Newsletter (August 8, 2025, Sakaida Kakiemon XV, Momota Akio)

Hello everyone.

While we've been repeating "It's so hot," "It's so hot, so hot," and "It's so hot, so hot," we've already passed the beginning of autumn on the calendar. The sweltering heat continues during the day, but we're starting to feel a little cooler in the mornings and evenings.
Many people will be starting their Obon holidays tomorrow, and the season is definitely gradually changing into autumn.

This week on our online store, we are introducing new works from Kakiemon Kiln, sake cups made by Kakiemon himself, and three blue-and-white porcelain tea sets by Akio Momota.

This tea set is sold exclusively through "IKKYU tea," an online tea shop run by a Swiss person. Until now, it was only available at Ichibankan, but due to the overwhelming popularity it has received from overseas customers, including those from France, it has now been made available on the online store as well.

Following matcha, Japanese tea seems to be experiencing a quiet boom overseas. I hope that the appeal of Karatsu ware and Arita ware as tableware for enjoying Japanese tea will spread even further around the world.

▼IKKYU tea
https://ikkyu-tea.com/jp/home

As the heat of summer lingers, please take care of yourself and enjoy a healthy and enjoyable Obon holiday.

Naoki Sakamoto, Owner of Ichibankan