We ship worldwide! Please feel free to contact us!

Month: June 2025

A Taste of Japan: DIY Monaka Sweets from La Collina by Taneya

Posted on By

Hello, this is Eri!

The other day, I visited La Collina, a beautiful facility run by Taneya in Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture.

Surrounded by nature, with stunning architecture and whimsical design, the place feels like stepping into a fairytale world.

One thing that immediately caught my eye was this unique, oil-can-shaped package.

Inside was one of Taneya’s signature sweets, Fukumi Tenbin—a traditional Japanese monaka (wafer sweet).

This special can version is only available at La Collina!

You can find it in the gift shop, which is set inside a charming garage filled with antique vehicles. It’s such a fun and nostalgic space.

Fukumi Tenbin is a type of monaka where you sandwich sweet red bean paste between two crispy wafers—by yourself!

That’s right—this is a DIY-style Japanese sweet, and the process is part of the fun.

It’s super easy to assemble:

  1. Open the red bean paste packet
  2. Sandwich it between the two wafers

That satisfying crunch when you bite in, paired with the rich flavor of the filling, makes it a truly delightful treat.

This time, I served it on a colorful Kutani-yaki plate, a type of traditional Japanese porcelain.

The combination of handcrafted sweets and a beautifully crafted dish made the moment feel extra special—like a quiet celebration of Japanese artistry.

If you’re ever in the Kansai region, I highly recommend visiting La Collina Omihachiman.

It’s more than just a sweets shop—it’s a place where you can experience the world of Japanese confections.

Prefer to read in Japanese?

→ 日本語の記事はこちらからどうぞ。



Celebrate Tanabata with Mino Ware: Stars, Wishes, and Summer Flavors

Posted on By

Hello, this is Eri.

July 7th marks Tanabata, a traditional Japanese festival.

It is inspired by a romantic legend where Orihime and Hikoboshi, two lovers separated by the Milky Way, are allowed to meet only once a year—on this special night.

On Tanabata, people write wishes on colorful paper strips and hang them on bamboo branches. Star-themed decorations also add a festive touch to the celebration.

This occasion also brings seasonal charm to the dining table.

A popular Tanabata dish is somen noodles, arranged to resemble the Milky Way.

These smooth, chilled noodles are perfect for Japan’s humid summer and provide a refreshingly cool treat.

You can garnish the plate with star-shaped carrots or cucumber slices cut like bamboo leaves for a touch of summer flair.

At Miyake Ceramics, we offer tableware that complements the Tanabata season beautifully.

Our star-shaped small bowls are ideal for holding condiments like chopped myoga, ginger, or shiso leaves.

Leaf-shaped plates inspired by bamboo are perfect for serving small appetizers or traditional sweets.

The soba cups with bamboo designs are great for dipping sauce, and the bamboo-leaf chopstick rests subtly add a seasonal accent to the setting.

By reflecting the season in your choice of tableware, your everyday meals can feel a little more special.

Why not celebrate Tanabata night with elegant, refreshing dishes that embrace the spirit of the season?

Prefer to read in Japanese?

→ 日本語の記事はこちらからどうぞ。

Savor the Season: Chilled Potato Soup in Artisan-Made Mino Ware

Posted on By

Though June is typically known as the rainy season in Japan, here in Toki City, Gifu, the summer heat has already arrived. With the sun blazing outside, we often find ourselves craving something cool and refreshing — especially during lunch.

One of my favorite seasonal dishes is a chilled Potato soup. Naturally sweet and smooth, it gently comforts the body and refreshes the spirit — a perfect remedy for hot and humid days.

To enhance the experience, I served it in carefully crafted Mino ware bowls.

The white bowl features a soft, matte texture that feels natural and calming in the hand.

The black bowl, with its quiet elegance, beautifully offsets the pale color of the soup, adding visual harmony to the table.

In Japanese culture, we often say that presentation is part of the flavor.

Thoughtfully chosen tableware doesn’t just hold the food — it tells a story, reflects the season, and shows care for the person who enjoys it.

Why not embrace the summer heat the Japanese way — with a simple, comforting soup, presented in cool, artisan-crafted Mino ware that brings together tradition, design, and functionality?

Let your customers experience the quiet luxury of Japanese hospitality — one bowl at a time.

Prefer to read in Japanese?

