Stories
Hokuriku: Japan’s Quiet Coast of Craft, Cuisine, and Mountains
Hokuriku, stretching along Japan’s Sea of Japan coast through Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui, is a region shaped by mountains, water, and craft. Known for its heavy winters and rich natural resources, it has developed a culture rooted in food, making, and seasonal life. This four-part series explores Hokuriku through its landscapes, traditions, and daily practices—offering a slower, more intimate way to experience Japan beyond its major cities.
Kiribako: Where Practicality Becomes Beauty
Kiribako, traditional Japanese storage boxes made from paulownia wood, have been used for centuries to protect ceramics, textiles, and treasured objects. Valued for their practical function as much as their understated form, these boxes reflect a Japanese approach to craft where preservation, material choice, and thoughtful design are inseparable.