Nakagawa's vision is "To revitalize Japanese Kogei!"
In an age of abundance, we face crucial choices about what is truly good, beautiful, and meaningful.
Both individuals and organizations must consciously define their values. At Nakagawa, we have chosen to preserve and revitalize Kogei—Japanese heritage crafts—from artisanal regions throughout Japan.
With three centuries of witnessing craftsmanship evolve since our founding in 1716, our purpose remains clear: ensuring these living traditions remain relevant and vital to everyday life for the next hundred years.
From our roots in historic Nara to our partnerships with over 800 artisans nationwide, we continue our mission of breathing new life into Japanese Kogei—thoughtfully balancing time-honored techniques with contemporary needs to create objects that respect heritage while enhancing modern living.
Through this work, we seek to preserve not just products, but the cultural wisdom, regional identity, and irreplaceable knowledge embedded in each piece—creating a more fulfilling lifestyle connected to seasons, materials, and human touch.
Towards Japan as a Craft Powerhouse
Since 1716, Nakagawa has evolved from a humble linen merchant in Nara to a guardian of Japanese heritage crafts. Our three-century journey has taught us a profound truth: the future of Nakagawa is inseparable from the future of Japanese Kogei itself.
We believe that when traditional craftsmanship disappears, we lose more than products—we lose cultural wisdom, regional identity, and generations of irreplaceable knowledge. This is why our mission extends beyond our own success.
Working with over 800 artisans across Japan, we're committed to preserving and reimagining Kogei for modern life. We share our expertise with regional craftspeople, helping them build sustainable businesses while honoring their traditions. By adapting heritage techniques for contemporary needs, we ensure these crafts remain relevant and cherished.
Our vision reaches beyond preservation to celebration—transforming craft regions into destinations, connecting people directly with makers, and positioning Japan as a global Kogei powerhouse.
When we say 'Revitalizing Japanese Kogei!', we're striving to create economic prosperity, cultural pride, and a renewed appreciation for the objects that shape our daily lives.
As we look toward the next century, Nakagawa remains dedicated to ensuring these living traditions continue to evolve, thrive, and enrich homes worldwide.
Who is Nakagawa?
Nakagawa's story begins in 1716, when our founder Nakaya Kihei established a merchant business specializing in "Nara-Sarashi"—exquisite bleached ramie cloth prized for its remarkable quality and craftsmanship. From these humble beginnings in Japan's ancient capital of Nara, our legacy of preserving traditional craft while embracing necessary innovation was born.
For over three centuries, each generation of leadership has thoughtfully adapted to the changing times while honouring our commitment to Japanese heritage crafts. From surviving the dissolution of the samurai class who were our original customers, to reimagining traditional techniques for contemporary needs, Nakagawa has continuously evolved without losing sight of our core values.
Today, as Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, we collaborate with more than 800 artisans across Japan, operate over 60 direct stores nationwide, and share our appreciation for Kogei with customers around the world. While our official company name remains Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, we've adopted "Nakagawa" as our international brand name—connecting global audiences to our heritage of thoughtful craftsmanship.
Through every transformation across thirteen generations of leadership, we've maintained an unwavering dedication to authentic materials, skilled techniques, and the belief that objects made with care enhance our daily lives. This resilient spirit of preserving tradition while embracing change continues to guide us as we look toward the future of Japanese Kogei.