Gifu Fair 2023

atomi has had an excellent partnership with Gifu Prefecture for over a decade. The collaboration goes beyond ceramics. We have organised several Gifu Fairs over the years, and even the Governor was in Singapore to grace the opening of the exhibition before. The theme of the Gifu Fairs has evolved, ranging from furniture to ceramics. In 2023, the focus is on wooden seats with steel elements, accessories, decorative iron items, home furniture, and ceramics and paper goods. In the past years, we have promoted Hida wagyu, water and sake from Gifu with a dinner event held at the Japanese ambassador house in Singapore. Other signature events include art exhibitions showcasing artists from Gifu. The brand owners, government agencies and atomi first met around 2010 through a buying trip in Gifu. Given the unique structure of atomi, we can collaborate on many fronts as we focus on bringing Japanese culture, modern interpretation of traditional crafts and comfortable lifestyle into the global scene outside of Japan via atomi in Singapore.

Sustainble and Ethical

Kihon Utsuwa

きほんのうつわ
メーカー：丸朝製陶所、デザイン：IDENTITY
きほんのうつわは、機能性、デザイン性に優れており、電子レンジ、オーブン、食洗機も対応可能。一部商品には、廃棄された食器を粉砕し、これを生地土に20％以上混ぜたものを使用。

The “kihon” of basic utensils has the meaning of “daily use” that is designed for everyday use. This collection is made using recycled ceramics to promote sustainability. In particular, the kihon "cups" have proven to be versatile and popular, serving not only as containers for drinks but also for appetizers and sweets. In an effort to promote sustainability, recycled soil has been utilized in the production of cups. Recycled soil is created by pulverizing unused household tableware and mixing it with pottery raw materials.

In Tono, a blend of clay types is used, including gairome clay, kibushi clay, sokei, mackerel, and siliceous sand. This blending technique ensures stable quality, as the composition of raw material soil can vary even within the same region. Recycled soil is created by incorporating crushed tableware into the soil, typically at a rate of 20% or higher. Tono, having a history of soil blending, readily embraced this recycled soil. Despite the shift to a more environmentally friendly approach, the products made from recycled soil retain their essential functionality. They can still be used in microwaves, dishwashers, and ovens (up to 110°C). This preservation of functionality is credited to Maruasa Pottery's expertise in the field.

Nogakel 

ノガケル
メーカー：古田化成（美濃市）
プラスチック射出成型の高い技術を活かして、セルロースファイバーとプラスチックを混錬したサステナブルな材料を使用。石油由来の樹脂の使用量を大きく削減できる。耐熱温度110度、食器洗い乾燥機使用可能。

"Nogakel" derives its name from the ancient Japanese term "nogake," which means "to go outside and enjoy nature." This tableware collection is specifically designed to enhance outdoor dining experiences by providing a combination of comfort and style. The lightweight, compact, and user-friendly nature of these tableware items enables individuals to enjoy meals outdoors with ease. Nogakel is a new type of material made from biomass plastic, specifically wood pulp, which is commonly used for making paper. Cellulose fiber and plastic are mixed together using advanced injection molding to create this sustainable collection. This process significantly reduces the use of petroleum-derived resins. The tableware is designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, incorporating various elements to create an attractive form. Nogakel represents a sustainable product that bridges the convenience of plastics with environmental concerns. It allows individuals to coexist with nature while enjoying the benefits of plastic-based products.

Reborn

メーカー：前畑（多治見市）
陶磁器の不良品、破損品、回収品など不要になった陶磁器を資源として再利用した、再生率20%の杯土を使用したテーブルウェア。限りある地球資源を再生し、将来の世代の暮らしを持続可能へ改善することを目指します。

Reborn20 is made with 20% reused materials from unnecessary ceramics, such as defective, damaged, and recovered ones. The manufacturer, Maebata (Tajimi City), aims to regenerate the Earth by utilizing limited resources and advocating for future generations to be sustainable.
  

Metal Craft

Sugiyama

Sugiyama Seisakusho is based in Seki-shi, Gifu Prefecture. Established in 1962, Sugiyama originally produced parts for automobiles and railroad vehicles. Using the facilities and skills cultivated from the long history of manufacturing, Sugiyama Seisakusho is currently producing furniture made of solid iron. Each piece of furniture is carefully handmade and produced by the craftsmen. The unique appearance and texture of the iron, with their delicate finishing touches, make their solid iron furniture unique and attractive.   

Gifu Fair 2023

Gifu Prefecture

Gifu Prefecture is a large, landlocked prefecture of Japan located in the Chubu region of Honshu. It is steeped in centuries of history and tradition, and traditional crafts have long flourished in Gifu. The region is home to Hida woodworking, Mino ware, Mino washi, and other crafts passed down through generations of artisans. These craftsmen's expertise and pride remain greatly valued to this day.