Journey to the Heart of Japan: A Tale of Collaboration and Craftsmansh

In 2024, we had the opportunity to travel to Japan with JETRO (the Japan External Trade Organisation), a government-backed body that supports international partnerships with Japanese makers and brands.

During our time in Japan, we had the chance to meet a number of incredible local makers. From traditional ceramicists and textile artisans to small-scale fragrance producers, each offering a unique perspective on craft, process and heritage.

Arrival in Tokyo

Last July we headed over to Tokyo. It was our first time visiting the country over the Summer months, and everything that we were told about the hot, humid summers in Tokyo were 100% true.

Upon arrival, we settled into the city, in our favourite neighbourhood Shimokitazawa, soaking up its vibrant energy and preparing for the days ahead. We of course visited our friends at Parker, where we hosted our Café Candle-making workshops over the weekend.
Watch out for a Tokyo specific guide coming soon…

Into the Mountains of Tochigi

We were a little nervous, but very excited to leave Tokyo and head to Tochigi for a week of business meetings in Japan. Our itinerary was filled with inspiring visits to local makers.

Our morning started at Mothertool, where CEO Miho Nakamura introduced us to their studio and the careful, skilful techniques behind their products. It was here, incidentally, that we experienced our first mini earthquake... Before we said our goodbyes, we asked the team to pose for the obligatory team photograph.

After lunch, we travelled an hour further north to a remarkable pottery studio. The studio, surrounded by nothing but towering trees, felt wonderfully remote, like a hidden treasure in the mountains. We walked through the stretched-out studio spaces. The ceramics here spoke to a timeless dedication to simple, elegant craft.

Our first day ended with a visit to a town celebrated for its pottery known as Mashiko ware. Our conversations with these makers revealed the depth of their craft and their profound connection to the land. Mashiko is a very well known destination among ceramicists, with a bi-annual pottery fair.

Onward to Yamagata

Next, we travelled north to Yamagata, stopping by a remote woodworking studio where Tatsunori crafts beautiful objects from local trees. He’s a one-man band, focused on creating products with low environmental impact. His studio was so inspiring, studio envy definitely kicked in!

From one woodworker to the next, we visited Ito Joinery, an award-winning studio committed to preserving Kumiko, the Japanese technique of assembling wooden pieces without nails. The couple behind the business were deeply inspiring, showing us how they’re keeping this important tradition alive.

Our day ended with a dinner hosted by JETRO, bringing together the local talent of Tochigi, some of who we had met over the last few days.

Sendai via Yamagata

Our final day started with a visit to Yoshida, a family-owned business in Yamagata City that has been making paulownia boxes for three generations. Their studio was a dream; a testament to heritage and craftsmanship and we got to meet two generations of woodworkers too.

Finally, we made our way to Sendai, the capital of Miyagi Prefecture, before heading to the eastern coast to visit Ogatsucho Ogatsu. There, we explored the region’s storied stonework and local practices.

& back to Tokyo

Our journey ended with a profound sense of gratitude and wonder. From the makers’ studios in Tochigi to the workshops in Yamagata, each encounter underscored the importance of tradition, quality and meaningful exchange.

Journey to the Heart of Japan: A Tale of Collaboration and Craftsmanship