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It has been about 150 years since the end of the Edo period and the development of Hokkaido in the Meiji era. Although Hokkaido's history is not long in terms of Japanese history, we would like to introduce you to the artists and their works that cherish the inspiration they have received from this land and create beautiful, handcrafted works that are full of charm.

We offer handcrafted tableware and decorative items that bring joy and beauty to your life. We will be showcasing works by ceramic artists, glass artists, woodworking artists, and accessory makers, all based in Otaru and Sapporo. You can also purchase works at UNGAPLUS stores and on their official website.

Hokkaido Artists and Their Works

Give Otaru as a gift.

From the "Old Otaru Warehouse" overlooking the canal,
From UNGAPLUS, which brings you the "Story of Otaru" that walked alongside the Kitamae ships,
We will introduce you to "Places to visit in Otaru."

Please enjoy Otaru.

Hokkaido Artists and Their Works

↓ Yohei Iwayama
↓ Takayuki Ueda
↓ Toshihisa Oishi
↓ Glass Workshop Tanuma
↓ KIM GLASS DESIGN
↓ Kimuraya
↓ Guchico.
↓ goodman jewelry works
↓ COAS
↓ Yusuke Saito
↓ Hiroaki Shimizu
↓ Tsukiji Yoshiro
↓ Tomoyuki Nakajima
↓ Kazuhiro Mitsu
↓ Liaiason

Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Tourism①

Yohei Iwayama

A warmth in a refined, simple design. The simple design, stripped of all unnecessary elements, provides a sense of stability that allows you to use it with confidence while reading or working. The brown lines that flow over the surface, resembling wood grain, are caused by the iron powder contained in the clay being carried by the glaze. They appear like shooting stars. Approximately 10% of the clay used is from Hokkaido.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Tourism②

Takayuki Ueda

According to Ueda Takayuki, earth and ash show different expressions when they meet, and people and pottery also have many encounters hidden within them. Ueda's pottery is made using Hokkaido soil and wood ash glaze. His generous and warm pottery stores the strength and gentleness of the earth, and each expression born from the coincidence of overlapping things never looks the same, just like the workings of nature. The rustic and simple form and warm texture that evokes the earth complement a variety of dishes, enriching the dining experience.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Tourism ③

Toshihisa Oishi

Oishi Toshihisa continues to explore the theme of "layers" and how he can express the memories and records of the earth through pottery. The surface features a pattern of burnt straw. The handle has rope marks to add an accent. It can also hold a lot of drinks.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Tourism ④

Glass Workshop Tanuma

Glass from Glass Studio Tanuma, located in Otaru, is made using highly transparent clear glass, giving it a beautiful shine.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Tourism ⑤

KIM GLASS DESIGN

KIM GLASS DESIGN has a workshop on the seafront in Shukutsu, Otaru. They have created wind chimes that produce a cool sound that is perfect for the summer in Otaru, the city of glass. Enjoy the beautiful sound of the crystal glass as it is blown by with every breeze.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Tourism ⑥

Kimuraya

Yasuaki Kimura, who has an atelier in Otaru and works under the name "Kimuraya," says he wants to create "tableware that is simple but lifts the spirits, and is essential for everyday use." The mugs feature a unique blend of earth-colored glazes with a subdued yet gentle hue, and the smooth curves of the handles and matte texture make them comfortable to the touch. The mugs are also a delightful size, allowing for ample drinking. They blend into your everyday life and add color to your life.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Tourism ⑦

Guchico.

