The Craftsmanship Legacy
Founded in 1913, our store has a history spanning over 110 years.
The founder of Craft Ogawa, Saijiro Ogawa, was born in 1876 in Gifu. At the age of 14, he began his apprenticeship in joinery and carpentry. By 21, he had moved to Tokyo to study under the renowned sukiya architect, Shinkichi Kawajiri. His talent quickly shone through, earning him an impeccable reputation as a master craftsman. In 1913, he established Ogawa Sashimono Shop. In 1967, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays by the Japanese government. His clientele included members of the imperial family, distinguished figures in politics and business, and numerous celebrities.
While working under his mentor Kawajiri, Saijiro's reliable workmanship garnered attention, especially among clients from the traditional performing arts community. His popularity soared, leading to a steady stream of loyal customers. It was his mentor who advised him to open a shop in Akasaka, marking the beginning of Craft Ogawa.
The second-generation successor, Shohachi Ogawa (a member of the Japan Craft Design Association), not only continued the tradition of manufacturing and selling the traditional crafts that Saijiro had started but also ventured into designing and creating new wooden crafts. He foresaw the changing times and sought clients in diverse industries such as television networks and universities. Additionally, he paved the way for modernizing traditional crafts, making them more relevant and appealing to contemporary tastes.
The third-generation owner, Junichiro, was born in 1957. From a young age, he assisted his grandfather and father, becoming familiar with craftsmanship as a part of his daily life. Through the family business, he interacted with numerous artists and was influenced by them.
Junichiro pursued his studies in sculpture at Tokyo Gakugei University. After advancing to graduate school, he worked as an art teacher before taking on his current role. He is an active sculptor, holding memberships in the Japan Sculpture Association and the Pacific Art Association.
The era from the 1970s to around 1990 was a time of excitement and innovation in design and craftsmanship.
During this period when the world turned its attention to design, Scandinavian design gained immense popularity, captivating a wide range of generations. At Craft Ogawa, we expanded our offerings from traditional crafts to more modernized, mass-produced items. These products were carefully selected by Junichiro's discerning eye, attracting a large customer base.
Our products have been cherished by cultural figures and celebrities, including Seiji Ozawa, Naosumi Yamamoto, Takako Doi, Yohei Kono, Kaoru Shoji, and Donald Keene.
From 2010 Onwards - The Expansion of Inbound Demand and the Future
Since 2000, Japan's domestic economy has stagnated, leading to a decline in domestic demand. On the other hand, the number of foreign customers visiting our store in search of Japanese souvenirs has increased. Craft Ogawa is responding to this inbound demand and aiming to establish an international presence through the launch of a cross-border e-commerce site.
The fourth-generation heir, Sohei Ogawa, who assists with the store while working a corporate job, says, "Many of our overseas customers choose products based on their own sensibilities rather than well-known brands like 'Arita-yaki' or 'Edo Kiriko.' It's fascinating to see this. In the future, we aim to make our store a must-visit destination for visitors from abroad. We want to create a space where people can truly appreciate Japanese culture, not just a simple souvenir shop. To achieve this, we plan to enhance our gallery offerings as well."
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