Kansai Kouiki Rengo
Union of Kansai Governments
Creating a New Era from Kansai
As part of this initiative, prefectures and cities in the Kansai region were brought together to form the "Union of Kansai Governments." This is the first special local public entity in Japan to form an extensive union that transcends prefectural boundaries. We are dedicated to leading the promotion of culture and industry in the Kansai region. The industrial sector is represented by seven prefectures: Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Wakayama, Tottori, and Tokushima, and four cities: Kyoto, Osaka, Sakai, and Kobe.
Among these eleven representatives, the participants for this exhibition are Osaka and Hyogo prefectures, Kyoto, Osaka, and Sakai cities.
We hope you enjoy the treasures produced by the manufacturers of Kansai.
SIKIGU
SIKIGU is based in Osaka, Japan, the epicenter for paper processing.
Since ancient times, Japanese culture has always incorporated paper in their daily life. Paper is not only used for writing and drawing, but also used for lighting, walls and other daily items.
SIKIGU utilizes the unique printing and paper processing techniques to develop paper containers for everyday use.
KYOTO ASAHIYA
KYOTO ASAHIYA has been dedicated to introducing Japanese handmade products from Kyoto since 2005.
The production lines are Juzu (Japanese prayer rosaries), bracelet, Furoshiki (Japanese wrapping cloth), and Kumihimo. Juzu and bracelet are made of natural wood and stone, and are available for customizing. Kumihimo is a hand crafted traditional Japanese braid, interlacing strands of colored silk, creating cords, which technique has been passed down for centuries. All of the products are exquisite, and made by skilled craftspeople.
HORIUCHI MIRROR
Horiuchi Mirror develops, manufactures, and sells unisex and ageless mirrors with the aim of “providing the right tools for tidying up one’s appearance.” The mirrors feature patented reflectivity developed through the detailed study of people’s movements while using mirrors, with attention to the aesthetics of the mirror that enable people to look beautiful when they are observed using it by others.
Horiuchi Mirror is not only a tool to view your appearance objectively, but it will also assist you to discover a new and more beautiful you.
MIDORI HIFUKU
SENBAZURU are origami – specifically, one thousand of them – folded in the shape of a bird that in Japan symbolizes peace: the crane. People have long folded SENBAZURU while praying for longevity, happiness, disaster prevention, and healing from illness. To their brand concept that bears this name, MIDORI added another wonderful symbol of Japanese culture, the kimono, by integrating kimono materials into today’s fashion. The brand’s aspiration is to bring happiness and smiles to those who wear their garments. The material used is the finest genuine silk made especially for kimonos, its texture is exquisite.
CHOPLATE
Since its establishment in 1955, the company has been engaged in the production and development of molded plastic parts used in home appliances and automobiles. Their first in-house product, “CHOPLATE,” emerged from the company’s technological know-how gained while perfecting the manufacturing process. KAWABE is proud to promote their unique and captivating product, “CHOPLATE.”
HIGONOKAMI
Established in 1894 in Miki, Hyogo – a city known for hardware production – NAGAO KANEKOMA has been a manufacturer of handmade knives, inheriting time-honored techniques, for five generations. The HIGONOKAMI is acknowledged as the traditional Japanese knife and once earned accolades in the 1930’s, due to its versatility and reasonable price, and was produced by forty some makers. Eventually its popularity waned, and today NAGAO KANEKOMA is the only manufacturer that produces HIGONOKAMI.
HIGONOKAMI’s blade consists of three layers: steel in the center and soft iron on the two outer layers. This design results in durability and sharpness that is easily maintained.
NAGAO KANEKOMA hopes that HIGONOKAMI users become connoisseurs of the joy of “using tools to make things.”
HIGONOKAMI is a traditional Japanese knife that has been produced and admired over one hundred years. All production is handmade, and the shape remains likely unchanged. Forging improves sharpness and durability, and the three-layer structure makes it easy to sharpen. It is guaranteed as a knife of lifetime.
Fukuroya
Fukuroya believes that towels, because they are made of cotton, are deeply connected to the agricultural cycle – seed - germinate – grow – bloom – harvest – production. Fukuroya Towel manufactures unique towels by using the gifts of nature as raw material, such as vegetable extracts for dye. Their new vision of towel creation is “weaving the thought of the makers into the touch of the customers.”
SHIZUKU (Drops)
SHIZUKU is a very absorbent towel, distinguished by a unique dyeing technique. Pigments are extracted from organic vegetables recognized as specialties of Osaka, including mizu-nasu (eggplant), Senshu onion, cabbage, and carrots. Only vegetables rejected for sale as food products (due to deformed shapes or other cosmetic reasons) are used. The resulting colors are subtle, yet striking, and are the essence of SHIZUKU Towel. No bleach, fluorescent brighteners, or fabric softeners are used.
WASHI MATOU (Being Clad in Paper)
Washi (Japanese paper) is a part of the Japanese way of everyday living in so many ways. WASHI MATOU is made by Washi paper yarn and recycled cotton, twisted together and woven, which results in high absorbency and quick-drying. The natural component of washi paper is believed to have a deodorizing effect, which is an ideal feature for towels. Additionally, the towel’s waffle weave surface creates a layer of air which allows it to absorb water and dry quickly, and when touching the skin feels softer and fluffier than that of conventional towels.
TRIAD
OMOSHIROI SERIES
Each moment in your life is precious. OMOSHIROI SERIES adds brief moments of wonder to everyday living by gradually revealing miniature works of art.
OMOSHIROI BLOCK unveils the image of a memorable journey.
