#Japan #Setagaya #Hasami Porcelain #Tokyo Saikai #Nuppu

Tokyo Saikai Showcase Celebrates Two Years

In a significant milestone for the Tokyo Saikai Showcase, the venue celebrated its second anniversary on October 24, 2023. Managed by Tokyo Saikai Co., Ltd., based in Setagaya, Tokyo, this unique showcase serves as a pivotal platform for the rich traditions of Hasami ceramics, operated under the auspices of the Suikai Ceramic Group from Hasami Town, Nagasaki Prefecture.

Founded in 2013, Tokyo Saikai Co., Ltd. has embraced the philosophy of being "local yet global," aiming to connect daily life with local culture and craftsmanship. The showcase features six distinct brands centered around tableware, promoting the intricate artistry of Hasami ware through various exhibitions, workshops, and community engagement initiatives.

Architectural Marvel

Designed by the prominent architects Shinobu Masuda and Katsuhito Otsubo, the Tokyo Saikai Showcase is not merely an art space but a thoughtfully curated gallery that supports community interaction. Its layout comprises an event space for exhibitions and workshops, a workspace for packing and shipping orders from their online shop, and a garden terrace that nurtures relationships with the local community.

Over the last two years, the showcase has been a vital space for sharing the spirit of Hasami ware and fostering dialogue within the community. Looking to the future, the Tokyo Saikai Showcase plans to intensify its efforts and introduce new initiatives as it enters its third year. Continual progress and innovation lie ahead, encouraging everyone to stay tuned for what's next.

A Glimpse into the Brands

Tokyo Saikai features a diverse range of brands, each with a unique story and vision:

HASAMI PORCELAIN

Directed by Takuhiro Shinomoto, HASAMI PORCELAIN pays homage to over 400 years of pottery tradition in Hasami. Known for its clean lines, organic textures, and multifunctional designs, this brand offers modular products inspired by traditional bento boxes. Each piece undergoes craftsmanship at the hands of skilled artisans before getting its signature finish.

Common

Designed by Yota Tsunoda, Common emerged from the quest for universal design. This brand focuses on everyday tableware that integrates porcelain, glass, and cutlery, making it perfect for homes, cafes, and restaurants. Its sturdy yet simple designs position it as a staple in daily life.

NUPPU

Meaning "bud" in Finnish, NUPPU, designed by Maija Pouskari, creates opportunities for children to connect with various ingredients and flavors. Its tableware is thoughtfully designed for small hands, featuring shapes and colors that are easy to combine with other dishware while ensuring durability for long-term use.

Cords

A collaboration with glass artist Yoko Yamano Anderson, Cords presents stackable dishes adorned with delicate hand-painted details. The natural colors of the plates and bowls evoke the creative process of their production, adding unique flair to mass-produced tableware.

Ha'

Creative designer Sebastian Burn introduces Ha’, a collection that embodies a connection to nature through playful designs inspired by instruments and fruits. The second collection, "Horizon," features tea utensils designed to celebrate Japanese tea culture.

ALONGU

Designed by Jin Kuramoto, ALONGU reflects the evolving nature of Japanese cuisine. Inspired by modern Asian tableware, its collection is characterized by forms that cater to diverse culinary styles while emphasizing sustainable production.

Visit Tokyo Saikai Showcase

Address: 4-29-11 Setagaya, Tokyo, 158-0095
Nearest Station: A 14-minute walk from Yoga Station on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line
Instagram: Tokyo Saikai Showcase

The gallery space is open for everyone to visit with operating hours on weekdays from 10 AM to 5 PM (closed from 12 PM to 1 PM and no reservation required).

About Tokyo Saikai Co., Ltd.

Established in 2013, Tokyo Saikai Co., Ltd. has deep roots in Hasami Town, Nagasaki, with a history of over 400 years in porcelain manufacture and innovation. As part of the Suikai Ceramic Group, it combines contemporary design with traditional manufacturing techniques, focusing on original brands. Its operational model includes wholesale and retail within Japan while exploring OEM partnerships with various brands, highlighting the quality and craftsmanship of Japanese ceramics on an international scale. The company strives to enrich lives through everyday products and aims to build lasting brands, products, and partnerships.