experts. This ensures that the content we share is not only enjoyable to read but also serves as a valuable record for future generations. That's why we are committed to using primary sources whenever possible and conducting thorough research.
MUSUBI KILN JOURNAL
Traceability and Sustainable Practices
At MUSUBI KILN, we guarantee that all our products are made in Japan. Due to the global popularity of Japanese traditional crafts, many counterfeit items are in circulation. We take this issue seriously and are fully committed to maintaining the traceability of every product.
We thoroughly investigate the raw materials and production processes of every item, ensuring we deliver only the ones we trust are authentic. Additionally, we set our prices to ensure that artisans and workshops can continue their craft sustainably.
Our mission is to foster both a rich lifestyle and a sustainable future for traditional crafts.
More About Us
Our Beginning
Based in Tokyo, MUSUBI KILN was inspired by the founder's encounters with tableware from around the world. During his travels, he developed a passion for collecting traditional tableware from various countries. He noticed that these pieces harmonized beautifully when placed together on the kitchen table despite their different origins.
"This feeling… I've experienced it somewhere before," he reflected, realizing that the harmony originated from his experiences with Japanese tableware. At its core, Japanese tableware culture is a celebration of harmony.
We believe in the joy of combining a variety of tableware to create your own unique and personal setting. Driven by the desire to share this uniquely Japanese way of living with people worldwide, we initially launched a website dedicated to Kutani ware, traditional ceramics from the founder’s hometown in Ishikawa Prefecture.
As we continued showcasing these exceptional products, we saw how people worldwide were captivated by the culture of Japanese tableware and eager to incorporate it into their daily lives. This deepened our desire to expand the reach of Japan’s beautiful traditional tableware and share the joy of the lifestyle, which ultimately led to the creation of MUSUBI KILN.
At MUSUBI KILN, we proudly offer only products we trust, created by artisans and artists from across Japan. We are also committed to sharing ideas that enrich both your table and lifestyle, helping you enjoy a more creative and fulfilling living experience.
2020
The predecessor of MUSUBI KILN, the Kutani ware specialty store "JAPAN KUTANI SHOP," was established.
This small business began in a tiny apartment room in Tokyo.
The fact that many skilled craftsmen were considering closing their businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic encouraged us to start this initiative.
JAPAN KUTANI SHOP
2021
We became the largest global retailer of Kutani ware.
Through introductions from craftsmen with whom we developed deeper relationships, we met talented artisans from regions outside of Kutani ware.
This inspired us to launch MUSUBI KILN, with the belief that introducing traditional tableware from various regions of Japan would allow us to share a deeper appreciation for the joy of Japanese tableware.
2022
We became completely captivated by the charm of traditional Japanese tableware.
As we traveled across Japan, we encountered craftsmen with exceptional skills and beautiful philosophies, along with works of art that truly enriched our lives.
At the same time, we realized that many of these craftsmen, despite their advanced age, had no successors to carry on their craft. This inspired us to commit not only to selling products but also to dedicating ourselves to preserving and passing on traditional crafts to future generations.
2023
In this year, we began collaborations with numerous top-tier restaurants, hotel groups, and galleries.
Although we hadn't actively engaged in B2B marketing, many of these partnerships were initiated by MUSUBI KILN's customers themselves or through their introductions.
As we traveled across Japan visiting various workshops and learning about the production processes and the unique strengths of each craftsman, we became adept at suggesting high-resolution proposals on how to realize a chef's vision for the ideal tableware, matching them with the right craftsmen from different regions.
2024
MUSUBI Gallery was established to showcase art products created by artisans, including Living National Treasures and traditional craft masters, who possess skills that should be passed down to future generations.
Supported by a wonderful fan community, a network of over 200 craftsmen, and dozens of creators, MUSUBI KILN continues its efforts to enrich people's lives and connect traditional crafts to the future.
MUSUBI Gallery