You can enjoy one design with different materials. A project called "Sōen" launched together by seven traditional craft brands.
2023.07.24 published
Share Brand "Sōen"
Have you heard of the brand "Sōen," which was born with the aspiration to revitalize Japan's traditional cultural industries?
Sōen is a brand created collaboratively by Nousaku, Sghr, NAGAE, Demold, Plakira, Urushi Studio Oshima, and aete.
By sharing the same design, it offers a variety of products made from different "materials" that share the same shape.
Enjoying the same design with different materials.
The products made by Sōen come in various materials with the same design.
✅ Tin: Nousaku
✅ Glass: Sghr
✅ Porcelain: NAGAE
✅ Stainless Steel: Demold
✅ Resin: Plakira
✅ Wood: Urushi Studio Oshima
Each company produces its own items, while aete consistently handles the design for PR and promotional materials.
Since various materials are available in the same design, you can choose based on preferences, such as "My husband who drinks beer can have a tin tumbler," "I who love café au lait can have a glass tumbler," and "My 2-year-old daughter can have a resin tumbler that won't break."
Choosing glasses or tumblers that match each person's needs or uses can often disrupt a cohesive look in the kitchen, but opting for Sōen items allows you to maintain uniformity through similar looks across different materials. *
(Isn't that amazing? Moreover, they are crafted by representative traditional Japanese industries, each producing the same shape!)
Through the collaboration of different manufacturers,
✅ Design cost reduction for each manufacturer
✅ Sharing of packaging materials
✅ Advertisement cost reduction
✅ Shared sales channels
This is all done efficiently, contributing to the revitalization of Japan's traditional cultural industries.
Sōen's Design: "Two Circles"
Sōen offers various products, such as tumblers, ochoko (sake cups), and wine coolers, all based on the concept of "two circles."
Since Sōen develops one shape in various materials, it prioritizes a "simple form" that harmonizes with any material and "alluring lines."
The result is the charming and beautiful two circles. They create forms that evoke a sense of calm and nostalgia, crafted with care.♡
Let's take a closer look at Sōen's products♡
◆ Tumblers (SML)
Tumblers come in three sizes: S, M, and L.
The S size features a unique design resembling an upside-down kagami mochi (a traditional rice cake)♡
Despite its compact and cute appearance, it holds 240ml, similar to a standard mug's capacity. *
The M size resembles a snowman turned into a cup.
It has a capacity of 400ml, perfectly fitting a 350ml can of juice or beer! (With beer, including the foam, it fits just right!)
The L size has a large capacity of 500ml!
Its elongated silhouette allows for making cream sodas or coffee floats.♡
It’s also popular as a flower vase! *
➡ View the list of tumblers here*
◆ Color Tumblers (SM)
The color tumblers are made from a resin material called Tritan. They look so similar to glass that even professionals can mistake them for glass! *
Although they resemble glass, they are unbreakable due to the resin material, making them ideal for long-term use. They’re perfect glasses for children too!♡
They come with a "lifetime unbreakable guarantee," are dishwasher safe, and can withstand boiling water at 100 degrees, all for an attractive price of 1,210 yen (for size S)!
Size S is 210ml, and size M is 375ml. *
➡ View the list of color tumblers here*
◆ Ochoko
The petite ochoko also makes it a must-have item to pair with the tumblers!♡
They are excellent not only as sake cups but also as small bowls for snacks or condiments due to their perfect size. *
➡ View the list of ochoko here*
◆ Pitcher (Small & Large)
A pitcher is something one would want to keep alongside the ochoko. It's perfect for serving cold sake, as well as for dressing, sauces, dipping sauces, or even for items like stews, salads, or yogurt. It's surprisingly versatile and handy to have one!♡
➡ View the list of pitchers here*
◆ Plates
Sōen also offers a lineup of plates! There are flat plates, deep plates, and bowls available in various materials. *
✅ Flat Plate XS: Tin, Beech
✅ Flat Plate S: Tin, Porcelain, Beech
✅ Flat Plate M: Tin, Beech
✅ Flat Plate L: Tin
✅ Flat Plate XL: Tin
✅ Deep Plate: Porcelain
✅ Bowl: Porcelain, Beech
➡ View the list of plates here*