OMOSHIROI CALENDAR adds a trickle of amusement to each day.
OMOSHIROI FLAT frames your words for special occasions with flair.
OMOSHIROI PETALS allow your thoughts to bloom in the minds of others.
A one-of-a-kind product made in Japan. Triad meticulously selects paper and its colors in traditional Japanese shades for this product. Every feature is painstakingly and intentionally handcrafted, even the feel of the paper when you to tear it. You will experience a feeling of slow surprise as a meticulous paper sculpture is revealed.
Customizing is available.
OMOSHIROI BLOCK
is a memo pad that unveils the image of a memorable journey.
The memo pad starts out as a cube, and as you remove each sheet of memo paper, a three-dimensional scene is revealed, such as a familiar landscape, or a famous place you visited on vacation. The memo paper is also engraved with a hint of the scene so that you can enjoy guessing what will be revealed the next time you tear off a sheet.
OMOSHIROI CALENDAR
adds a trickle of amusement to each day.
This is an innovative calendar using the same concept as the OMOSHIROI BLOCK, but with a touch of fragrance, light, and other elements, which will stimulate your five-senses as the scene is unveiled. It delivers a moment of surprise and delight every day of the year.
OMOSHIROI FLAT
is a message card that frames your words for special occasions with flair.
It can be used for various purposes: a gift card; a name card for weddings or parties; signage for shop displays; a bookmark; and so on. When folded in half it is the size of a business card, making it convenient for many occasions.
OMOSHIROI PETALS
allow your thoughts to bloom in the minds of others.
This petal-shaped package of folded message cards expresses the desire for “reunion” or “re-connecting.” Each petal is a folded message card that can be filled with a message or illustration to deliver a special thought to a friend or loved one.
NATURE & CLAY
NATURE & CLAY’s ingredient includes SHIROYAMA CLAY, which is mined at Mt. Shiroyama in Yabu City, Tajima region located in the northern Hyogo Prefecture. The origin of SHIROYAMA CLAY dates back 56 million years. Mud deposited in ancient lakes was denatured by the earth's seismic movements and became rock through the passage of time. The clay was formed in the process. SHIROYAMA CLAY is charged with negative ions that absorb and remove ingrained dirt (positive ions) from pores.
KOSHIBA CLAY SOAP formulates SHIROYAMA CLAY and “KOSHIBA CLAY” with minerals such as silicon, aluminum, and potassium. Every product is made from high quality plant-based oils combined with mineral water. Minerals give skin elasticity and improve the skin tissue.
KOSHIBA CLAY SOAP lathers rich and rinses right off with cold or warm water. The product does not contain any preservatives, artificial fragrances and dyes.
TACARA
For treasures of the earth
TACARA, born in Kyoto, is a jewelry brand that evolves while forever embracing the Japanese notion of Iki – meaning chic, sophisticated, cool, or stylish. Nature and humankind are the treasures of Mother Earth. That is why designing bespoke and comfortable jewelry sustainably and ethically is at the heart of Tacara’s mission: to create wearable pieces of art, in collaboration with nature, that give people joy.
Maki-e
High quality South Sea pearls that are painted with lacquer made from resin obtained from Japanese varnish trees. Gold or silver powder is then adhered to the surface, which is polished repeatedly. The process is highly sensitive to temperature and humidity, producing beautiful jewelry in breathtaking harmony with nature.
Akoya Pearl
The history of Akoya pearl cultivation dates back to the 1890s. Akoya pearls are the result of techniques that produce beautiful pearls made from elements of nature in Japan. That’s why Akoya pearls are synonymous with Japanese pearls.
GOMEI KINPAKU KOGEI
GOMEI KINPAKU KOGEI has passed down its traditional skills from generation to generation as a designated maki-e lacquerware manufacture for Kyoto Buddhist altar equipment. Gold leaf production and processing emerged and developed during Kamakura to Muromachi periods (1300’s-1900’s), and gold culture flourished. Kyoto is deemed to be the origin of gold leaf in Japan.
Currently, HISASHI GOMEI, the fourth generation, is carrying on the tradition. Kyoto has many temples and shrines, where many altars are adorned with decorative gold fixtures. Therefore, the manufacturing and processing techniques of gold leaf were developed and perfected. Kyoto GOMEI KINPAKU KOGEI demonstrates its historic craftsmanship as creating high-end gold leaf crafts.
GOMEI KINPAKU KOGEI applies gold leaf to vessels produced by YAMANAKA SHIKKI (LACQUERWARE)’s masterful techniques. YAMANAKA SHIKKI achieved the number-one-ranked technique in Japan for woodturning and distinctive lacquering. On top of their painstakingly hand-crafted vessels that faithfully preserves the grain, GOMEI’s virtuoso technique applies gold leaf twice. Their gold leaf is the world’s thinnest, so the wood grain subtly shows through from beneath.
Kanazawa Gold Leaf and Kyoto Gold Leaf Processing technologies combine to result in the completion of a masterpiece.
STI-IR
The 360-degree bristle toothbrush is a distinctive omni-directional toothbrush, adopted by users all over the world. This toothbrush introduced innovative “welded bristles,” and its unique patented STI-IR “fold-back manufacturing method” has made it a firmly fixed, non-rotating toothbrush. The 360-degree bristle toothbrush allows anyone to perform oral care easily, safely, and effectively.
Features include:
- 10 to 20 times more bristles than conventional brush in 360-degree direction.
- Ultra-fine 0.06-0.08mm bristles with round tips prevent damage to teeth and gums.
- More than 30 million units have been shipped worldwide.