Tajimi City in Gifu Prefecture is known as the production area for Mino-yaki. The city is dotted with many pottery shops and pottery shops, and is gaining popularity nationwide.

This time we will introduce PRODUCTS STORE, a directly managed store of U-Products Corporation, a company that has been proposing manufacturing as a production area trading company for many years. We will introduce the reason for the opening of the store, our thoughts on pottery, and our recommended vessels.

What is the charm of Mino-yaki?

Mino-yaki is the name for ceramics made in parts of the Tono region, including Tajimi City, Toki City, Mizunami City, and Kani City. It boasts one of the largest volumes of ceramics produced in Japan, and more than half of the vessels produced in Japan are Mino-yaki!

The history of Mino-yaki is said to begin with the making of Sueki in the Nara period. Since the Meiji period, unique techniques have been added to enable mass production at a reasonable price, and it has now become an indispensable part of Japanese dining tables.

A characteristic of Mino-yaki is that it can propose various techniques. Mino-yaki is often said to have no distinctive characteristics, but it boasts of its high level of technology and the development of glazes that suit the times. And since there are many durable and easy-to-use vessels, they can be used in a wide variety of situations.

As a place to connect customers and artists
We would like to propose the best vessels

PRODUCTS STORE opened in October 2020. For many years, as a trading company in the production area of tableware, they wholesaled tableware to general merchandise stores, furniture and apparel stores in Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities. They have always wanted to propose a place where customers can actually hold the vessels in their hands, and it was by chance that they decided to open the store in this location.

In the store, you can enjoy the unique expression of each tableware, as well as the tableware designed by our company.

The first floor is full of our own products!

The %PORCELAINS series, produced by Maruasa Pottery, which has been making cups and saucers for more than 100 years on a hill with a panoramic view of Tajimi City, is very popular for its durability and ease of use!

It is a microwave and dishwasher safe, and can be used in ovens up to 200 degrees.

In addition, they also have popular SAKUZAN tableware and tableware carefully made one by one by the pottery.

As a wholesaler of production areas, we not only develop our own products, but we also have close ties with local potters and artists, and we would like to convey their thoughts and feelings about their pottery to our customers. We want to continue to be a place that connects customers and makers, while valuing stories. I want to continue to be a place that connects customers and makers while valuing the stories behind the products.

In addition to dishes, they also have a lineup of chopstick rests and glassware. The charm of this shop is that there are so many varieties that it is hard to decide which one to choose! Customers also enjoy spending an hour or two here relaxing and choosing the right dishes.

This is the artist's exhibition and sales room on the second floor. Each month, they hold exhibitions by artists. (*This is a photo of the display and sale in December.)

The space created in collaboration with a local flower shop is a masterpiece! Unique vessels such as pottery vase were lined up.

The artists' vessel is also on the other side. They have a permanent exhibition of pottery by artists who are popular overseas and in Tokyo. It is a space where you can enjoy seeing and touching.

"We always have 6 to 7 artists exhibiting their work in different ways each season, and we sell them in different ways. We have many local artists who are active in various areas, and we have received comments from them that they are very happy to have a place where their work can be seen in their hometown! We hope that visitors will experience the atmosphere and worldview of each artist."

Introducing the staff's recommended tableware

The mugs are designed with "designed by studio point". The body of each mug is actually the same, but each of the five potteries used their own specialized techniques to create these expressive mugs.

These mugs have completely different atmospheres even with the same shape, such as the type of clay, firing method, glaze, and so on. Why not choose the mug of your choice?

These rice bowls are similarly original, with the same shape but with characteristics unique to each kiln! Mino-yaki That is why we are amazed at the high level of technology that is possible.

This bowl has a cute appearance that looks like a sunflower. A pottery made by Marukatsu Touen, a pottery that expresses an original atmosphere. It is also attractive that it is easy to use everyday!

PRODUCTS STORE is a space packed with the charm of Mino-yaki. Why not enjoy meeting your favorite vessel?

Photo / Shigemi Shimizu (One Life Communication Co., Ltd.)