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Our team

Unified vision

Preserve the craft while adapting it to modern trends, ensuring our legacy endures and evolves over time. Our close collaboration and unwavering dedication to quality are at the heart of every creation that emerges from our kiln.

Each member contributes unique expertise and a deep passion for porcelain. Crafting pieces that embody both age-old tradition and contemporary innovation.

Takanobu Tokunaga

Born in Arita Town, Saga Prefecture, Tokunaga-san is the 5th generation and CEO of Kouraku Kiln (Tokunaga Toujiki Kabushikigaisha) since 2010.

His innovative vision has created a new type of factory production. Where both Japanese craftsmen, local and international artist work side by side. His open-mindedness and warm welcome to foreigners has turned into an ever growing network of collaborators. Although Kouraku kiln is know for it’s traditional table ware, the Kouraku Kiln porcelain residency’s notoriety is not far behind. Established in 2013, the residency has seen more than 200 residents from around the world.

In 2016, the factory opened it’s Treasure Hunting activity. Along with the guided tours of the factory, the Kouraku Kiln is now one of the top destination for porcelain lovers.

1992 Graduated from Kyoto City University of Arts, Faculty of Crafts, Ceramics Major. Joined Toyo Glass Co., Ltd. Assigned to Design Office, Marketing Department, Tokyo Head Office.

1997 Appointed Managing Director of the Tokunaga Ceramics Co., Ltd.

1999 Professional Division Award Winner, Tokyo Dome Tableware Festival

2004 Hizen District Design Registration Examination Committee Grand Prize

2010 Appointed President of Tokunaga Ceramics Co., Ltd.

  • Jérémie Paré-Julien

    ART RESIDENCY COORDINATOR, PRODUCT DESIGNER, AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

  • Yamaguchi Hinano , Sugimoto Atsuko, Iwanaga Tomoko

    CUSTOMER RELATION, DISPATCH AND SHIPPING

  • Nonaka Hiroshi

    DECORATION AND OVERGLAZE DEPARTMENT CRAFTMENT AND MANAGER

  • Furukawa Teruyuki

    PLASTER MOULD MAKER AND PRODUCT DESIGNER

  • Sasaki Michiyaki

    FACTORY GENERAL MANAGER

  • Setoguchi Harutaka, Ichikawa Hiroshi

    CRAFTMAN, PRODUCTION MANAGER

  • Tatebayashi Youichi

    ADMINISTRATION MANAGER

  • Takada Ryoji

    ADVISOR AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

  • Khin Htwe Kyi

    OVER GLAZE DECORATION ARTIST

  • Matsumoto Chieko

    OVER GLAZE DECORATION ARTIST

  • Eguchi Machiko

    OVER GLAZE DECORATION ARTIST

  • Ikeda Sayuri

    UNDERGLAZE DECORATION LEAD ARTIST

  • Shomura Daisuke

    GLAZE SPECIALIST

  • Kawazoe Takahisa

    SLIP CASTING SPECIALIST

  • Tanaka Noboru

    FIRING SPECIALIST

  • Yamaguchi Hiroko

    CRAFTSMAN AND ARTIST