In Kagurazaka, there is a specialty store for Japanese handmade pottery called YOULUCK. Please find the article about the store here. Today, we had a great opportunity to ask the shop owner, Sato-san, about the store and its art.
Thank you for your time today. I noticed that the brand name ‘Youluck / 佑楽’ is quite iconic. Could you please share the meaning behind this name?
In the past, the Kanji character ‘佑’ represented daily life. When combined with ‘楽,’ which conveys a sense of enjoyment, it embodies the idea of joy in our routines. We encourage everyone to incorporate these utensils into their day-to-day lives. Although it may appear extravagant, many individuals often only showcase these utensils rather than utilizing them regularly. Our wish is that by actively using these traditions in their lives, people will find happiness in their day-to-day experiences.
We work together with 30 artists. Some of the potters are connected to us through friends while others showcase their artwork, on Instagram. Whenever I come across something that would appeal to our customers we directly contact the artists. What matters most to us is whether their pottery is easy to use and above all, whether I personally want to use it in my everyday life. We don’t choose artists based on where they received training or their technical skills; instead we prioritize the sense of beauty and the desire to use their creations. Japanese traditional pottery is often seen as something that may be difficult to approach. Our goal is to create an atmosphere where customers can feel comfortable and enjoy the process of selecting items. We want them to consider like, ‘What would be a match, for this plate?’. How would this piece look on my table?’ Ultimately our aim is for this shop to be a space where people can relax have fun and truly savor the experience.
Actually, we alternate our exhibitions between cat and bird themes. So, 2024 will be an exhibition themed with birds, planning in August. In 2025, it’s the year of the cat! We also arrange monthly exhibitions featuring diverse themes. While we maintain a permanent collection of artworks, our monthly exhibitions offer visitors the opportunity to explore new and distinct pieces.
I’ll follow the Instagram account to stay updated on the exhibition schedule. Finally, please share a message with the visitors of belongingJAPAN.
When you consider the traditions like Tea Ceremony or Ikebana, incorporating them into everyday life cannot be so easy. However, with Japanese pottery, you can seamlessly integrate these traditions into your daily routine. While using only white plates for meals might have been the norm for some, handmade Japanese pottery offers a delightful array of colors and patterns to enjoy. We sincerely hope that you find joy in incorporating these Japanese traditions into your everyday life.
Details:
Contact: View Website
- SNS: Instagram
Address: 2F, 2-10 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11:30～19:00, 11:30～18:00 for Sat & Sun. Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
