About Us
“Where Legacy Becomes Light”
Founding Vision
YUUGEN was born from the vision of Mr. Sesuke Oonishi, a legendary figure in Japanese retail development. In the early days of Japan’s 100-yen shop revolution, he led the opening of over 1,000 Can Do locations nationwide, forever shaping modern Japanese consumer culture. Yet, beyond business growth, his true passion lay in something deeper — the enduring beauty of Japanese craftsmanship.
After achieving tremendous success with a pottery specialty store in Gero, Gifu — the heart of Mino ware — Mr. Oonishi returned to his roots, founding YUUGEN in Fukuoka, the vibrant city of his birth. Here, he brings together the finest works of Arita, Hasami, and Mino ware, creating a curated space that celebrates the soul of Japanese ceramics in its most refined form.
“Crafted Moments, Carried Through Time”
Driving Mission
At YUUGEN, our mission is to create a sanctuary where artistry, heritage, and contemporary taste coexist in harmony. The name YUUGEN (釉幻) — combining “glaze” and “illusion” — speaks not only to a beauty that reveals itself subtly, like light through ceramic glaze, but also to the idea of phantom glazes and rare works that have yet to be seen. This reflects our founder’s vision of a boutique that offers singular, almost mythical pieces, each carrying the quiet depth of Japanese tradition into the modern world.
We believe that the essence of Japanese ceramics lies not only in form and function, but in the quiet dialogue between nature, human hands, and time. Through carefully selected works by master artisans, YUUGEN introduces these treasures to the world — honoring the spirit of tradition while inviting new interpretations that speak to contemporary living.
“In Every Piece, a Living Promise”
Commitment
Our commitment is threefold:
- To honor and sustain the cultural legacy of Japanese pottery.
- To connect global audiences with meaningful, lasting craftsmanship.
- To serve as a trusted bridge between Japan’s artisan communities and collectors who seek beauty with depth and integrity.
YUUGEN is more than a gallery — it is a living expression of one man’s lifelong devotion to craft, culture, and connection.
Heritage, Refined Daily
YUUGEN - Fukuoka
Opened in November 2024, YUUGEN is a boutique dedicated to curating Japanese artistry for contemporary living. Located in the heart of Fukuoka, the space is continually evolving through close collaborations with local masters of traditional craft.
Recent partnerships include a project with renowned artisans from Ōkawa — Japan’s celebrated center of fine furniture making — resulting in the renewal of our boutique’s counter table and latticework. Each collaboration reflects YUUGEN’s commitment to harmonizing timeless craftsmanship with refined modern design, creating a space as inspiring as the works it presents.
Address: 1F Gates Bldg. 3-7-24 Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Japan