Bridging Eras: Traditional Japanese Craftsmanship Meets Modern Lifestyles
Starmark Inc. has announced the launch of a new collection from its “ITOKASHI” label, born from the success of the recent “Shinise Festival 2025.” This innovative initiative aims to connect Japan’s rich heritage with contemporary living, introducing a series of unique products developed through collaborations between traditional establishments and modern brands. These items are now available for pre-release via a crowd-funding campaign on CAMPFIRE, which commenced on December 15th at 1:00 PM JST.
The “Shinise Festival by agataJapan,” an annual event hosted by Starmark Inc. with the theme of “creating cultural crossroads,” celebrates Japan’s esteemed traditional techniques and culture. The fourth iteration this year saw over 150 companies and organizations participate in various activities, including a traditional and local market, sake and Western liquor tastings, seminars, and workshops. You can experience the festival’s vibrant atmosphere through the official digest video: 2025 Shinise Festival Digest.
ITOKASHI: Weaving Tradition into Everyday Life
The “ITOKASHI” label, a part of agataJapan ORIGINALS, began in 2012 with a mission to share the profound value and stories behind Japan’s cherished traditional techniques. This label has a history of innovative product development, including collaborations with popular characters like Mickey Mouse, Pac-Man, and Doraemon, as well as creating items like lacquerware iPhone cases and USB drives. The current project, directly linked to the Shinise Festival, seeks to rediscover and present the new appeal of these venerable establishments.
The goal is to deliver “items you’ll want to keep forever” that integrate the splendor of traditional techniques into daily life, making them more accessible and familiar. This project aims to propose the “authentic value” of traditional craftsmanship in a way that suits modern lifestyles, helping to pass it on to future generations.
Featured Collaboration Products
The crowdfunding campaign introduces several captivating collaborations, each blending historical craftsmanship with contemporary appeal:
ARITA PORCELAIN LAB x EITARO SOUMHONPO: Umeboshi Candy Arita Ware Case
For 7,643 JPY (tax & shipping included), enjoy Eitaro Souhonpo’s classic “Umeboshi Candy” in a special Arita ware container. The familiar design of the canned candy is reinterpreted by ARITA PORCELAIN LAB into an elegant porcelain vessel with gold accents, making it a beautiful and sustainable item. It comes with a box of 12 umeboshi candies.
ARITA PORCELAIN LAB, a venerable Arita ware kiln founded in 1804 in Arita Town, Saga Prefecture, combines 200 years of tradition with modern sensibility. Eitaro Souhonpo, established in 1818 in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, is renowned for its Edo-period confectionery.
ARITA PORCELAIN LAB x NIHONBASHI SARUYA: Original Arita Ware Toothpick Holder
Available for 5,180 JPY (tax & shipping included), this collaboration offers an exquisite Arita ware toothpick holder. Nihonbashi Saruya’s kuro-moji toothpicks, handcrafted from fragrant spicebush, have long graced Japanese tea ceremonies and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) settings. This collaboration aims to bring this beautiful tradition into everyday life. The translucent white porcelain of Arita ware is adorned with Saruya’s logo, creating a sophisticated design that seamlessly fits modern interiors.
Nihonbashi Saruya, founded in 1704 in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, is a specialty store for toothpicks, particularly those made from high-quality kuro-moji wood.
MATSUYA COFFEE HEAD OFFICE: Coffee Perfect for Wagashi
For 2,869 JPY (tax & shipping included), experience a unique coffee blend specifically designed to pair with Japanese sweets. The project began with a simple yet profound suggestion from Kazuyoshi Matsushita, the third-generation chairman of Matsuya Coffee Head Office: “Coffee goes well with wagashi.” After consulting with wagashi shops, Matsuya Coffee’s classic blend was chosen for its excellent pairing with various Japanese sweets. This blend features high-grade beans with a unique flavor and the rich body and aroma characteristic of French roast, presented in special ITOKASHI packaging.
Matsuya Coffee Head Office, founded in 1909 in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, has contributed significantly to Japan’s coffee culture, known for its unique “Matsuya-style drip method.”
GEKKAN NIHONBASHI: Original Ukiyo-e T-shirts
For 4,158 JPY (tax & shipping included), choose from two unique ukiyo-e designs selected by “Gekkan Nihonbashi” for these T-shirts. Options include Utagawa Hiroshige’s “Kyoshi Sanjo Ohashi from Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido” and Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s “Sekiwake Unryu Kyukichi from Thirty-three Views of the Eastern Mirror.” The designs are printed on the back of the T-shirts, available in sizes S, M, L, XL.
“Gekkan Nihonbashi,” founded in 1979 in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, is a local magazine dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of Nihonbashi.
CHIKUSEN x TSUBAKI FM: Original Logo Tenugui
This original tenugui (Japanese hand towel), priced at 4,463 JPY (tax & shipping included), celebrates TSUBAKI FM’s appearance at the Shinise Festival 2025. It is a collaboration with Chikusen, a long-established Nihonbashi yukata (summer kimono) maker. The tenugui is hand-dyed using Chikusen’s traditional “chusen” technique, which requires precise skill to pour dyes onto fabric, creating nuanced gradations and color blends unique to handcrafting. Made from 100% cotton, it offers excellent absorbency and quick-drying properties, designed for casual use with TSUBAKI FM’s pop logo.
Chikusen, established in 1842 in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, is known for its unique designs passed down from the Edo and Meiji periods. TSUBAKI FM is a Tokyo-based internet radio station broadcasting diverse music and cultural information.
Support the Shinise Festival 2026!
For 1,000 JPY (tax included), you can support the “Shinise Festival 2026,” which has already been confirmed for next year. Your contributions will be used to enhance the event further.
The crowdfunding campaign runs until January 31st, with shipping scheduled for early February. This project operates on an All-in method, meaning that even if the target amount is not reached, the project will be executed, and rewards delivered. Additional products from the “Shinise Festival by agataJapan” exhibitors can be found on the Shinise Tsuhan.net special page: Shinise Tsuhan.net 2025 Festival Page.
This initiative by the ITOKASHI label not only preserves Japan’s rich cultural heritage but also breathes new life into it, inviting global audiences to discover the enduring charm of Japanese craftsmanship. As these collaborations bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, they offer a glimpse into how the spirit of “Kawaii Japan Lifestyle” continues to evolve, finding new expressions and appreciation worldwide. Discover more about traditional Japanese masterpieces at Shinise Tsuhan.net and explore agataJapan’s projects at agataJapan.tokyo.
