Kyoto's Asahi-yaki Kiln Announces New Ceramic Project 'osaa' at 3daysofdesign

┃ Ceramics Born from Dialogue

'osaa' is a collaborative ceramics project by Kyoto-based Asahi-yaki and the Finnish design studio Kaksikko. Both Japan and the Nordic countries share a cultural affinity for respect toward nature and the texture of materials. Guided by this common sensibility, the project involved in-depth dialogues with the chefs and owners of three restaurants in Japan, Finland, and Denmark to create ceramics tailored specifically for their cuisine. The participating restaurants, all of which prioritize respect for nature and ingredients, include 'so/s/KAWAHIGASHI' in Kyoto, 'Grön' in Helsinki, and 'Admiralgade 26' in Copenhagen. Japanese culture holds the concept of 'nurturing' ceramics through use. This project explores how ceramics can be used long-term and how they grow and evolve over time, intersecting the cultures of cuisine, earth, and design.

┃ Presentation at 3daysofdesign

This collection will be unveiled at 3daysofdesign, one of Northern Europe’s largest design festivals, hosted at Admiralgade 26, one of the participating restaurants. The exhibition will feature a space designed to resemble a tea room, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with the ceramics and program events inspired by the 'Sanyu-no-shiki' tea ceremony technique from the Urasenke school—a unique approach reflective of Asahi-yaki's history within Uji’s tea culture. Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy meals and cafe service using these ceramic pieces. On the night of June 12th, a collaborative dinner will be held featuring Atsushi Nakahigashi from Kyoto, blending the philosophies of Kaiseki cuisine across two of the participating restaurants.

[Event Overview]

Date: June 10 (Wed) – June 12 (Fri), 2026. Exhibition: 10:00–18:00

Venue: Admiralgade 26 (1066 Copenhagen, Denmark)

Admission: Free (Food and beverages are charged separately)

https://osaa.asahiyaki.online

[Collaborative Dinner Event]

Date: June 12 (Fri), 2026. Doors Open: 18:30–

Venue: Admiralgade 26 (1066 Copenhagen, Denmark)

Details: osaa × Admiralgade 26 × so/s/KAWAHIGASHI Collaborative Dinner

Reservations: https://www.admiralgade26.com/home

┃ 3daysofdesign

3daysofdesign is an annual design festival held in Copenhagen, Denmark, recognized as one of the largest in Northern Europe. It features a wide range of designs, including furniture, interiors, crafts, architecture, and products, showcased throughout the entire city. Designers, brands, architects, media, and buyers from around the world gather to experience Copenhagen's design culture in showrooms, galleries, shops, and historical buildings.

'osaa' was born from the background of cultural affinity between Japan and the Nordics, as well as shared values of respect for nature and materials. By presenting at this festival, which gathers global design talent, the project aims to foster new dialogues surrounding cuisine and ceramics.

Date: June 10 (Wed) – June 12 (Fri), 2026

Venue: Citywide, Copenhagen, Denmark (eight design districts)

Theme: 'Make This Moment Matter'

https://www.3daysofdesign.dk/

Asahi-yaki / Production and Production Management

Asahi-yaki is a kiln that has been producing ceramics in Uji, Kyoto, for over 400 years. Deeply rooted in Uji’s tea culture, it is a rare ceramic brand that crafts both tea bowls for the tea ceremony and sencha-ware for daily use. Drawing on these two tea cultures, the studio continues to create ceramics using Uji’s local clay and handwork in the same location. Asahi-yaki ceramics are not meant solely for appreciation; they reveal their true form when used. Through the passage of time, as they are held during meals and tea times, they gradually 'grow' and approach completion. Embracing the expression of the clay, the traces of craftsmanship, and the relationship with the user, Asahi-yaki continues to produce ceramics that come to life in daily living, spanning from traditional tea tools to contemporary tableware.