KOGEI STANDARD Japanese Crafts Online Media

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...