[Creating New 'Pottery'?] CGJ Launches Crowdfunding for 'Nakama-yaki,' a New Craft Industry in Nakama City

Culture Generation Japan (CGJ), based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, led by CEO Takuya Hotta, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on READYFOR on May 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM. The campaign aims to fund the construction of a new pottery facility and product development for 'Nakama-yaki,' a new local craft industry created in collaboration with the citizens of Nakama City, Fukuoka, by leveraging the city's historical resources.

CGJ has previously built a 'circular economy for tableware' through its tableware subscription service for restaurants, 'CRAFTAL,' and its reuse business, 'Tabizara.' For 'Nakama-yaki,' they will apply this expertise to create a circular model where produced items are used in restaurants and then passed on to new users via 'Tabizara' once they have served their purpose.

Nakama City is the origin of the 'Ongagawa-style pottery,' a key indicator of agricultural culture in the Yayoi period, and was once a production hub for bricks. Today, it faces challenges like the loss of core industries and an aging population. CGJ aims to update this historical memory of 'earth-based craftsmanship' to create a foundation where the younger generation can work with pride.

Funds raised will be invested in a new pottery hub (workshop and community space) and design public calls and product development involving creators and citizens. This initiative is a 'cultural co-creation project' that goes beyond production, including workshops for children and local collaborations.

The initial design call for 'Nakama-yaki' is open until June 17, 2026.