→ 日本語の記事はこちらからどうぞ。

Silver Bowls, Sweet Moments

Posted on By

Hi, this is Eri!

Recently, a friend of mine visited from Tokyo, and as always, we took the chance to explore another charming café together — this time in the town of Tajimi.

One of our favorite things to do when she comes to Gifu is go café-hopping, and this spot is known for its seasonal fruit kakigori (shaved ice desserts).

This time, we ordered the Fresh Strawberry Kakigori.

It came beautifully topped with vibrant red strawberries, a generous layer of yogurt cream, and even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The most memorable part? The silver bowl it was served in.

Cool to the touch and stunning in its simplicity, the silverware added a unique sense of occasion — turning each spoonful into a refreshing and luxurious experience.

We also enjoyed a hearty lunch set featuring honey mustard chicken, which was as flavorful as it was satisfying!

As the seasons change, I’m already looking forward to coming back to discover new flavors.

Last time we visited, I tried their pineapple and peach kakigori — here are some photos I’d love to share with you:

🍍 Pineapple Kakigori　
Juicy, sweet, and light — like capturing a taste of summer in a bowl.

🍑 Peach Kakigori
Delicately sweet with a creamy yogurt topping that balances the flavor beautifully.

While this café didn’t use Mino ware this time, I couldn’t help but notice how much the right tableware enhances the experience of even a simple dessert.

Whether it’s ceramic, glass, or metal — the feel of the material in your hands can leave a lasting impression.

Hope this inspires you to enjoy more fruit-filled summer moments, wherever you are!

Prefer to read in Japanese?

→ 日本語の記事はこちらからどうぞ。

Father’s Day Around the World — and in Japan

Posted on By

Hi, I’m Eri from Miyake Ceramics!

In Japan, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June.

It’s a day to say thank you to the dads who work hard every day — though compared to Mother’s Day, it sometimes gets a bit less attention.

Interestingly, many countries also celebrate Father’s Day on the same day — the third Sunday of June.

For example, the U.S., the U.K., Canada, India, and the Netherlands all share this date.

However, some countries have their own unique traditions:

  • In Thailand, Father’s Day is on December 5th — the birthday of the late King Bhumibol.
  • In Germany, it’s celebrated on Ascension Day with hiking and beer (yes, really!).
  • In Italy and Spain, Father’s Day is on March 19th, tied to a Catholic tradition.

No matter the country, it’s a chance to show appreciation for fathers in our lives.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful Father’s Day gift, why not consider Japanese tableware?

From hand-crafted beer mugs and “sobachoko” (small cups for noodles or drinks), to sake cups and traditional tea bowls —

our Mino ware pieces are simple, beautiful, and full of warmth.

They’re perfect for fathers who enjoy good food, drinks, or simply the art of slowing down with a cup of tea.

Give a gift that brings comfort every day — and adds a touch of Japanese craftsmanship to your dad’s table.

🎁 Recommended Father’s Day Gifts from Miyake Ceramics

1. Handmade Beer Cups

Perfect for dads who love a cold drink after a long day.

Our beer mugs are crafted with a sturdy handle and a gentle curve that fits comfortably in the hand.

The natural textures and earthy glazes enhance the flavor and feel of every sip.

2. Sobachoko Cups (Traditional Japanese multipurpose cups)

Originally used for dipping sauce with soba noodles, these versatile cups are now loved for many purposes — as small drinkware, dessert bowls, or even as little planters.

They make a practical yet stylish gift for everyday use.

3. Guinomi (Sake Cups)

Compact and elegant, our guinomi are a thoughtful gift for dads who enjoy sake or fine spirits.

Each piece has its own unique glaze and hand-thrown character — small in size, rich in presence.

4. Yunomi (Japanese Tea Cups)

A classic choice for tea lovers.

Our yunomi cups come in various finishes, from soft matte to glossy deep hues, and offer a warm, tactile feel with every cup of tea.

5. Small Bowl Sets

For those who love to cook or entertain, small bowl sets are always appreciated.

Ideal for side dishes, appetizers, or snacks, these pieces bring charm to the table with their simple, rustic beauty.

Each item is made with care by artisans in the Mino region of Japan — a perfect blend of function, tradition, and heart.

Why not choose a piece that brings comfort and charm to your dad’s everyday life?


Prefer to read in Japanese?

→ 日本語の記事はこちらからどうぞ。