Guchico. produces unisex wooden jewelry, mainly wooden rings, based on the concept of "wearing wood." We hope you can feel the comfort of wood when wearing it and the tasteful beauty of wood as it changes over time.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Tourism 8

goodman jewelry works

The brand name "goodman jewelry works" is a reminder of the belief that "good things can only come from good hands." The pieces of goodman jewelry works, which give the impression of being made by skilled artisans, are beautiful with exquisite balance, and all of the pieces with motifs such as plants are delicate and have a beauty that is completed when worn.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Tourism ⑨

COAS

COAS uses brass to express the rich atmosphere of Otaru, a city that has flourished as a port town since ancient times. After studying sculpture at Hiroshima City University and working as a prototype designer for accessories, he was captivated by Otaru and launched his own original brand. COAS's pieces, which evoke the image of a sophisticated journey, show a variety of expressions, from delicate earrings with rope and anchor motifs to bangles that make dynamic use of the material itself.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Tourism 10

Yusuke Saito

Saito Yusuke is based in Hokkaido and creates ceramics, mainly using porcelain clay. His vessels are shaped to resemble the delicate, soft wrinkles of cloth. The clay is rolled out thinly and shaped to create natural wrinkles. After bisque firing, the piece is carefully sanded, fired without glazing, and then polished even more thoroughly after final firing using diamond files and finishing paper. This process results in pieces that are smooth and silky to the touch. He uses porcelain clay. Most of the clay is white and contains almost no organic matter, and is derived from stone.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Tourism ⑪

Hiroaki Shimizu

Hiroaki Shimizu is a woodworker based in Sapporo. He mainly manufactures and sells wooden furniture and accessories made from solid wood. He strives to create products that can be used and loved for a long time, taking into account the properties of wood, a living material.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Tourism ⑫

Yoshiro Tsukiji

This auspicious sake cup and small plate set featuring pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms is a collaboration between UNGAPLUS, a company from the maritime town of Otaru that wishes good fortune, and Sapporo ceramic artist Tsukiji Yoshiro. A one-of-a-kind, exclusive UNGAPLUS gift, it will be delivered in a special original box.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Tourism ⑬

Tomoyuki Nakajima

This glass is by Tomoyuki Nakajima, a ceramic artist active in Otaru and Sapporo. It's medium-sized, not too big and not too small, just the right size for drinking coffee. Its subdued brown color is complex and deep, with gray in places. It's thin overall, and the rim is smooth, giving it a natural feel.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Tourism ⑭

Kazuhiro Mitsu

Mitsu Kazuhiro studied Kutani ware in Ishikawa Prefecture for three years, while also studying pottery and porcelain techniques under the ceramist Matsumoto Saichi. This mug expresses the beautiful color of Shakotan's ocean with a glaze (Turkish blue). The smooth texture and stable shape make it easy to use, it holds a generous amount of drink, and the vibrant blue color will add color to your everyday life.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Tourism ⑮

Liaiason

"Liaison" means "to connect" in French. It is a combination of the artist's name "Rie" and Hokkaido's "Ezo," and conveys the desire to connect with many people from Hokkaido through their work, and to spread the word about Sapporo Soft Stone from Hokkaido and make it known. The brand offers accessories made from Sapporo Soft Stone combined with Hokkaido wood and resin.
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UNGAPLUS

Good luck from the shipping town of Otaru...
May the flow that has been protected without interruption be your ally and open up your luck.

During the Meiji period, Otaru flourished as the gateway to the development of Hokkaido.
Kitamae ships flapped their pure white sails across the ocean, traveling to and from Honshu and bringing many goods and cultures to this area.

UNGAPLUS delivers original products that incorporate the history and culture of Otaru, as well as high-quality products from the ports of call of the Kitamae ships, from the former Otaru Main Warehouse, the first commercial warehouse in Hokkaido, built by Kitamae ship owners Nishide Magozaemon and Nishitani Shohachi.

The story of Otaru, which has walked alongside the Kitamae ships, can be heard from this place.

We are looking forward to your visit and have a wide selection of original items that are only available here and make great souvenirs.

Click here for details on "UNGAPLUS" Store name　UNGAPLUS

address　2-1-20 Ironai, Otaru 047-0031

phone　0134-65-8150

Opening hours　10:00~18:00

Closed days　Open everyday

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