Tsubame-Sanjo Cutlery

Iron products produced primarily in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, with over 400 years of history. Particularly known for iron kettles (tetsubin) worldwide. Sand casting enables intricate decorations, with fine surface textures creating beautiful boiling water. Iron dissolves from the kettle, softening water, making it beloved by tea enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers. Registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The metalworking industry of Tsubame and Sanjo cities in Niigata Prefecture. Tsubame holds a major global share in stainless steel cutlery, while Sanjo is known for blades and tools. With 400 years of history starting from Japanese nail production, the advanced skills of artisans are trusted by world-class chefs and tool manufacturers.

A metalworking region centered on Tsubame and Sanjo cities in Niigata Prefecture. Beginning with nail production in the Edo period, the area now supplies high-quality metal products including knives, Western tableware, and outdoor equipment worldwide. It has produced global brands like Snow Peak and Tojiro, and actively promotes industrial tourism.

Japan's first porcelain, originating in Arita, Saga Prefecture. Developed from techniques introduced from the Korean Peninsula in the 17th century, it captivated European royalty and nobility as 'Imari' ware exported through Imari port. With over 400 years of history, it continues to innovate today.

A uniquely Japanese technique of repairing broken ceramics with lacquer and gold powder. Its philosophy of elevating damage into beauty rather than concealing it symbolizes the Japanese aesthetic of finding beauty in imperfection. In recent years, it has attracted worldwide attention in art and design.

A traditional Japanese paper craft that creates various shapes by folding a single sheet of paper. It spread among common people during the Edo period, and senbazuru (thousand origami cranes) are known worldwide as a symbol of peace. Today it is applied in mathematics and engineering, contributing to space development and medical technology.

A traditional Japanese art of arranging flowers and plants in vessels to create spatial compositions. Systematized during the Muromachi period, it encompasses many schools including Ikenobo, Sogetsu, and Ohara. It embodies a uniquely Japanese aesthetic sensibility that condenses natural beauty and values the beauty of space and negative space.