Akasaka TOKODO since 1936

About TOKODO

About TOKODO

Since 1936, Tokodo has continued the philosophy of its founder, Sumio Yoshioko, to provide only the best ceramics, collected across Japan, to please customers. The quality and the wide variety of selections were recognized by the Royal Palace. We received the Royal Warrant in 1949. Our ceramics are created for both household use and professional use in restaurants and hotels. Our customers select our pieces because they trust our quality. They can always find pieces in our selection that fit their needs, from daily use to special gifts.

Our Philosophy

“Enjoy the appearance of ceramics with your eyes, its texture with your hands, and its spirit with your heart.”

Real ceramics is an artform. Japanese ceramic artists spend time creating each unique piece of art. People feel enriched with imagination in the scenes of their favorite ceramic art. Days pass as people easily lose themselves in the artwork. It is important that we relax and find ways to relieve stress. Plastic plates and paper cups won’t bring you any joy, but real, authentic ceramics that Japanese craftsman created just for you can bring you pleasure every day. Tokodo’s mission is to bring harmony to the world by providing authentic Japanese ceramics.

About CERAMICS

Ceramic Producing Area

There are many ceramics-producing areas in Japan. Here, we introduce you to some of the main areas in the Tokodo collection, with photo of areas.

Type of Japanese Tableware

There are many diffrent types of Japanese traditional tableware. Here, we explain the characteristics of each type of tableware with photos.

Techniques

Ceramics come in many different forms. Accordingly, ceramic glazes ue different ingredients. in addition, artists use a variety of decorative techniques. Here we introduce some of the major techniques used in our collection.

CUSTOM-MADE

Custom-Made Tableware

Based on your budget and request, we make custom-made products for you. We have been working with reliable pottery for over 80 years. We have a broad range of customers, from art lovers to hotels and restaurants. Simply let us know your needs such as the pieces’ uses, the recipient, the number of pieces, and your available budget. We will provide the best plan to fulfill your request.

Personalization

“The one and only in the world for your loved one.”

Real ceramics is an artform. Japanese ceramic artists spend time creating each unique piece of art. People feel enriched with imagination in the scenes of their favorite ceramic art. Days pass as people easily lose themselves in the artwork.

It is important that we relax and find ways to relieve stress. Plastic plates and paper cups won’t bring you any joy, but real, authentic ceramics that Japanese craftsman created just for you can bring you pleasure every day. Tokodo’s mission is to bring harmony to the world by providing authentic Japanese ceramics.

ROYAL WARRANT

What is Royal Warrant?

The Royal Warrant was institutionalized in 1891 by the Imperial Household Ministry. To be eligible, the merchant needs to pass requirements such as delivering to the Imperial Household Ministry for at least five years. After strict examination, the merchant is officially certified. Tokodo received the Royal Warrant in 1949.

After World War II, the system itself was discontinued in 1954. But Tokodo has continued to deliver tableware to the Imperial Household agency. In 1961, we delivered tableware when Fukiage Gosho (the imperial residential palace of Emperor Showa) was completed. In 1990, we delivered more than 20,000 tableware pieces when Emperor Heisei ascended to the throne. The number of delivered tableware pieces to the Imperial Household Ministry/Agency has exceeded more than 30,000.

Tribute & Order

There are two different kinds of Royal Warrant. The first one is “Tribute”. The merchant provides the goods free of charge. Tribute goods are usually returned after the event. The other type is “Order”, which is the official purchasing order from the Imperial Household Agency. Ordered goods are actually used in the royal palace. Even though “Tribute” is free of charge, it is does not mean that anyone can make a tribute. After going through strict examination, the goods are provided as a tribute to the Imperial Household Agency.

In the Meiji era, many merchants claimed themselves as Royal Warrant holders because it shows high credibility. These false claims became a big problem in Japan, and the Imperial Household Agency decided to establish the official Royal Warrant system. The requirement gradually became stricter to stop dishonest merchants.