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Hokkaido, 150 years after the Meiji Restoration, marking the end of the Edo period. Although Hokkaido's history may not be long from a Japanese historical perspective, we are delighted to introduce artists who create beautiful, inspiring handicrafts and their works, all while cherishing the inspiration received from this land.

From handicrafts that bring joy and beauty to everyday life, we present tableware and ornaments. We feature works by potters, glass artists, woodworkers, and accessory designers primarily active in Otaru and Sapporo. These works can also be purchased at UNGAPLUS stores and on our official website.

Giving the Gift of Otaru.

From "Former Otaru Warehouse" overlooking the canal,
UNGAPLUS brings you "The Story of Otaru,"
which has journeyed alongside the Kitamae-bune ships,
and introduces you to "Otaru's Must-See Spots."

Please enjoy Otaru.

Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Sightseeing ①

Yohei Iwayama

Warmth in a refined, simple design. The design, stripped of all unnecessary elements, offers stability that can be used with peace of mind even while reading or working. The brown lines flowing across the surface, like wood grain, are formed by iron powder in the clay reacting with the glaze, appearing like shooting stars. Approximately 10% of the clay used is locally sourced from Hokkaido.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Sightseeing ②

Takayuki Ueda

Soil and ash reveal various expressions through their encounter, just as people and vessels hold many encounters, says Takayuki Ueda. Ueda's vessels are crafted using Hokkaido soil and wood ash glaze. The generous and warm vessels embody the strength and kindness of the earth, and each unique expression, born from overlapping coincidences, is like a natural phenomenon—never exactly the same. Their rustic, simple forms and warm, earthy texture enhance various dishes, enriching dining experiences.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Sightseeing ③

Toshihisa Oishi

Toshihisa Oishi continues to explore how to embody the memories and records of the earth through pottery, with "layers" as his theme. The surface features patterns from straw firing, while rope marks on the handle add an accent. It holds a generous amount of beverage.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Sightseeing ④

Glass Studio Tanuma

These glasses are from Glass Studio Tanuma, which has its workshop in Otaru. Made from highly transparent clear glass, they sparkle beautifully.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Sightseeing ⑤

KIM GLASS DESIGN

"KIM GLASS DESIGN" has a workshop along the coast of Shukutsu, Otaru. They have created wind chimes that emit a cool sound, perfectly suited for Otaru's summer, a city of glass. Enjoy the beautiful ringing sound of crystal glass as the wind passes through.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Sightseeing ⑥

Kimuraya

Yasuo Kimura, who operates "Kimuraya" from his atelier in Otaru, expresses his desire to create "everyday tableware that, while unpretentious, elevates one's mood slightly." His mug cups, featuring distinctive "earth color" glazes mixed in his unique formulation, have a subdued yet gentle hue. The smooth curve of the handle, the comfortable matte texture, and the generous size for plenty of beverage are all delightful points. They seamlessly blend into daily life while adding color to it.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Sightseeing ⑦

Guchico.

Guchico. creates unisex "wooden ornaments," primarily wooden rings, with the concept of "wearing wood." We hope you experience the comfort of wood when worn and the beauty of wood as it changes with age.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Sightseeing ⑧

goodman jewelry works

The brand name "goodman jewelry works" also serves as a business name, embodying the belief, with a sense of self-admonition, that "good things are born only from good hands." The works of goodman jewelry works, which convey the impression of a skilled designer, are beautifully balanced. Pieces inspired by plants, for example, are delicate and possess a beauty that is fully realized when worn.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Sightseeing ⑨

COAS

COAS expresses the rich atmosphere of Otaru, a port town that has flourished since ancient times, using brass as its material. After studying sculpture at Hiroshima City University and working as a prototype creator for accessories, the artist was captivated by Otaru and launched their original brand. COAS's works, evoking adult travels, display a variety of expressions, from delicate earrings with rope and anchor motifs to dynamic bangles that make use of the material itself.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Sightseeing ⑩

Yusuke Saito

Yusuke Saito, based in Hokkaido, primarily creates ceramic vessels using porcelain clay. His vessels are shaped to evoke the delicate and soft wrinkles of fabric. He thinly rolls out clay and forms it into natural wrinkles. After bisque firing, the pieces are carefully sanded and then fired without glaze, followed by meticulous polishing with diamond files and finishing paper. This process results in works with a smooth, slippery texture. The clay used is porcelain, which is often white and contains very little organic matter, originating from stone.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Sightseeing ⑪

Hiroaki Shimizu

Hiroaki Shimizu is a woodworker based in Sapporo. He primarily manufactures and sells wooden furniture and small items made from solid wood. He strives to create pieces that will be cherished and used for a long time, understanding the nature of wood as a living material.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Sightseeing ⑫

Sachiro Tsukiji

UNGAPLUS, which wishes for good fortune from Otaru, the city of shipping, and Sapporo potter Sachiro Tsukiji, collaborated to create a very auspicious set of sake cups and small plates featuring pine, bamboo, and plum designs. This is a special, UNGAPLUS-exclusive gift unlike any other. It will be delivered in a custom-designed original box.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Sightseeing ⑬

Tomoyuki Nakajima

Tomoyuki Nakajima is a ceramic artist active in Otaru and Sapporo. His pieces are what you might call medium-sized, neither too big nor too small, perfectly suited for drinking coffee. The subdued, calm brown, with subtle grey variations, creates a complex and deep hue. The overall thinness and smooth rim make for a natural and comfortable drinking experience.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Sightseeing ⑭

Kazuhiro Mitsu

Kazuhiro Mitsu, who spent three years studying Kutani ware in Ishikawa Prefecture and simultaneously apprenticed under potter Saichi Matsumoto, learning both pottery and porcelain techniques. This mug cup expresses the beautiful sea color of Shakotan with a glaze (turquoise blue). Its smooth texture and stable shape make it easy to use, holding plenty of liquid, and its vibrant blue adds color to daily life.
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Hokkaido Artists and Their Works - Otaru Sightseeing ⑮

Liaiason

Liaison, a French word meaning "connection" and more. The artist's name "Lie" and Hokkaido's "Ezo" are incorporated, expressing the desire for many people to connect with the works from Hokkaido and for Sapporo soft stone to be promoted from Hokkaido, connecting and becoming known. They offer accessories created by combining Sapporo soft stone with Hokkaido wood and resin.
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UNGAPLUS

Good fortune from Otaru, a city of maritime transport...
May you attract good luck by aligning with the continuous flow that has been preserved.

In the Meiji era, Otaru flourished as the gateway to the development of Hokkaido.
Kitamae-bune ships unfurled their pure white sails across the vast ocean, bringing many goods and cultures to this land through their traffic with Honshu.

UNGAPLUS, from the "Former Otaru Warehouse Main Building," Hokkaido's first commercial warehouse built by Kitamae-bune shipowners Sonzaemon Nishide and Shōhachi Nishitani, delivers original products imbued with the history and culture still remaining in Otaru, as well as fine goods from the ports of call of the Kitamae-bune ships.

From this place, we present the story of Otaru, which journeyed alongside the Kitamae-bune ships.

We offer a selection of unique original items that also make delightful souvenirs, and we eagerly await your visit.

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