Casa Kyoto: Craft & Design Forum

Founded prior to 1804, FUTAKATAYA (二方屋)有限会社りんよ工房) is a workshop rooted in traditional Japanese crafts, dedicated to producing Japan’s iconic ceremonial sounds, including Buddhist bells and the bells used in the Gion Festival—a celebration with over 1,000 years of history and recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Prioritizing the beauty of sound, the workshop preserves its unique ancient techniques and the traditional culture of sahari.

futakataya.com | @futakataya

Founded in 1711, Hori Metal Leaf &Powder Co., Ltd.(堀金箔粉株式会社) HORIKIN is a historic Kyoto-based manufacturer of metal leaves and powders with over 300 years of tradition. Originally producing gold leaf under the Tokugawa government, the company’s materials were later used in cultural assets, fine art, and modern industries including printing, cosmetics, food, construction, and design. Known for its precision and commitment to authenticity, HORIKIN continues to innovate while honoring its heritage through global collaborations.

horikin.co.jp | @horikin1711

Inoichi.inc (株式会社) specializes in the design, construction, and preservation of traditional Japanese architecture, including sukiya buildings, tea houses, and Japanese restaurants. The company also creates bespoke furniture, lighting, and professional tools for culinary spaces. Its work extended internationally through architectural restoration, cultural events, workshops, and educational programs dedicated to passing down traditional Japanese building techniques.

inoichi.work

Founded in 1921 in Kyoto’s Nishijin district, Ishikawa Stone Works(石彰 石川石材) is a stone masonry company that carries forward three generations of sincere craftsmanship guided by the motto, “Always have gratitude in your heart.” Under third-generation owner and Certified Traditional Craftsman Hiroyasu Ishikawa, the company fuses traditional handcrafting techniques with modern construction methods, developing the brand COCORONAGU to create stone works designed for everyday use and contemporary living.

kyoto-ishikawasekizai.jp | @kyoto_ishisho

Founded in 1918, Kanbe Juzuten Co., Ltd. (株式会社 神戸珠数店) is a long-established Kyoto specialist in traditional Buddhist prayer beads. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted using time-honored techniques and refined into designs suitable for everyday wear. Made from carefully selected natural materials such as wood, stone, and hand-dyed tassels, these one-of-a-kind pieces are valued as talismans, meditation tools, and elegant accessories reflecting Kyoto’s aesthetic sensibility.

kyoto-kanbejuzu.co.jp | @kyotokanbejuzu_us

Founded in Tenpō 1 (1830), Kyoryori Fujiya (京料理 藤や) upholds a long-standing spirit of hospitality passed down through generations. Through Kyoto kaiseki cuisine, the restaurant devotes itself to offering guests the highest level of satisfaction. Its head chef, trained extensively in Kyoto, prepares each dish with masterful skill and heartfelt sincerity, expressing the essence of Kyoto cuisine.

kyo-fujiya.co.jp | @fujiya_kyoto

Established in 1921 in Kyoto’s Nishijin district, MORISAN Co., Ltd. (株式会社もりさん) is a distinguished textile manufacturer and wholesaler specializing in Nishijin-ori kinran (gold brocade). Traditionally used for ceremonial garments such as Hina doll costumes, the company also adaptes its textiles for modern apparel, including tuxedos. While honoring silk weaving traditions, Morisan developed durable kinran using alternative materials, supported by an integrated production system that balances heritage with contemporary needs.

mori-san.com | @kyoto.morisan

With over 30 years of experience in precision optical glass, NACACUE CORPORATION (株式会社 仲久) identified significant glass waste discarded for not meeting industrial standards despite its visual beauty. This discovery led to the creation of the MeBu project, which transformed discarded glass into new products. The initiative focuses on sustainability, reducing waste while bringing vitality and healing into everyday life.

nacacue.com/sdgs | @mebu.ncc

Founded in 1950, NISSHO.Inc. (株式会社西捷) specializes in Nishijin-ori kimono and obi production. With artisans ranging from their 20s to 70s, including Kyoto Master Craftsman awardees, the company produces over 1,500 rolls annually using uniquely developed fabrics. Guided by the philosophy of Shu-Ha-Ri, NISSHO.Inc. (株式会社西捷) incorporates themes of life, aging, and wabi-sabi, preserving traditional techniques while meeting modern needs.

nissyo-kyoto.jp

ODEN is a Kyoto-based design brand that transforms vintage Japanese kimono into contemporary, one-of-a-kind garments and accessories. By upcycling silk and traditional textiles, the brand preserves cultural heritage while creating modern works of wearable art.

@kimono_oden

Plameries Co., Ltd. (株式会社プレメーズ), also known as Kyoto Rikyu, is a space dedicated to sharing the depth, history, and cultural significance of dashi, the foundation of Japanese cuisine. Through guided learning and tasting experiences, visitors are invited to discover and appreciate the richness and allure of dashi.

kyotorikyu.com | @kyoto_rikyu

Established in 1932, Sakushima Co., Ltd. (株式会社 作島) is a Kyoto-based craft company specializing in Buddhist altar fittings for temples and shrines. For over 90 years, the company upholds Japan’s traditional beauty through meticulous handiwork and deep artisan devotion. Building on this legacy, Sakushima launched its mindful lifestyle brand YUGUE, translating Zen philosophy and traditional harmony into modern living experiences designed to calm and center the mind.

yuguekyoto.com | @yuguekyoto

Takagikinzoku Co., Ltd. (高木金属株式会社) is a specialist plating company dedicated to the traditional surface finishing of Buddhist ritual objects and ornamental metal fittings for shrines and temples. Working with precious metals such as gold, silver, copper, and rhodium, the company enhances the beauty and dignity of sacred implements through time-honored techniques.

takagilabo.jp | @mekkilabo

Tomo Co., Ltd. (株式会社 朋) is a Kyoto-based company offering etiquette instruction, private cultural experiences, and premium Uji matcha. Guided by the philosophy of tomo, companions who share values, the company curates refined experiences through etiquette courses, bespoke cultural programs, and high-quality matcha under the “Gion Gen” name, enriching daily life with grace and intention.

@jougen__manner

Founded in 1907, WATABUN Co.,Ltd. (渡文株式会社) is dedicated to the philosophy of “the joy of connecting through authenticity,” creating obi that delighted those who wore them. Drawing on deep textile expertise, the company expanded into products for contemporary living and engaged in the restoration of Noh costumes, preserving and advancing traditional techniques while embracing innovation.

watabun.com | @watabun_kyoto

Since 1949, Kinpaku-oshi YAMAMURA Co., Ltd. (株式会社 金箔押山村) has specialized in the gilding of gold leaf on Kyoto Buddhist altars and participated in restoration work for renowned temples and national treasures across Japan. Using a hand-applied technique passed down since 1185, gold leaf was applied with urushi lacquer through years of dedicated training, preserving one of Kyoto’s most intricate craft traditions.

​​yamamura-goldleaf.com | @goldream_kyoto_yamamura

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To be respectful of those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, we ask that you please refrain from wearing strong fragrances. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact info@jaccc.org.

The entrance to all Casa Kyoto workshops can be found outside the entrance of our 5-story Office Tower.

Make sure to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled workshop session. All patrons will visit the check-in table, located outside of the entrance of the building, so please have your e-ticket(s) with QR code ready.

JACCC is a 7-minute walk from the L.A. Metro Rail's Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, which connects to both the A and E lines via the Regional Connector.

For additional transportation options and parking details, check out Go Little Tokyo's Guide to the area here.