Isetan Mitsukoshi is reexamining Japanese craftsmanship, which embodies beauty, skill, and tradition, and reaffirming it as a globally renowned sensibility through "JAPAN SENSES." Opening October 31st at the Isetan Shinjuku Main Building's 5th floor kitchen/dining area, JAPAN SENSES focuses on the theme of "connecting the culture of wood to the next generation." Utilizing the materials of "wood and lacquer," two of Japan's most familiar cultures, the project will highlight the work of artists, artisans, and workshops who continue and innovate traditions and techniques, passing them on to the present day. The floor will feature "Kino Michi, Urushi no Michi," where visitors can experience the scent and warmth of wood. Seven locations will showcase carefully crafted items that blend the old and the new, conveying the background and story of each piece and the value of the warmth and beauty born from natural materials. The kitchen/dining décor next to the escalator will feature wooden vessels proposed by Kawazoe Nikki. Kawazoe Nikki is a wood and plant carving artist who has held a solo exhibition at Isetan every year since 2009. Her vessels, carved from a single piece of wood with flowers and plants, are beautifully colored and complement the classic yet stylish glassware. The lineup includes the "Princess Sandan" (79,000 yen) with a camellia pattern perfect for New Year's, the "Sunrise Plate" (set of five, 47,000 yen), and the "Hitomebore" (15,000 yen) with a peony motif that is perfect for displaying sweets.
Kawazoe Diary's "Hime Sandan" (79,000 yen) and "Hinode Zara" (set of 5, 47,000 yen)
Kawazoe Diary's "Hitomebore" (15,000 yen)
The Japanese tableware promotion is based on the theme of "wood and lacquer that are close to everyday life," and will introduce lacquerware items that you will want to use every day, mainly dishes and boxes. Yazawa Hiroaki, an artist who creates lacquerware in Kamakura, will present a "Hachisun (8-inch) Plate" (13,000 yen) and a "Lidded Container" (25,000 yen) made from chestnut wood. Chono Hidenori, an artist with a studio in Hiroshima, will present beautifully lacquered dishes with a beautiful grain. In addition to the "Tochigi Urushi Dessert Plate" (22,000 yen) made from chestnut, there will also be small plates and tea trays made from a combination of Japanese cypress plywood and thin cypress boards, finished with washi paper.
Hiroaki Yazawa's "Eight-inch Plate Plate" (13,000 yen) and "Lidded Container" (25,000 yen)
Hidenori Chono's "Hexagonal Small Plate with Washi Paper" (S/3,000 yen, M/3,500 yen) and "Tochigi Lacquer Dessert Plate" (22,000 yen)
Wajima Kirimoto's "Kashikiri" (Pastry Cutter) (2,000-3,000 yen)
The Japanese tableware chopsticks section features chopsticks and chopstick rests based on the theme of "enjoying every day and living a thoughtful life." Hyozaemon, a chopstick manufacturer in Obama, Fukui Prefecture, offers exquisite chopsticks such as the "Wakasa Lacquer Chopsticks for Couples" (60,000 yen) and the "Tsuge Hexagonal Chopsticks for Couples" (40,000 yen) by artisan Kobayashi Mamoru. Kobayashi Mamoru's chopsticks are made entirely by hand using only saws and planes, and are imbued with the warmth of the artisan.

"Wakasa Lacquer Chopsticks Set for Couples" (60,000 yen), Kobayashi Mamoru's "Tsuge Hexagonal Chopsticks Set for Couples" (40,000 yen)
The Japanese goods corner has the theme of "the connection between wood and lacquer." On display will be lunch boxes made from natural Japanese cedar that is over 150 years old, by Shibata Yoshinobu Shoten, a renowned workshop nationwide known for its Odate bento boxes. The attractive feature of the "Plain Wood Palm-Shaped Lunch Box (with lid)" (8,800 yen) is that it absorbs moisture just enough to keep rice fluffy even after a while. The "Black Lacquer Children's Lunch Box" (16,000 yen) is characterized by its deep texture when held in the hand. You can enjoy watching the texture change over time as you use it. Shibata Yoshinobu Shoten's "Black Lacquer Children's Lunch Box" (16,000 yen) and "White Wood Palm-sized Lunch Box (with Lid)" (8,800 yen)
The Japanese tableware collection is based on the theme of "A lacquer masterpiece that reveals the essence," and focuses on Wajima lacquerware artist Seto Kunikatsu, who is also popular overseas. Winter is the time of year when there are many events and the demand for lacquerware is at its highest, so the shop will be showcasing items for the New Year, such as the "Lacquer Wine Cooler" (60,000 yen) and the "Sake Tub III" (80,000 yen). These traditional items also make suitable gifts.

Seto Kunikatsu's "Lacquer Wine Cooler" (60,000 yen)

Seto Kunikatsu's "Sake Tub III" (80,000 yen)
In the tea ceremony utensils corner, Murase Jihei's "Sawaguri Large Bowl" (280,000 yen) will be on display, based on the theme of "serving vessels." The vessels are made from natural chestnut wood and are light and strong, with each piece possessing its own unique natural wood texture. Pieces of this size are extremely rare, and were created by the seventh generation of the Murase family, a family of woodworkers that has continued since the Edo period. They can be used in a variety of ways, based on your own imagination, such as arranging flowers as a table accent, or as a serving plate for sweets or a wine cooler for entertaining guests.
Jihei Murase's "Large Sawaguri Bowl" (280,000 yen)