Maison Toji, a Tableware Boutique in Meguro and Musashikosugi, Officially Launches 'Meguri Ware™,' a Circular Return System Connecting Tableware to the Future Based on Lifestyle Changes

Maison Toji TOKYO | 7-minute walk from Musashikosugi Station on the Tokyu Meguro Line

Maison Toji (Maison Toji), a curated tableware and traditional crafts boutique located in Meguro Ward, Tokyo, which also operates as a lifestyle brand for those seeking to refine their daily lives, officially launches 'Meguri Ware™'—a unique circular return system. This system allows customers to return eligible tableware purchased from the store as their lifestyles evolve, enabling the items to be passed on to new users.

We aim to free people from the pressure of the phrase 'forever keepsake' and instead encourage them to welcome high-quality, handcrafted tableware into their homes more freely and lightly—whenever their hearts desire. 'Meguri Ware™' is a new system born from this wish, allowing customers to welcome their favorite tableware with peace of mind.

Background: The 'Depletion of Raw Materials' and 'The Reality of Disposal' in Ceramics

Behind Japan's ceramic industry lie two serious challenges. From a macro perspective, the most pressing issue is the 'depletion of raw materials.' Even pottery regions with centuries of history do not have an infinite supply of high-quality clay and ceramic stones—the foundational materials for tableware. Some regions have already begun shifting to or blending with imported materials, and concerns are growing that, by the time the next generation of ceramic artists emerges, many domestic production areas will be forced to rely heavily on imported raw materials.

The second challenge, closer to the user's daily life, is the 'disposal problem.' Once fired at high temperatures, ceramics cannot naturally return to the soil. As a result, most tableware that has outlived its usefulness ends up as non-combustible waste, destined for landfill.

During interviews and surveys conducted with 98 individuals aged 20 to 60 during Maison Toji's launch, 70% of respondents said they felt strong guilt and resistance toward discarding tableware they were emotionally attached to—even when their lifestyle or tastes changed, rendering the pieces unsuitable for their current dining table. Reasons included not only emotional attachment—'the craftspeople's effort and feelings are embedded in the pieces'—but also practical modern-day hurdles such as 'listing on flea market apps doesn't yield money (items don't sell),' 'the hassle of packaging and shipping,' and 'concerns about environmental impact.'

To fundamentally resolve this contradiction between makers and users through business structure, the founder conducted extensive research using management and economic approaches during her MBA studies. 'Meguri Ware™' is the result—a system designed to alleviate user burdens while protecting the resources of pottery regions.

Owner Taro (left) with European friends (center, right)

Origin of the Idea: Discovering a Culture of Cherishing and Circulating Objects in Everyday Irish Life

The origin of this circular system traces back to the founder's time living in Ireland. Throughout Irish towns, 'charity shops' are seamlessly woven into daily life, serving as community hubs.

High-quality furniture, clothing, and tableware—once cherished but no longer fitting the owner's current lifestyle—are routinely brought into these shops. Professionals clean and restore them, and then someone else happily receives them, as if discovering a treasure. We wanted to bring this beautiful culture of cherishing objects and passing them on to the next person into the world of Japan's exceptional crafts and tableware. This pure impulse became the starting point for 'Meguri Ware™.'

Selecting items in everyday-friendly sizes and prices. Over 30 types of popular mugs and cups are always on display and for sale.

Satisfying Aesthetics, Connecting to the Future: How 'Meguri Ware™' Works

Maison Toji is not a store chosen solely 'because it's sustainable.' It is a curated boutique that sells tableware beautifully suited to modern dining tables. We offer a wide selection of high-quality pieces carefully chosen through our unique aesthetic lens, including 'Tamba Ware' from Hyogo, 'Bizen Ware' from Okayama, and vintage 'Kutani Ware.' Every single piece of tableware we sell comes with the option of 'Meguri Ware™'—a pathway for circulation.

The Flow of Circulation

1. Choose and Purchase: Visit our physical store or official online shop to welcome refined tableware that resonates with your current sensibilities.

2. Use in Daily Life: Use the tableware daily, serving meals and treasuring it as a cherished tool.

3. Lifestyle Changes: Life changes such as moving, marriage, or shifts in family composition alter your dining style.

4. Return: Instead of discarding as trash, return the tableware to a Maison Toji store in person or by shipping.

5. Points Reward: Depending on the item's condition, you'll receive redeemable points usable toward your next tableware purchase.

6. To the Next User: Returned tableware is cleaned and properly maintained (including kintsugi or repairs), then beautifully circulated to its next user's dining table.

※ Eligible items are those sold by Maison Toji and purchased through our 'physical store' or 'official online shop' (some items, such as flea market goods, are excluded). For online purchases, purchase history is automatically recorded—no prior action needed. For in-store purchases, prior free membership registration at the register is required.

Interior and décor blending tradition with French modernism

Store Information

We invite you to experience our vision for a new lifestyle at our physical store in Meguro Ward, Tokyo (Musashikosugi), or through our official online shop. Alongside uniquely crafted pieces that carry the artisan's spirit, our entire team looks forward to connecting with you.

Store Name: Maison Toji (Maison Toji)

Store Address: 5-11-19 Megurohonten, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-0002 ※ Google Maps link here

Access: 7-minute walk from 'Musashikosugi' Station on the Tokyu Meguro Line, 8-minute walk from 'Nishikosugi' Station Opening Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 11:00–18:00　※ Irregular holidays announced on Instagram

Official Online Shop: https://maisontoji.com

Official Instagram: maisontoji_tokyo

For Media: Interview and Material Requests We welcome interview requests at our store, interviews with the owner, and requests for high-resolution images (store exterior, interior, various tableware) for print or web publication, as well as sample loans. Please feel free to contact us.

Operator: Meguri Works Co., Ltd. Email: [email protected]