About us

A Journey in Clay and Culture

My story is woven from threads of diverse cultures, much like the intricate patterns on the vintage ceramics I now cherish. Born in the vibrant heart of Rio de Janeiro, to a Japanese mother and a Brazilian father, my childhood unfolded in a small, close-knit Japanese immigrant community nestled in the Brazilian countryside. Growing up bilingual, navigating between the melodic cadence of Japanese and the warmth of Portuguese, instilled in me a deep appreciation for the beauty of cultural fusion.

This early influence led me to pursue Japanese Studies, a path that opened doors to Japan not once, but three times. From exchange student to university lecturer (Portuguese and Brazilian Studies), translator, and even announcer for NHK World Radio Japan in Tokyo, I immersed myself in Japanese life for sixteen transformative years. I embraced the language, the customs and the profound artistry that permeates every aspect of Japanese culture.

Though my life has taken me to other corners of the world, including France and the US (my current home), the indelible mark of Japan remains. My husband and I make it a point to return to Japan every year, visiting friends and family, and always making time to explore the vibrant arts, crafts and design districts. Pottery, in particular, has always held a special place in our hearts. Over the years, we've quietly amassed a small collection of treasured pieces, drawn to their organic forms and the stories they whispered of the hands that shaped them.

We dreamed of sharing our passion for Japanese artistry with the world, of bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. That dream unexpectedly became a reality when, through my husband's work in the construction industry, we stumbled upon a hidden treasure in Gifu. A beautiful vintage inventory, a legacy of handcrafted mugs and vases from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, lay dormant in a warehouse for decades. The family behind this multi-generational ceramic business, now focused on ceramic tile production, had carefully preserved this stock of their earlier works.

It felt like destiny. This serendipitous discovery allowed me to finally realize a long-held dream. And so, with immense joy and reverence, I embark on this new chapter.

With gratitude,

Sayumi