A new lifestyle brand “ZenSei” has launched, bringing together monks from sub-temples of Kyoto’s Myoshinji Temple, the head temple of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, and artisans whose craftsmanship has long supported the city’s rich cultural heritage. Guided by the concept of “Place Your Mind in the Temple,” the brand reinterprets Japanese Zen culture — whose appeal has grown worldwide in recent years — into products designed to blend seamlessly into contemporary lifestyles, hotel lounges, and gifting occasions. Inspired by quiet moments experienced at a Zen temple — sitting on a veranda, gazing out at a garden, and savoring the aroma of tea, the brand proposes a sense of “rich tranquility” offering a peaceful respite from the pace of modern life.

A distinctive feature of the brand is the involvement of monks from two sub-temples of Kyoto’s Myoshinji Temple, who supervise both the calligraphy used in the traditional hanging scrolls and framed artworks, as well as the development of the products themselves. The products embody the sensibilities cultivated through the monks’ daily practice, meditation, and prayer. Among the brand’s signature offerings is the Bamboo Room Diffuser, crafted using bamboo specially harvested from the grounds of Keishun-in, a sub-temple designated as both a Nationally Designated Historic Site and a Place of Scenic Beauty. The diffuser is handcrafted under the direction of Hiroaki Nakagawa, the 11th-generation head of Takemata Nakagawa Bamboo Store, one of Kyoto’s most distinguished bamboo craft workshops. The project represents a rare initiative that gives new life to bamboo sourced from a nationally protected scenic garden, transforming it into an object designed for contemporary everyday use while preserving its cultural and historical significance.

The product lineup also includes a range of finely crafted items created by skilled artisans, including traditional Japanese candles, incense, and tea strainers made using Kyoto’s intricate metal-weaving techniques. In addition, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to support the preservation and maintenance of the buildings and gardens of Keishun-in Temple. Created through the fusion of the spiritual wisdom of Zen monks and the master craftsmanship of Kyoto artisans, ZenSei is a brand well worth exploring.

◾️General information
ZenSei
Official online store: https://zensei-artisan.com