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...

“F-TRAD” is a project that reinterprets seven of Fukui Prefecture’s esteemed traditional crafts (Echizen lacquerware, Echizen washi paper, Wakasa agate work, Wakasa lacquerware, Echizen forged blades, Echizen ware, and Echizen chest) to suit modern lifestyles. The latest collection from this initiative is the result of collaboration between traditional craftsmen from Fukui and designers based outs...

JTB Corp., under commission from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center, has launched and operates a reservation website for traditional craft experiences in Tokyo within the JTB LAPITA platform. This website is available in both Japanese and English, making it accessible to international visitors. This initiative aligns with the evo...

Since its founding in Asakusa, Tokyo in 1931, Kimoto Glass Tokyo has collaborated with numerous craftsmen for over 90 years to introduce glass tableware to the world. With a wholesaler’s unique perspective on market trends, the company produces new glass products tailored to modern lifestyles.The company is also actively engaged in collaborations between craftsmen and designers. In January this ye...

The term “craftsmanship” has come to be widely used in recent years. It is not limited to handcrafted artisan goods but also applies to products such as watches, cars, and fashion items. The attitude of pursuing high quality in the creation of objects is often expressed as “craftsmanship,” and today many high-end brands, such as Gucci, Hermes, and Loewe, include explanation...

Following a period when Chinese and Korean tea bowls (Karamono chawan and Korai chawan, respectively) were highly valued, Japan began to produce its own tea bowls for the tea ceremony. This marked the birth of Japanese tea bowls (Wamono chawan). From their origins in Seto (Aichi Prefecture) and Mino (Gifu Prefecture), these tea bowls spread to various regions, each influencing one another in terms...