In early November, as the lingering heat of late summer finally subsided, I visited the studio of Mr. Genya Takigami from STUDIO.ZOK. While warming my hands with a hot drink, I took a train ride from Nagoya Station to his atelier. Born and raised in Aichi Prefecture, a region renowned for its ceramics, Mr. Takigami has been creating ceramic goods, focusing on adding a touch of warmth to everyday life through his work. During our visit, he shared his thoughts on craftsmanship, his encounter with REN, and his personal experience with the wallet he has been using.
I want to broaden the image of ceramics.
Mr. Takigami kindly came to pick me up at the station where we had arranged to meet. After exchanging greetings in the parking lot, I gratefully accepted his offer and was promptly driven to his atelier. Through the car window, I watched rolling hills, lush greenery, and the gentle shimmer of sunlight reflecting on the river’s surface. The vastness of the sky brought a sense of relief, and I couldn’t help but let out a contented sigh.
At STUDIO.ZOK, the focus is on using ceramics to create a wide range of lifestyle items that go beyond the conventional association of ceramics with tableware. From picture frames to accessories, the studio values genre-defying expressions of ceramics. One of their signature works is the "Tou-shoku" series, a collection of ceramic plants that beautifully replicate cacti and other greenery in clay.
Mr. Takigami shared, "In the beginning, I was only making pots. Through that, I connected with planting artists and cactus farmers. I would ask them, 'Could you plant something that matches this pot?' or, conversely, they would request, 'Could you make a pot like this?' As these interactions continued, I found myself increasingly drawn to these fascinating plants. It amazed me that such unique shapes could exist in nature."
I’ll never forget the first time I saw his work," says Ms. Akimoto, a buyer at REN. REN stores regularly host POP UP SHOPS featuring the works of intriguing artists. In this case, a loyal customer introduced Takigami's creations, saying, "I think they would align perfectly with REN's aesthetic." Inspired by this recommendation, Ms. Akimoto decided to make the offer, which Mr. Takigami graciously accepted. Since the first POP UP SHOP in July 2022, his works have been showcased regularly to this day.
Ms. Akimoto from REN shared, "I feel like there’s a similarity in taste between us, the staff, and the customers who visit our stores. When we first saw the ceramic plants, the entire staff was immediately captivated. I had a strong intuition that it would be an exhibition that many of our customers would enjoy. As a plant lover myself, I’ve also become a big fan of Mr. Takigami’s work."
A smooth, comfortable feel that becomes more familiar with use.
This time, I was delighted to discover during the process of arranging the interview that Mr. Takigami has been using REN's "Patch Pocket Wallet" for two years. I was looking forward to seeing it in person.
The Patch Pocket Wallet is a distinctive bi-fold wallet with a unique silhouette and a casual design, making it one of REN's staple bestsellers. It features eight card slots on the inside and additional sub-pockets on both sides of the center, allowing it to hold over 10 cards. This impressive capacity, which exceeds its compact appearance, is another reason we highly recommend it.
Mr. Takigami shared, "I had been using a long wallet, but I was looking to switch to a more compact bi-fold wallet to match my bag. Just at that moment, I came across this one at a REN store. True to its name, the coin case is attached externally, and the size was just perfect. It was exactly what I had been looking for, so I decided on it immediately."
The wallet is made from baby buffalo leather, crafted to highlight the natural charm unique to water buffalo around six months old. The leather retains its raw character, embracing natural scratches and color variations without concealing them, resulting in a soft and plump finish. Over time, the leather develops a rich luster and becomes even softer, allowing users to enjoy its gradual transformation—a key part of its appeal.
Mr. Takigami shared, "It was already soft to begin with, but over the past two years, it has become increasingly comfortable to use. The movement and texture have become so smooth, and I’m really fond of it."
Ms. Akimoto from REN shared, "I feel like wallets are like a mirror, reflecting the personality of their owner. Mr. Takigami’s shiny, well-kept wallet shows how much he’s cared for it, and it perfectly conveys his calm and thoughtful character."
Mr. Takigami shared, "Since connecting with REN, I feel like I naturally pay more attention to leather goods. What I find wonderful about REN is how their products, from bags to small accessories, all carry the unique 'REN touch.' I would be delighted if we could explore interesting collaborations beyond POP UP events in the future."
Leather and ceramics. We believe that encountering items you wish to cherish for a long time can bring a touch of warmth and comfort to everyday life. It may sound like an exaggeration, but as fellow creators who share this humble hope, we would be delighted to continue working together in the future.
-PROFILE-
STUDIO.ZOK
A brand established in 2012 by Genya Takigami, focusing on designing and creating ceramic items that complement various lifestyles. With a concept of expanding the possibilities of clay, the brand explores a wide range of expressions through ceramic mediums.
https://shop.studio-zok.com/
https://www.instagram.com/studio_zok
NEXT 2/2 ー The Crafting Landscape:
Discovering the Charm of Ceramics After Taking a Step Back ▶︎
