KOGEI STANDARD Japanese Crafts Online Media

In Japan, there is a word called “kogei.” Kogei, which means “craft” or “crafts,” refers to beautiful, handmade tools used in daily life, such as ceramics, lacquerware, textiles, and metalworks. These crafts, made by human hands, are created using techniques and materials specific to the region where they are produced. They have developed over time, influenced by the local climate and the spirit o...

NOUSAKU, known for its 100% tin tableware and brass interior cast items, and NS by NOUSAKU, a jewelry brand exploring the possibilities of materials and design through the innovative material “Tin Gold,” come together in a new concept store. This multi-brand store, “NOUSAKU / NS by NOUSAKU,” will open on Friday, July 18, 2025, on the 3rd floor of the Galleria in Tokyo Midtown. It marks...

Mizunami City in Gifu Prefecture is one of the renowned production areas for Mino ware, once famous for the manufacture and global export of western-style tableware. Established in 1977, Miyama has inherited this legacy of advanced craftsmanship and continues to create products that suit modern dining styles.Released in February 2025, the “Yakiiro” chopstick rests are available as a set of five an...

The MITSUI Golden Takumi Award, organized for many years by the Mitsui Public Relations Committee of the Mitsui Group, supports artisans who are working to pass on Japan’s traditions to the next generation. The 5th presentation of the award was held on October 3, 2024, when the winners were announced, and the award ceremony took place on January 30, 2025 at the Otemachi Mitsui Hall in Tokyo.

Sonnenglas Japan, a distributor of solar lanterns produced under fair trade in South Africa, has newly launched “Sonnenglas® EN.” This innovative product combines a solar-powered light unit lit by sunlight, with a lantern shade made by artisans using the traditional Japanese craft technique of Suruga bamboo basketry.The “Sonnenglas® SOMO” solar lighting unit, powering this lantern, is a next-gener...

Heading south from Matsuyama, the capital city of Ehime Prefecture, and crossing the Shigenobu River, you arrive at the gateway to Tobe Town. A tower made of Tobe ware ceramic tiles welcomes visitors. Located in the center of the prefecture, Tobe town, as its slogan “The town of clear streams, fireflies, Tobe ware, and mandarin oranges” suggests, is blessed with beautiful nature and is...