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10.29.2024 Tuesday - 11.03.2024 Sunday |
I am thrilled to participate in this exciting 6 days pop-up event this October! It’s an honor to return to Tortoise General Store. TGS is a special place that holds so many cherished memories for me where I learned so much during the Abbot Kinney era. October has always been a significant month in my journey, starting with my very first pop-up at TGS back in 2021 and marking my fourth year since launching the online shop. I can’t wait to reconnect with everyone again this year! -Sachiyo Itabashi, the founder of Yoka
The Joy of Reconnecting with Kyushu's Artisans
My buying trips every year to my childhood home Kyushu, Japan brings new excitement as I meet many talented craftsmen. I have a list of familiar faces I want to see along with new names in my mind. It’s always a pleasure to visit the potters and craftsmen I’ve known over the years, as they continuously evolve their work with fresh styles, glazes, and shapes.
During these reunions, I share many photos from previous pop-up events in the US with the craftspeople. I can see the excitement and happiness on their faces as they see their creations welcomed and appreciated by people overseas.
Sharing stories and updates over the years has been such a joy, and this community continues to inspire me. These moments deepen our connection and reinforce the joy of sharing their artistry with a wider audience.
I can’t wait to showcase these incredible pieces with you at the upcoming pop-up!
A Bittersweet Update from Kyushu
Though every trip to Kyushu is filled with wonderful memories, this visit brought some bittersweet news. A “magewappa” (bent-wood craft) company, a cherished part of Fukuoka’s history since the Edo era, has sadly closed its doors this spring. The artisans, now in their 80s, decided it was time to retire, marking the end of a remarkable 300-year legacy.
I had the privilege of purchasing some of their remaining stock. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of their history—please don’t miss out!
Special Selections of Clay Dolls
I have been a big fan of Mr. Miyawaki’s adorable clay dolls ever since I bought one in Kyushu nearly ten years ago. Mr. Miyawaki has decided to pass on his craft to the next generation. I managed to secure a few of his creations, which may not be available again for some time, so be sure to check these out as well.
I just wanted to share that some of the unique pieces may not be available for a while. I hope you’ll enjoy what I was able to bring back from my latest trip!
I’m also excited to share that I finally met Mrs. Rumiko Yamamoto, a third-generation paper mache doll artist originally from Kumamoto and now based in Kyoto. After communicating for a year, I was able to acquire a few of her beautiful creations.
Additionally, the craftsman Mr. Kuwahara has fulfilled our order from two years ago!
He created Okinjyo kokeshi dolls in different sizes for the first time in a while. Last year, I managed to get only two of his dolls, so this is a special treat! These dolls are considered very rare to find, even in Japan. I also requested a larger size this time, and I can’t wait to share these unique pieces with you at the upcoming pop-up!
Unique Treasures from Kyushu
In addition to the unique items, I’ll showcase many other interesting pieces, including one-of-a-kind pottery and special donabe pots made with plant-based glazes. These glazes are crafted from ingredients grown on the artisan's farm and fermented for over ten years.
This pop-up at Tortoise will feature ALL of my curated products from Kyushu, embodying my passion for showcasing the artistry of my hometown. My vision remains the same: each piece tells a story and connects you to the beautiful traditions of where I grew up, fostering a "Yoka" (means good in the southern dialect) cycle that supports local artisans and their families.
I can’t wait to see you all and share these special treasures with you!
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About YOKA
"Yoka" means "Good" in Japanese, specifically in the Kyushu dialect.
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I have two hometowns, one being Kumamoto in Kyushu (southern Japan) where I was born and grew up. Another is Los Angeles which accepted me as a foreigner and where I met many life-long family friends. Living in the United States as a foreigner, I was dreaming of connecting my hometown to where I live by introducing wonderful craftsmanship and products from Kyushu. My vision is that through these products you will learn about Kyushu and support the local craftsman, their families, which will create the "Yoka" cycle between the countries. On April 16th 2016 Kumamoto was hit by a big earthquake where my beloved family and friends lives have been impacted by the disaster. Many people around myself helped raise funds to support Kumamoto and those actions inspired me to launch this business. I want to introduce unique and thoughtfully created items from Kumamoto and Kyushu-related craftsmen and artists. All items are hand picked by myself. My goal is to tell how products are made and support the local craftsmen to continue their family owned businesses. |
