Founded in 1888, our company is a Shigaraki ware manufacturer

that boasts a long tradition and technology.

We are the only company that manufactures Shigaraki ware entirely by hand,

and delivers genuine "Made in Japan" products.

In addition to manufacturing pottery,

we also run a restaurant that has been converted into a cafe using a kiln

that has been passed down through the generations.

Every day, many tourists come

to see our culture, technology, and products.

A Small Story for Your Everyday

Prologue

This might be a small surprise for you:
“Japan seems to have some unusual customs.”

Many Japanese products and tourist spots are very popular right now.
But once you learn about the culture behind them--even just a little--
the way you see them can change completely.
And when that happens, your experience becomes twice as rich.

A Cultural View of Lucky Items

In Japan, we have a unique way of seeing the world:
we believe that a spirit--or a kind of god--can live in everything around us.
Mountains, rivers, stones, trees, even everyday tools and buildings---
all of them are thought to carry a spirit of their own.

This idea is known as Yaoyorozu no Kami, which means “eight million gods.”
It doesn’t refer to a specific number, but to the belief that gods are not just one,
but found everywhere and in everything.

This is not a religion, but rather a cultural way of seeing the world.
It focuses not on what we can see, but on what we can sense---
a feeling, a presence, or an atmosphere that surrounds us.

This uniquely Japanese perspective values things that are subtle and invisible.
It is part of a tradition called Shinto, which is not based on strict doctrines,
but on a deeply emotional and intuitive understanding of the world.

This is called "engi"

The idea that spirits live in things can be found in many cultures around the world.
But what’s unique about Japan is how deeply that idea has become part of everyday life.
It’s not something separate--it’s quietly woven into our homes, habits, and daily routines.

Over time, people in Japan began to pray to different objects that were believed to carry certain blessings---
for good business, safe travels, healthy childbirth, success in school, and more.

This way of connecting hopes to meaningful things is called engi, or “symbolic good fortune.”

Engi is a cultural way of finding meaning in the flow of events and good fortune.
In Japan, this sense of engi is deeply woven into daily life.
It appears in many forms--through food, architecture, clothing, and even in decorative objects.

One example is the custom of placing engi-mono (items of good luck) at the entrance of a home.
In Japanese culture, the entrance is seen as a sacred threshold.
People often place lucky items there to protect the household from harm and invite happiness.

Among these, the ceramic raccoon figurine made in Shigaraki holds special meaning.
It carries eight symbolic traits and is seen as a bringer of good fortune.
More than simple decoration, it is treasured as an object full of meaning.

The Meaning Behind the Shigaraki Raccoon: “Hassō Engi”

The ceramic raccoon figure from Shigaraki is shaped according to a traditional idea called Hassō Engi—
which means “Eight Aspects of Good Fortune.”

Each part of its design carries a special meaning, symbolizing hopes for a happy and peaceful life.

● Big eyes → to see the world clearly
● Hands holding a bankbook → for success in business
● A large belly → to stay calm and composed
● A straw hat → to protect from unexpected troubles
(and so on)

What Is Shigaraki Ware?

Shigaraki-yaki is one of Japan’s six oldest pottery traditions,
with a history that goes back to the 13th century.

Originally created as practical, everyday vessels,
it developed into a rich ceramic culture built on the skill of shaping and firing natural clay.

Today, Shigaraki ware is also known for its handcrafted figurines and art pieces.
Among them, the Hassō Engi raccoon is highly valued—
not for its utility, but for its symbolic meaning.

The Fusion of Culture and Craft

Pottery is not just a technique for shaping clay.
It is a careful blend of earth, fire, time, and the artisan’s hands.
None of these elements can be missing—together, they form a living expression of both culture and skill.

Shigaraki ware is especially known for its natural variation.
Each piece comes out of the kiln with a different surface and tone.
This element of unpredictability is not seen as a flaw, but as a celebration of uniqueness.
It reflects the Japanese sense of beauty found in imperfection and individuality.

Even in the 21st century, we continue to carry the spirit of traditional Shigaraki.
Without losing its cultural roots, we give it new life in forms that fit today’s world.

Finding Shared Meaning Across Cultures

This way of seeing the world isn’t unique to Asia.
Similar beliefs appear in Northern Europe’s nature spirits,
the guardian saints of Latin cultures, and the animist traditions of Africa.

If you have your own lucky charm or small protective figure in your home,
then perhaps our hearts are not so different after all.

No matter where we live, the wish for good things to happen is something we all share.
That’s why we would be honored if you find your own hopes or meaning in this little raccoon figure.

What we offer is not just an object, but an invitation—
to shape your thoughts and wishes into a form through the traditional craft of Shigaraki.

If holding this piece brings you even a small sense of Japanese culture and spirit,
then we are truly grateful.

Why not place it quietly on a shelf or by your doorway,
and let it add a small story
to your everyday life?