We interviewed Osamu Hayashi, whose family farm produces some of Japan’s finest organic tea. Read his account of the farm’s humble beginnings and the importance of traditional farming in a modern world.
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Enjoy a glimpse inside the decisions and philosophy of one of Japan's premier designers in our interview with the man himself.
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We talked with Takashi Shinto, owner of Shinto Towel, about the company his great-great-grandfather started more than a century ago. Learn a bit about one of our most popular brands straight from the scion of its founding family.
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International Women's Day is a timely reminder to celebrate the innate strength and beauty of women around the world. We believe it is vital to support each other as mothers, sisters, business owners, and creatives, so in the spirit of the day, we'd like to highlight some of the inspiring female designers and artists that power rikumo.
-Yuka Morihata | Founder and Co-Owner of rikumo
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In preparing the 2019 update to our Philadelphia City Guide, we met up with one of the many exciting new businesses cropping up throughout the city. Here, we sit down with Lindsay Steigerwald and Jesse Pryor, owners of Neighborhood Ramen.
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In anticipation of our upcoming workshop with this year’s DesignPhiladelphia Festival, we spent a casual Friday afternoon at the studio/residence of artist Carla Weeks in West Philadelphia.
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In the making of our city guide, we sat with some of our like-minded friends and collaborators and talked shop. Here, we take a break from tea and catch up with April Nett and Elysa DiMauro, co-owners of coffee shop and community meeting place Menagerie Coffee.
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Ceramist Romy Northover talks to us about her creative process and shows us around her Brooklyn studio in anticipation of our upcoming matcha bowl collaboration.
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When it comes to stationery, the Japanese variety is among the best in the world. We go behind the scenes at the Inkaren factory, where some of the most exciting Japanese stationery is still made the traditional way.
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Born from a love of water and print, Water Journal is an independent publication that explores the aesthetic beauty and complexity of water. We talk to editor-in-chief and digital designer Eddy Bruzas.
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Cavernous and glass-windowed, you would be forgiven for mistaking the Center for Art in Wood for an upscale gallery. Instead, the Center is a remarkably inclusive space, inviting artists and curious admirers from all over the world to discover the art of woodworking. We take you inside.
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The Kizara memo pad is a movement to reclaim the Japanese forest for future generations. Behind its simple design, there’s a long history of craftsmanship and sustainability. We talk to owner Satoshi Koike about the people behind Kizara, the intrinsic beauty of wood, and why it’s so important to touch lumber with your fingertips.
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Fascinated with the natural formation of trees, George Nakashima’s design philosophy was grounded in the moments of organic creation found within nature. We visit his house and studio in New Hope, Pennsylvania, to learn more about the life and work of the restless Japanese designer.
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We talk to Francheska Snyder, Head Gardener at Shofuso Japanese House about the ways in which gardening has changed her life, the challenges and responsibilities of maintaining a historical landmark, and the importance of taking breaks.
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Vincent Feldman, an urban architecture photographer and university lecturer, shares his creative journey with us.
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When illustrator Margherita Urbani traveled to Japan for the first time, she captured her travels the best way an artist can: by sketching thoughts and impressions in her sketchbook. The resulting Tokyo Diaryis a 40-page travel guide that showcases the beauty of encountering a new culture as an outsider.
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We recently had the pleasure of hosting Mr. Toshinori Itoi, Director of the Sasawashi Company. Over cups of fresh-brewed sencha, he shared some of the company's history and design approach with us.
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