KOGEI Topics

Since its founding in 1816 as a producer of metal pots or yakan in Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture, Gyokusendo has been producing items using the hammering technique of copperware. In recent years, Gyokusendo has actively engaged in industrial tourism, allowing visitors to experience the charm of craftsmanship in the production area.Following the Tsubame flagship store in Tsubame City, Niigata P...

The Tsutsumi Asakichi Urushi Store, founded in Kyoto in 1909, procures, refines, blends, and colors lacquer sap. As well as handling the sales of lacquer art materials and tools. The store has developed its own lacquer with superior weather resistance, which has been employed for the restoration of National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties such as the Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Himeji Cas...

Aizawa Wood Works was founded in 1974 in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, as a woodturner specializing in making wooden vessels for lacquerware. They produce various items using a wide range of wood processing techniques, including sashimono (joinery), magemono (bentwood), rokuro (spinning lathe), and kurimono (hollowing). They also place emphasis on their original brands, which are popular for the na...

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as MUFG), one of the world’s leading financial groups based in Japan, has initiated the “MUFG KOGEI Project.” The aim of this project is to embrace and cultivate the innovation required in changing times while preserving Japan’s traditional crafts culture and techniques. MUFG actively engages in social contributions related to the prese...

Marikoshuku, a historic post-town flourished with travelers for centuries as a key location along the Tokaido road, has opened a new establishment called “mariko craft inn IZUMIGAYA.” Nestled in the naturally rich countryside setting, this renovated 100-year-old traditional Japanese house consists of 5 buildings. The development was undertaken by Design Office Sozosya, a company specializing in ur...

Kane no Sanzun is a private hotel that opened in 2021, located in a renovated traditional Japanese residence in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. Its primary aim is to promote a deeper understanding of Takaoka copperware by incorporating it into daily life through hands-on usage and immersive experiences. The hotel is a meticulously restored 100-year-old minka (traditional townhouse) located in Kanaya-m...

Gato Mikio Co., Ltd. was founded in 1908 as a woodworking factory in Yamanaka Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture, a region known for its wood turning production. With excellent planning and sales capabilities, the company has actively developed products that combine traditional techniques with quality design to spread the charm of Yamanaka lacquerware both domestically and internationally.The “Gato Mikio ...

Discover, Acquire, Enjoy – The Appreciation of Tea Ware has been released by Abe Publishing Ltd. in April 2023. Specializing in ceramic arts, the quarterly journal Honoho Geijutsu or The Art of Fire was first published in 1982. It covers the history and techniques of pottery with high quality photographs and in-depth explanations of artists’ works. Its annual special issue is always well-received ...

Since its establishment in Nishijin, Kyoto in 1688, HOSOO has inherited the history of Nishijin-ori and has continued to preserve the tradition of Kimono culture. In 2010, HOSOO utilized its unique technology and succeeded in producing new textiles using Nishijin weaving techniques and materials with a 150cm width, the standard fabric width worldwide. Currently, the in-house textile brand of HOSOO...

The “Tsubame-Sanjo Factory Museum” exhibition organized by the “Tsubame-Sanjo Factory Festival” committee in 2021 received the Grand Prix of “Red Dot Design Award 2022,” the highest award in the Brand & Communication Design category. This award is considered one of the world’s three major design competitions. The award ceremony was held in Berlin, Germany in October 2022. The mayor of Sanjo-ci...

Opened in Higashiyama, Kyoto-city in July 2022, “THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA by Kyoto Tokyu Hotel” is a hotel that prides itself based on the concept of “The Best of the City in the East of Kyoto.” At this quaint hotel, you will find yourself immersed in the traditional spirit and aesthetics of Japan.Entering the calm atmosphere of the lobby, a 15-meter art piece catches your eye with ...

Discover, Acquire, Enjoy – The Appreciation of Sake Ware has been published on 1st April 2022. It is a special issue of the quarterly journal Honoho Geijutsu or The Art of Fire. The journal was first published in 1982 and mainly introduces contemporary Japanese ceramic art culture. This latest issue presents modern sake ware made by various ceramic artists along with a few interesting articl...