Where East Meets West, and Craft Becomes Connection
What began as a personal journey—rooted in admiration, curiosity, and respect—has evolved into a heartfelt mission to share the quiet beauty of Japan with the world.
We are a small team of Westerners who have spent years living in Japan, learning its language, rhythms, and traditions from the inside. Some of us have even married into Japanese families, gaining a front-row view of its culture not as tourists, but as residents and loved ones. What first drew us in—the timeless landscapes, the poetic seasons, the mindful rituals of daily life—soon gave way to something deeper: a growing reverence for the artistry woven into everyday objects.
From the soft curve of a hand-thrown matcha bowl to the clean scent of hinoki wood carved into a masu cup, we began collecting pieces that felt different. These weren’t just beautiful things—they were objects with soul. Every item reflected not just function, but philosophy. Not just style, but story. They bore the marks of human hands and of time itself, shaped by artisans who had learned their craft through generations of quiet mastery.
As our homes began to fill with these meaningful pieces, friends from around the world would ask, “Where did you find this?” Those conversations sparked an idea.
We created MY JAPANESE WORD not as a typical store, but as an invitation—to slow down, to rediscover beauty in simplicity, and to welcome the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship into your home. While we specialize in Mino ware—a centuries-old ceramic tradition from Gifu Prefecture known for its diversity of forms, everyday usability, and understated beauty—we also curate exceptional pieces from other renowned pottery regions, including Japan’s most celebrated styles such as Hasami, Bizen, and Tokoname. Every item we offer is handcrafted in Japan, carefully selected from trusted makers who uphold traditional techniques and quality.
Whether you live in Los Angeles, Berlin, Toronto, or Toulouse, we believe that everyone deserves to experience the serenity that comes from living with thoughtfully made things. This is not just about design—it’s about a way of life.
We hope the pieces you discover here bring you the same sense of peace, beauty, and connection that they’ve brought into our lives.
Welcome to our world. Welcome to MY JAPANESE WORD.
Why is Japanese Handcraft unique?
Japanese handcraft is the art of creating everyday objects with timeless beauty, precision, and deep respect for tradition. What makes it truly unique is the lifelong devotion of artisans who, with patience and perfectionism, refine their skills over decades to craft objects that embody harmony, purpose, and soul.
Knives
Japanese handcrafted knives are the embodiment of centuries-old tradition, forged with unparalleled precision and artistry by skilled craftsmen who treat each blade as a work of functional beauty. From the razor-sharp edge to the finely balanced handle, every detail reflects a philosophy of meticulous craftsmanship and respect for the materials.
Made using time-honored techniques passed down through generations—often in historic knife-making towns like Seki or Sakai—these knives offer exceptional performance and elegance in the kitchen, turning even the simplest meal prep into a refined, almost meditative experience.
Tea Ceremony
The Japanese tea ceremony is a ritual of grace and mindfulness, where every movement—from whisking the matcha to presenting the bowl—is performed with quiet intention and deep respect for tradition. Rooted in Zen philosophy, it transforms the simple act of preparing and sharing tea into a spiritual experience, emphasizing harmony, purity, tranquility, and the beauty of imperfection.
More than a drink, it is a moment of stillness and connection—an art form that celebrates presence, seasonal awareness, and the elegance of simplicity.
Homeware
Japanese artisan-made homeware blends functionality with refined aesthetics, offering everyday objects that embody simplicity, balance, and quiet beauty.
Crafted by skilled makers using traditional techniques and natural materials, each piece—from ceramic bowls to hinoki wood trays—is designed not just to serve a purpose, but to elevate the rhythm of daily life.
Rooted in the philosophy of yo no bi—the beauty of the ordinary—these objects bring a sense of peace, authenticity, and timeless elegance into the home.
Chopsticks
Japanese chopsticks are more than utensils—they are finely crafted tools that reflect cultural heritage, refined etiquette, and everyday elegance.
Made by artisans using natural materials like lacquered wood or bamboo, each pair is shaped with precision to ensure balance, comfort, and harmony in use.
From the slender form to the intricate patterns inspired by tradition, Japanese chopsticks turn each meal into a quiet ritual, honoring both craftsmanship and the art of dining.
Fabrics
Japanese fabrics are a rich tapestry of history, technique, and aesthetic sensibility, woven with the same precision and mindfulness that define the country’s artisan traditions.
From the intricate patterns of kimono silks to the earthy textures of hand-dyed cotton and indigo-drenched textiles, each fabric tells a story of cultural heritage and regional identity.
Crafted using time-honored methods like kasuri, shibori, and katazome, these textiles are not only visually striking but also imbued with a quiet elegance that celebrates imperfection, nature, and the passage of time.
Sake Set
A Japanese sake set is more than a collection of serving pieces—it’s a celebration of ritual, craftsmanship, and refined simplicity.
Whether made from porcelain, ceramic, or glass, each sake bottle (tokkuri) and cup (ochoko or guinomi) is thoughtfully designed to enhance the aroma, temperature, and taste of the sake.
Handcrafted by skilled artisans, these sets often reflect regional styles and traditional aesthetics, turning the act of drinking into a mindful, sensory experience that honors the deep cultural roots of Japan’s iconic beverage.
Japanese Fragrance
Japanese essential oil fragrances are a pure expression of nature, distilled with care and tradition to capture the serene essence of Japan’s forests, herbs, and seasonal blooms.
Crafted by skilled artisans using time-honored extraction methods, these oils reflect a deep reverence for the natural world—whether it’s the crisp scent of hinoki cypress, the calming aroma of yuzu, or the grounding presence of sandalwood.
Each fragrance invites a moment of stillness, offering a sensory journey that brings harmony, clarity, and the quiet beauty of the Japanese landscape into everyday life.
Experience Japan’s Artisan Heritage
