Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten products uniquely bridge traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern living. With over 300 years of history, we collaborate with more than 800 artisans throughout Japan to create items that preserve heritage techniques while offering practical functionality for contemporary lifestyles. Our approach honors each region's materials, techniques, and customs while thoughtfully adapting designs for today's needs. Every product embodies our philosophy of creating a fulfilling lifestyle that connects users to the beauty of Japanese traditions and craftsmanship.

All our products are made in Japan through partnerships with over 800 skilled artisans across various Kogei regions. We don't own factories; instead, we collaborate directly with craftspeople in their traditional workshops. Each product is created in its authentic region of origin using local materials and techniques. For example, our ceramic items come from established pottery regions like Hasami in Nagasaki and Tajimi in Gifu, while our textiles are crafted in centers of fabric excellence like Nara, where our company was founded in 1716.

Hana Fukin is our signature dishcloth that has won the Good Design Award. Unlike regular dishcloths, it's made from two large pieces of fabric woven in a special loose-weave "mosquito net" structure using cotton. At 58x58cm, it's larger than standard cloths, offering better absorption when folded and quicker drying when spread out due to its thin, double-layered design. The breathable weave allows for superior absorption and quick drying, while the beautiful colors (hana means "flower" in Japanese) add an aesthetic touch to your kitchen. These cloths become softer with use and can later be repurposed as cleaning cloths.

Yes, sustainability is central to our approach. Our products embody the Japanese principle of using items carefully and for extended periods. We prioritize natural materials like ramie, cotton, wood, and clay that have minimal environmental impact. Many of our designs, like our award-winning Hana Fukin, are created with minimal waste and made to last for years. We focus on creating durable, timeless products that won't need frequent replacement, reducing overall consumption. Our manufacturing processes respect traditional methods that have sustained Japanese communities for centuries while minimizing environmental impact.

Most of our products involve significant handcrafting, though the exact process varies by item. Many products, like our signature Nara Sarashi linen, maintain entirely handcrafted processes from field to finished product. Others combine traditional hand techniques with carefully selected mechanical processes that preserve quality while ensuring consistency. We work with over 800 artisans across Japan who apply their expertise and hand skills to create our products. Each item, whether fully handmade or created through a combination of methods, carries the precision and care of human craftsmanship.

Absolutely. While our products honor traditional craftsmanship, they're specifically designed for practical, everyday use in modern life. We carefully update traditional designs to meet contemporary needs while maintaining their essential quality and character. Our kitchen items are food-safe, our textiles are made to withstand regular washing, and our homewares are crafted for durability. We believe Japanese heritage crafts should be lived with and used daily—not just displayed—which is why functionality is central to our design approach. With proper care, our products will serve you beautifully for many years.

Our products embody three key aspects of Japanese traditions: seasonal awareness, thoughtful consideration for others, and long-term companionship with well-crafted items. We incorporate elements that connect users to seasonal rhythms and natural cycles, an important aspect of Japanese culture. The mindfulness found in traditional Japanese ceremonies like tea ceremony influences our designs, emphasizing harmony between objects and their users. Many of our products are based on traditional crafts that were integral to Japanese daily life for centuries, preserving cultural heritage while adapting to contemporary needs.

As artisanal Kogei products, each item is handcrafted using traditional techniques, which may result in slight variations from the images shown on our website. These natural differences in color, texture, pattern, or finish are not defects but rather the distinctive characteristics of authentic handcrafted goods.

The subtle variations are a testament to the human touch and craftsmanship that make each piece unique. Factors such as natural materials, traditional dyeing processes, and handweaving techniques contribute to these individual qualities. While we make every effort to accurately represent our products in photographs, the inherent nature of heritage crafts means your item may have slight differences that distinguish it as one-of-a-kind.

We believe these subtle variations add to the charm and authenticity of Japanese heritage crafts, connecting you directly to the artisan's hands and centuries of tradition.