6 minute read
Interview: Koransha
Understanding Koransha style
Japanese manufacturer Koransha has been at the forefront of Arita pottery for centuries, melding traditional techniques with modern designs. President of Koransha Co, Yuji Fukagawa tells us more about the company and their plans for the future.
Can you tell us more about Koransha?
This year marks 332 years since we were established when the rstgeneration Eizaemon Fukagawa started making porcelain potteries in Arita, Japan in 1689. Followed by the request by the Japanese government to create works in order to exhibit at the World Exposition held in Philadelphia, USA in 1876, we o cially incorporated the company in 1875 and this gave rise to Koransha today. The sophisticated yet elegant porcelains acknowledged as “Koransha-style” have gained enormous popularity and excitement in Europe and the US and have been awarded gold awards at numerous World Expositions. Koransha has been an o cial purveyor to the Imperial Household which continues today.
Koransha has a long history, but how do you keep it current in today’s marketplace?
First, in order to understand the consumer’s taste, we collect information from not only the porcelain and ceramic industry but also all tableware related products and analyze them from various aspects. Also, we rent out our products to consumers and re ect their real feedback into our products to improve them further, to suit our consumers needs and demands.
Second, we collect information of designs and trends throughout the world every year to suggest new products from us to our consumers.
Japanese porcelain is admired worldwide, with many regions and
manufacturers well-known for their quality and distinctive style. What sets Koransha apart from its competitors both in Japan and globally?
In regards to craftmanship, we have a strong commitment through every step starting with the base material. Also, we always make sure to only introduce products which are beyond our highest standards to our customers. This is the fruit of our traditional techniques which is supported by our long history.
As for the products, we are very proud of our very thin base, delicate designs, and brightly colored glaze. Especially, our deep-blue colored glaze, which has been very popular and known as “Koransha Blue” among our customers. Yuji Fukagawa, CEO (15th Generation) What impact did the global pandemic have on Koransha and are you facing any continuing issues?
In Japan, we were forced to cancel our annual event, the Arita Ceramics Market, two years in a row. Typically, it is where more than one million customers gather to purchase Arita-ware. Due to the state of emergency in Japan, there were less opportunities for people to shop for our products. Also, buyer demand dropped due to the recession caused by the pandemic. We still can’t have inbound tourists from overseas. Moreover, we still can’t exhibit at any trade shows where we usually cultivate new
business clients. Since we have not been able to travel overseas, we have lost many opportunities to develop new clients internationally.
Internally we are facing the challenges of being able to pass our traditions onto the next generations due to the declining birthrate. Externally, more and more people are aware of the importance of SDGs (sustainable development goals) and the values and standards of people in society as a whole is changing. At the same time, we need to consider that their tastes are getting more diverse. However, as Koransha has been adapting to all these changes from each era for the past 332 years, we will continue growing and evolving.
How does Koransha di erentiate itself in an increasingly online marketplace?
We have our own e-commerce website, where consumers can purchase not only our regular products but also online exclusive products. We o er a loyalty program for people who register as our online members where they can earn points by registering, purchasing and even on their birthdays, and then use them when they make their next purchase.
We also have a website for overseas customers, where people can learn about our rich history and story; www.koranshaus.com
Is there a typical Koransha consumer?
Koransha products inherit their traditions, culture and tastes for several generations and they still embrace their designs and senses even during these times. Also, there are people who recognize the beauty of Japanese traditions as they get older. Those people like Koransha products, as they re ect Japanese traditions but we also have products arranged with modern twists.
Eizaemono Fukagawa (8th Generation)
What is trending right now in your opinion?
In general, we see “matte style” “Northern European style”, “simple design” or “earth color” as trends, however, we don’t think trends play a big role these days because consumers tastes are very diverse. We focus on the traditional products and their techniques, we continue to challenge the new “Koransha style” with modern products loved by people throughout the years that remain popular today.
What new collections are planned for 2022?
We have developed a series of Pinstripe which was awarded for the Best New Product at NY NOW Winter in February 2019.
Also, we are working on new line of products which Koransha has never produced before and are aiming to launch them at the end of this year.
What future plans are there for Koransha?
We will continue to announce our latest news or goals on our website as well as social media, so please visit them and check them out at www.koranshaus.com @koransha.us and @koransha.us.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We believe that when Koransha’s traditional techniques and designs meet the state-of-the-art designs in each era, they inspire each other, and create new valuable designs. For this, we have been cherishing the innovative designs produced by the fusion of “traditional techniques and contemporary styles.”
Have you ever wondered why Koransha has been in business successfully for more than 300 years as a ceramics manufacturer? Please take a look at our products. From the moment you have them in your hands, you will realize a deep impression coming up from the bottom of your heart. Our products touch people’s hearts and this is exactly “Koransha Style”.
Do you intend to exhibit at any of the upcoming trade shows either in the US, Europe or elsewhere?
At the moment, we have con rmed that we will be exhibiting at the Las Vegas Market from August 22 to 26. It has been two years since we exhibited at trade shows and we are very excited to introduce the wide range of our products, such as products with Japanese traditional designs, modern products incorporating Koransha techniques and dinner sets etc. to attendees.
After that, as we see how the Covid situation unfolds, we will exhibit at trade shows in Asia and the US enthusiastically.
