EXPERIENCE
THE PROCESS
EXPERIENCE
THE PROCESS
Every craft begins long before the hands touch it.
In Wakayama, materials are not chosen — they are grown, seasoned, and listened to.
From the rhythm of rain on kiri wood to the scent of freshly cut igusa,
each step is a dialogue between maker and material, time and care.
Azuma — Working with Kiri
The process begins with selecting paulownia grown in Japan, chosen for its lightness and grain.
Boards are air-dried for months before being planed to exact dimensions — each surface adjusted by hand.
Joinery follows: intricate dovetails and wrapped joints fitted with invisible accuracy.
The final stage is finishing — layers of lacquer or oil brushed thinly to reveal, not conceal, the wood’s natural warmth.
Every step is measured not in minutes, but in mindfulness.
inoca —
Weaving with Igusa
In Wakayama’s river plains, igusa rush is planted each winter and harvested in summer.
The craftsmen of Ido Tatami nurture the fields by hand, ensuring the stalks grow straight and supple.
After harvest, the rush is washed, sun-dried, and sorted by color and texture — a process guided more by intuition than by rule.
Weaving follows: each strand aligned with care, tension balanced by feel.
The result is not only a mat, but a quiet surface that breathes — carrying the scent of Wakayama itself.
Wakayama, in Japan’s Kansai region, is where spiritual heritage meets breathtaking nature. The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes and Mount Koya, a center of Shingon Buddhism, offer a deep sense of history and tranquility.
The prefecture also boasts dramatic coastlines, soothing hot springs like Shirahama, and a rich food culture—from fresh tuna in Katsuura to some of Japan’s sweetest mandarins. Wakayama is a destination that blends tradition, nature, and flavor into an unforgettable experience.
Wakayama is home to many workshops that continue to preserve traditional craftsmanship.
For example, Azuma creates finely crafted furniture using paulownia wood, while Inoca applies the age-old techniques of tatami making to produce sandals made from rush grass.
These artisans not only safeguard and pass down their traditional skills, but also breathe new life into them by creating innovative products for the present day.