CRAFT COLLABORATION & SPATIAL DESIGN

Japanese craftsmanshipfor European brands and spaces.

We connect brands, designers, architects, and hotels with the Japanese makers and manufacturers behind exceptional materials and craft — from a single collaboration to a full space.

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Why
TSUGI

Japan holds makers, materials, and manufacturing know-how the world doesn't yet fully know — along with a philosophy of care and sustainability that was already there, long before the rest of the world gave it a name.

TSUGI Japan works with European brands, designers, and spaces to bring Japanese craftsmanship to life — whether that means co-developing a product with a Japanese manufacturer, sourcing material for a space, or finding the right maker for an idea that doesn't have one yet. We go beyond a simple introduction: we get to the heart of what a material or craft truly means, and stay with you through every step, from first conversation to the moment it comes to life in Europe.

Who we are

Sayaka Nakashima

Sayaka Nakashima

Founder, TSUGI Japan

Based in Berlin since 2021, after living and studying for years in Australia, Thailand, and the US. Sayaka began her career as a journalist covering technology and startups — an experience that made her realize Japan already held many of the answers the world was looking for, and that its value simply wasn't being communicated properly abroad.

That realization led her to want to help outstanding Japanese companies actually succeed in Europe — not just be introduced, but build a real, lasting presence. Sayaka then went on to work in global PR for a Japanese local-government program, and in business development support for Japanese companies expanding into the European market.

Sayaka founded TSUGI Japan to bring both of those threads together: a partner who stays involved all the way through to real business on the ground in Europe.

Takuto Ihara

Takuto Ihara

Architect

Trained in interior design in Kyoto, then architecture at the Universität der Künste Berlin. He has worked with practices including Ortner & Ortner Baukunst and Heneghan Peng Architects, and now runs his own studio in Berlin.

Alongside his practice, he purchased a traditional kominka farmhouse in Kumamoto, Japan, which he is renovating — bringing together the qualities of Japanese vernacular building with the spatial thinking he has developed working in Europe.

What we do

01

Maker & Manufacturer Outreach

Identifying and approaching Japanese artisans and manufacturers for your product or project, including outreach where a direct introduction doesn't yet exist

02

Concept & Narrative Development

Translating the meaning behind a material or technique into a concept that fits your brand or space

03

Production Coordination

Managing communication, samples, and negotiation between your team and Japanese makers, from first conversation through to production

04

Material Curation for Spaces

Sourcing textiles, ceramics, wood, stone, and paper suited to architectural and interior projects

05

Studio & Producing-Region Visits

Arranging trips to meet makers directly, for teams who want to see and choose in person

06

Storytelling & Documentation

Artisan interviews, video, and editorial content for press, launch, or brand storytelling

Who it's for

  • Brands and designers who want to co-develop a product with a Japanese manufacturer or artisan — even without an existing contact
  • Architects and interior designers looking for distinctive, storied materials
  • Hotels and retail brands wanting an authentic connection to Japanese craft in their spaces
  • Developers seeking a signature material story for a project

Process

01

Conversation

We start with what you're trying to make — a product, a material choice, or a space — and what stage you're at.

02

Curation & Proposal

We identify and approach the right makers or manufacturers, and propose options matched to your project, timeline, and budget.

03

Collaboration

We manage coordination and negotiation through to sampling, production, or installation, staying close to the makers throughout.

Let's talk about what you're making or building

Tell us about your product, material, or space — and what kind of Japanese craftsmanship you have in mind.

Thank you for reaching out. We'll review your message and get back to you soon.