The Bizen Pottery Museum was reborn and held its grand opening as the “Bizen City Museum of Art” on July 12, 2025. In addition to showcasing contemporary ceramics, especially Bizen ware, the museum will present a diverse range of artworks, including contemporary art, architecture, and design from around the world. With the goal of becoming a cultural creation hub for the region, the museum also se...

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...

Shitsurindo, an Echizen lacquerware manufacturer based in Fukui Prefecture, and ZOZO NEXT, a company engaged in research and development that leverages technology in fashion industry, have announced the launch of a joint research initiative. This collaboration aims to develop new lacquer techniques that merge traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.Since its founding in 1793, Shitsu...

Each spring, Sugahara unveils its latest creations, and this year is no exception, with 20 new series making their debut. Featuring a wide range of shapes and colors, these designs are crafted to bring beauty and joy to everyday life.“Sghr imperfect” series showcases glasses with organic lines, air bubbles, and other unique characteristics, making each piece one of a kind. Typically, only the most...

Time & Style designs and produces furniture, lighting, tableware, towels and other lifestyle goods, with a fundamental philosophy of creating products imbued with enduring and intrinsic value. Guided by the Japanese principle of “onko chishin” (learning from the past to inspire the future), the brand draws upon Japan’s abundant natural environment, rich history, and the wisdom of its predecess...

Renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and delicate, vivid paintings, “Nabeshima ware” is regarded one of the finest porcelain in Japan. As it marks its 350th anniversary this year, a series of commemorative initiatives are planned.Nabeshima ware traces its origin to the Edo period when the Saga Domain gathered 31 of the most skilled artisans from across Japan to produce gifts and tributes for...

Mori Kougei was founded in Tokushima Prefecture in 1953. Specializing in the technique of pasting “tsuki-ita,” a wood veneer sliced as thin as paper, the company has manufactured decorative plywood, fixtures and furniture. Since 2020, Mori Kougei has focused on developing its own original products, introducing items such as the “RAYS TRAY,” a side table “STAND,” and a wall clock “CLOCK,” all featu...