Backstory
Dani Sujin Studio | Celebrating Friendship and Craftsmanship
In the realm of art and craftsmanship, there are rare moments where friendship, passion, and creativity intertwine to create something truly special. Our collaboration with ceramic artist Dani Sujin Lee is one such moment—a heartfelt celebration of talent, friendship and the…
The Path of Makoto Koizumi
Industrial designer Makoto Koizumi and his works are well known in the world; however, when Steve from Nalata Nalata told me that his personality and the path he has taken are not familiar, I agreed. As a consumer rather than an insider…
Interview with Makoto Koizumi | Tonton Rocking Chair
It was early February when I received an email from Steve at Nalata Nalata. The email was about the following; about 3.5 years ago, Steve and his wife Angy were chatting with Koizumi-san over coffee in NYC…
To Reclaim Glass, to Revive our Future | Factory Zoomer
A lively, outgoing and naturally energetic woman who laughs cheerfully. A tender-hearted dog lover. A mentor who listens to my pointless talking carefully and gives me thoughtful advice. Likewise an honest interviewee who answers the…
Michiko Iwata | Studio Visit
We have represented the works of the Iwatas for a while but have waited too long to formally introduce them! Above is Michiko Iwata and Keisuke Iwata – an artist couple who live by the sea…
1981-2021 | Forty Year Timeline of Persona Studio
Stepping into Ryuji Mitani’s studio and home in Matsumoto for the first time was a profound experience for us. After observing an urushi demonstration, we had a chat…
Michiaki Mochizuki | Studio Visit
One of our biggest blessings came in the form of a gift from our friend Noriyasu for our wedding in 2016. He had given us an original framed painting –…
The Man Behind the Woodworker
My conversations with master woodworker Ryuji Mitani across the years of our acquaintance have revealed him to me as a truly extraordinary person. His work holds both great beauty and…
Makoto Koizumi | Studio Visit
Our love for Makoto Koizumi comes from a place of respect, a heavy admiration of his works that embody every aspect of what we consider good design. We’ve been communicating…
Takayoshi Narita of Studio Tint | Studio Visit
We have an exhibition coming up with Takayoshi Narita of Studio Tint – a rare kind of artisan, his mastery in wrought-iron is practically a dying art. For this reason…