​“THE GREEN ~moss design~” opened in Ikeshita, Nagoya in June 2023. This is a shop specializing in moss terrariums by Yuka Furuhara, a terrarium artist who is fascinated by moss.

The term "terrarium" means "growing plants and animals in a clear glass container". They are easy to care for and are attracting attention as a soothing addition to daily life. The store is lined with beautiful terrarium artwork! There is also a salon space where you can experience workshops.

This time I actually tried the terrarium workshop!

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3 minutes walk from Ikeshita Station!
A terrarium specialty store located in a residential area

"THE GREEN ~moss design~" is located in a quiet residential area about a 3-minute walk from Ikeshita Subway Station. It has a wonderful atmosphere like a store in a foreign country.

When you open the door, you will find a space that looks like a gallery. It is a soothing space that you cannot help but admire.

A terrarium is a glass container in which plants such as moss and water plants are planted to create a landscape that looks as if it were cut directly from nature. The attraction is that you can enjoy your own "nature".

At "THE GREEN ~moss design~", you can view a variety of terrarium works ranging from palm-sized to large-sized. Of course you can also purchase.

Ms. Kohara works are also characterized by their own stories.

A small world spreads out inside the glass container, including forests where animals live, dynamic overseas-like scenery, and scenes that will make you smile.

Enjoying the different expressions of saplings and stones is another attraction of terrariums. Please try to find your favorite work of art!

In the back of the store, even larger terrarium pieces are on display.

There will be an array of dynamic works, including a large-scale work that took several days to create on-site at Tokyo Dome. Each piece conveys the power of plants.

"THE GREEN ~moss design~" not only produces custom-made terrariums, but also proposes the creation of green walls and spaces based on greenery.

My life was changed by “moss”

Terrarium designer Yuka Kohara

− We asked Ms. Kohara about why she started making terrariums.

Ms. Kohara:"The story started more than 10 years ago. While I was busy raising my children, I went to the forest in search of solace.

When I suddenly looked at my feet, I saw a brown and withered plant, and I wondered what it was. When I poured water from the plastic bottle I had on it, it immediately regained its energy and turned into vibrant green moss. I became fascinated by the strength and beauty of moss, and developed a strong interest in it. ”

Ms. Kohara: "In those days, there was no such thing as a terrarium, so I started learning about moss on my own. Later, I studied under a moss-bonkei (tray landscape) instructor active in Tokyo, further deepening my knowledge. 

I want more people to know the goodness and healing power of moss, just like I was healed by moss. With this in mind, I have been working to convey the charm of moss through events, on-site lessons, and home lessons.

Originally, I was active mainly in the Kansai region, but thanks to a chance, we decided to open a store in Nagoya.

I myself have just arrived in Nagoya, so there are many things I don't understand, but I would like to convey the charm of moss to people in the Tokai area."

➖Ms. Kohara, please tell us about the appeal of terrariums.

Ms. Kohara: "The main point is that anyone can make a terrarium and have a successful experience. It may seem difficult at first glance, but if you follow the steps, anyone can make a wonderful terrarium."

It will be very soothing to look closely at the inside of the small container and feel the lively green color. If grown properly, they can grow for years with only light and water, giving you the feeling of a small wilderness.

You can try to create the world you want to create, or you can let your inspiration guide you.

First of all, I would be happy if you could actually make it and feel the charm of moss. ”

Experience a moss terrarium workshop!

Works by BOYS AND MEN members were also on display.

The second floor of the shop also has a salon space where you can experience workshops.

This time, I actually tried a moss terrarium workshop!

There are mainly three materials: moss, stones, and sand. Gloves on and you're ready!

First, let's decide on a theme!

A model by Ms. Kohara

Before starting, first decide on a theme.

This time, with the theme of "Small Power Spots," I would like to create something that fills you with power when you look at it.

Making the base of the terrarium

First, let's make the base of the terrarium. The material used is a blend of sand and soil. Tilt the glass container to create a slope.

The base is completed when the sand is slightly prepared with a brush and watered with a mist to prevent it from collapsing.

Terrariums are often viewed from the side rather than directly above, so sloping them like this gives a sense of depth.

Making the base of the terrarium

Next, we select three types of "Fuzanseki" stone, which is characterized by its rugged, chipped texture. Each stone has a different shape and color, so it is hard to decide which one is best.

Place the stones in the sand. The key is to place them firmly, as shallow placement can cause them to collapse.

On the way, lift the glass container like this and check it from the actual perspective.

After wiping off the moisture from the surface, the stone placement is complete. A wild atmosphere all at once!

Express roads and water with colored sand!

We will use five colors of colored sand to express roads and water. This time I wanted to represent a lake, so I chose blue colored sand!

Add a little white sand to create white waves. All at once, I was getting closer to the worldview I had imagined.

It’s finally the turn of the moss!

Now it is time for moss. There are about 1,700 varieties of moss in Japan alone! We used three kinds of mosses: "Hosoba okina moss," "Kotsubo moss," and "Shinobu moss.

Cut off any excess soil from behind the moss with scissors and rinse it off with water. Now you are ready to plant moss!

Use tweezers to carefully plant the moss. First, spread "Hosoba okina moss" over a large area. A breath of nature suddenly sprouted inside the glass container. According to Ms. Kohara, this is the "moss magic"!

Plant "Kotsubo moss'' and "Shinobu moss"'' in the gaps.

It was a little difficult at first, but before I knew it I lost track of time. The appeal of the terrarium experience is that you can lose track of time and immerse yourself in it. I have completely fallen in love with moss.

Finally, place the minifigure and you're done! (*Mini figures are an extra charge)

I had an image that terrariums are difficult to make, but the careful instruction made the process very smooth. The mini-figures in the terrariums give the terrariums a storyline, which is very relaxing. I would like to make something with this kind of image! I felt that the charm of terrariums is that they inspire me to create something new.

The moss will grow little by little and over time will look different from when it was created, so we are looking forward to seeing it grow! Machines

How to care for your terrarium

They also sell LED lights for plants.

To care for the terrarium, place it where it is exposed to LED light and water it once or twice daily with a mist. If the terrarium is covered with food wrap, watering can be done once or twice a week, so it is safe to use when traveling.

Be careful not to be too petty and give too much water, as this will weaken the moss. Moss grows little by little, so if it grows too long, it's a good idea to prune it a little.

[Terrium production workshop] *Reservation required
Basic course
Price: 6,600 yen (new opening price) *Usually 7,700 yen
Time required: 90 minutes
Event hours: 11:00-12:30, 14:00-15:30, 16:30-18:00

It was a relaxing time to forget about time and face the moss. This one-of-a-kind terrarium is perfect as a gift! Please experience the charm of moss at ``THE GREEN moss design''.