As exemplified by the cormorant cages used in the Nagara River and Oze cormorant fishing, traditional livelihoods have been passed down in the Mino region, and alongside them are tools such as bamboo baskets still made locally.


【NPO Green Woodwork Association Bamboo Division】

The NPO "Green Woodwork Association Bamboo Division," which produced this bamboo basket, conducts activities such as "experiential workshops," "bamboo forest maintenance," "research," "custom production," and "bamboo craft classes" with the aim of preserving and promoting bamboo craft techniques.

The experiential workshops range from 2-3 hour sessions for experiencing bamboo weaving to full-fledged programs that take 2-3 days to experience all steps from splitting green bamboo to making bamboo strips. They also offer on-site workshops.
They also conduct bamboo forest maintenance to cultivate good bamboo material suitable for bamboo crafts, research traditional bamboo craft products mainly in the Mino region, and custom produce bamboo baskets for traditional fishing and industries, such as cormorant cages.

While conveying the charm of bamboo crafts to many people, they pass on the wisdom and skills of the Mino region to the next generation.




This teacup basket is woven using "mutsume-ami," one of the basic weaving patterns of bamboo crafts. It can be used as a draining basket after washing dishes, or simply placed on the table with tea utensils inside.




The raised base allows dishes to dry easily. Excellent in both usability and appearance.






Tightly woven bottom.










Every step, from splitting green bamboo to making bamboo strips, is carefully performed by artisans. A beautiful and highly functional item.




Initially, it's fresh green bamboo. The charm of bamboo crafts is how they transform into a glossy, amber color over 10 to 20 years of continuous use.
Please enjoy this transformation and cherish it for a long time.






It's also the perfect size as a temporary drying spot for earthenware. Not limited to teacups, it would also be lovely as a designated spot for your favorite mugs, sake bottles, or sake cups.

*As this is a handmade product made from natural materials, there may be individual differences in weaving patterns and colors.

Kobo Aizawa Straight Pot (Side Handle)

This is a stainless steel kyusu (Japanese teapot) from "Kobo Aizawa", located in Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture, a region known for its thriving hardware and western tableware production.
Its cylindrical shape gives it a sharp impression, and it can be used not only as a kyusu but also as a teapot or even a dashi (soup stock) pourer for hot pot dishes.
Please note that it cannot be used over direct heat.




Pour hot water into the kyusu, and once the tea leaves have opened, gently pour it into a teacup.
Holding the steaming teacup gently with both hands and sipping the tea, regardless of age or gender, brings a moment of relaxation, making one feel deeply grateful to be Japanese.




The straight, cylindrical body is made of matte stainless steel, with a handle of moso bamboo that extends gracefully.

The traditional kyusu style is easy to hold, and a slight tilt of the wrist allows for smooth pouring.




The simple design, devoid of any unnecessary elements, evokes the concept of "functional beauty."
It seems suitable for both Japanese and Western teas.




It comes with a large tea strainer and a wide opening that makes it easy to clean. The size is just right for 1-2 cups of tea, lightweight and easy to hold.
Above all, its durable stainless steel construction, which won't break even if dropped, is reassuring. It blends seamlessly into any table setting and is exceptionally practical.
If you haven't yet found your favorite kyusu or pot, this "Straight Pot" should fit perfectly.

The "yokote" (side) handle is attached to the side of the main body in an arched shape. Its large semicircle makes it easy to grip.




The lid knob is made of wood. It has a slightly protruding mushroom shape at the top, making it easy to grasp. The spout, lid knob, and handle are aligned in a straight line.




In accordance with its tall, elongated body, it comes with a tall tea strainer. Even with a small amount of hot water, the tea leaves are properly steeped.




There is also a tea strainer at the joint between the body and the spout. For larger tea leaves, such as those used for Chinese tea, you can remove the included strainer and use it.




The spout is tapered. It allows for a clean pour with no drips.




The Kobo Aizawa logo is stamped on the bottom of the main body.



Kobo Aizawa

A kitchenware manufacturer founded in 1922 in Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture, a region renowned for its metalworking industry.
Aizawa's craftsmanship and philosophy stem from the fundamental question of "why do things exist?" They constantly return to this origin, drawing out its essence with the sensibility of a craftsman.

Based on the principle that "function and beauty are inseparable; something functionally rich is beautiful, and something beautiful in form is functional," they strip away ornamentation to create tools that are both functionally and aesthetically beautiful.




Just having beautiful tools on the table makes a meal look more delicious and brings joy.
Because of its timeless and simple appearance, its high quality, which allows it to be used for a long time, is truly appreciated.