Project

This project began as part of the “SD Special Project,” a course at our institute that fosters collaboration between academia and industry. Graduate students, addressing social challenges through design, worked with artisans from Arita in Saga Prefecture and Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture to create a sake set (my bottle) that allows people to enjoy sake anywhere. The set includes a sake cup crafted by the traditional kiln Riso Kiln, established at the former residence of Ri Sampei, the founding father of Arita porcelain, and a sake flask crafted by the Kirimoto family, who have been working with wood and lacquer in Wajima for over 200 years. Together, these two traditional crafts form a luxurious sake set dedicated to Japanese sake.
This project also addresses social challenges. The characteristic “white porcelain” of Arita often results in a large quantity of porcelain stone being discarded if it cannot produce the desired whiteness. This project intentionally used such materials to highlight their earthy tones and natural story, leveraging the power of design to bring out their simple charm and narrative.
Through this initiative, we hope to inspire people to visit regions rich in traditional crafts, and to enjoy the culture and atmosphere of sake and craftsmanship. The products are being sold via the crowdfunding platform Makuake, and to encourage visits to Saga, the rewards include experiences at local sake breweries. Contributions made through this project will support the preservation and promotion of traditional regional culture and industries.