Respect for craft
We look beyond an object’s appearance to the materials, techniques and local knowledge behind it. Understanding those details offers more ways to appreciate a piece over time.
About KURASHiNO和
Bringing Japanese craft closer to everyday life
Discover the skill and care behind the things we use and give.
The more you learn about a piece, the more there is to enjoy.
Hi, I’m NOWA. Let me show you where our story began.
MEET THE BRAND
Meet KURASHiNO和
A cup for your morning tea. A gift that reminds you of someone. Knowing the story behind an object can make choosing it a little more personal.
KURASHiNO和 is a craft and lifestyle brand within the Kyosei Project. We connect Japanese craft with everyday routines and thoughtful gifts through our online shop, market and event stalls, and product development with artisans.
Our role is to help you find something you would love to live with—or share with someone else.
OUR BEGINNING
One encounter started it all
In 2020, a meeting with a maker of hina dolls in Ibaraki Prefecture opened a new world to a group of university students. Hina dolls are displayed in Japan for a seasonal celebration wishing children well.
The students had not often considered traditional craft as part of their own lives. Hearing about the maker’s work changed the way they saw it. They wanted to share that discovery, and the Kyosei Project began.
They also learned about challenges facing craft, including changing lifestyles and a shortage of successors. Sharing what they had discovered became a way to help more people connect with that work.
Today, that sense of discovery continues through KURASHiNO和.
WHAT WE VALUE
What matters to us
Connections between makers and people
We share the maker’s perspective alongside practical ideas for everyday use. Both help you find a piece that feels right for your life.
An invitation to the next generation
You do not need specialist knowledge to enjoy craft. A colour you love or an object you want to use can be the beginning. We bring a younger generation’s curiosity to those first encounters.
WHAT WE DO
Three ways we bring craft closer
The online shop
Explore Japanese craft for everyday use and meaningful gifts. We introduce the stories behind the objects as well as how they might fit into your life.
Markets and events
We also meet customers at market and event stalls. These encounters offer a chance to feel an object’s texture and weight, notice the details and talk about the work behind it.
Developing products with artisans
We work with artisans on new products, exploring forms and uses that fit contemporary life. The aim is to create new possibilities while respecting the skills that have been passed down.
THE KYOSEI PROJECT
The Kyosei Project
The Kyosei Project began as a student-led initiative to introduce Japanese culture and craft to a younger generation. Members have continued to contribute after graduating and starting their working lives.
Kyosei means “living together.” It reflects an interest in the relationship between nature and daily life, and in caring for the things we use.
KURASHiNO和 carries that spirit into everyday objects and gifts.
Milestones
- 2020: The student-led project began and launched its first crowdfunding campaign on CAMPFIRE.
- 2021: The founding students passed the work to a second generation of members as they graduated.
- Later: A For Good campaign sought support for introducing more people to craft.
Explore our earlier campaigns:
- CAMPFIRE: https://camp-fire.jp/projects/316819/view
- For Good: https://for-good.net/project/1001328
These Japanese-language pages document earlier activities and plans.
MEET NOWA
Say hello to NOWA
Curious, friendly and a little playful, NOWA is the official guide to KURASHiNO和.
The name comes from the “no wa” sound in KURASHiNO和. You will meet NOWA in our Journal, asking questions and exploring the small details that make Japanese craft interesting.
Join NOWA to discover something you might enjoy using, giving or learning about.
CRAFT IN YOUR LIFE
Make room for craft in your life
A small plate on your table. A gift chosen for someone’s daily routine. Start with a piece that speaks to you.
Our shop is in Japanese. Please check the current delivery information before ordering.