POJ Studio

What POJ Studio does

POJ Studio is a Kyoto-based, founder-led e-commerce and experience platform that connects Japanese master artisans with global consumers across categories including tableware, decor, furniture, fragrance, textiles, and traditional DIY craft kits (kintsugi, sumi calligraphy). Its technological core is not software but the codified practice of hon-kintsugi — authentic ceramic repair using 100% natural urushi lacquer and 24K gold powder — together with a curated supply network spanning eight craft traditions. Distribution and revenue operate through six channels: a Shopify-powered DTC storefront (products priced $5–$5,766, with free international shipping above $300), workshops and multi-day immersions ($112–$849), two-month introductory and one-month advanced kintsugi apprenticeships in Kyoto, a professional kintsugi repair service, wholesale partnerships, and a B2B POJ Studio Interiors design concierge serving architects, designers, hotels, and restaurants.

The company runs an owned flagship in Kyoto (opened September 2022), international physical presence through US pop-ups in Long Beach and San Francisco plus an upcoming Zurich location with Limited Stock GmbH (June 2026), and premium retail distribution through Lane Crawford across four Hong Kong locations. A global apprentice alumni network across 10+ countries acts as a low-cost community and brand-extension layer. POJ Studio is bootstrapped/private, has 1–10 employees, and reportedly earned press in Vogue, Wallpaper, The New York Times Wirecutter, Condé Nast Traveler, Forbes Japan, and Noma Projects.

Name

POJ Studio

Legal name

POJ Studio

Website

https://pojstudio.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

POJ Studio is a Kyoto-based e-commerce and experience platform that connects Japanese master artisans with global consumers, selling authentic crafts (kintsugi kits, ceramics, furniture, textiles) and offering workshops, apprenticeships, repair services, and a B2B interiors concierge worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Japanese Artisan Crafts Retail

NAICS

Sewing, Needlework, and Piece Goods Retailers (459130), Office Supplies and Stationery Retailers (459410)

SIC

Pens, Pencils & Other Artists' Materials (3950), Miscellaneous Furniture & Fixtures (2590)

akta.pro primary industry

General Arts & Crafts Supplies Retail (CRALACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Arts & Crafts Workshops (Painting, Pottery, Ceramics, Sculpture) (THAJAKAA), Traditional & Indigenous Crafts Lessons (Heritage Skills, Folk Arts) (THAJAKAH)

Keywords

• Japanese artisan crafts
• Kintsugi repair kits
• Japanese ceramics tableware
• Handcrafted home goods
• Japanese craft workshops

Headquarters

HQ city

Kyoto-shi

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Product Sales (E-commerce): POJ Studio's primary revenue stream is direct-to-consumer sales of Japanese artisan products through its Shopify-powered e-commerce platform. Categories include tableware (ceramics, wood, bamboo, glass, washi), decor (cast iron, stone, textiles, noren/tapestries, mirrors), fragrance/incense, furniture, daily living items, and DIY craft kits. Products range from $5 to over $5,000, with free international shipping for orders above USD $300.
2. Experiences and Classes: Revenue from in-person kintsugi workshops and immersions hosted in Kyoto, as well as pop-up events in Long Beach, San Francisco, and upcoming Zurich. Offerings include 1-hour, 2-hour, and 2-day kintsugi immersion formats. Prices range from $112 to $849 per experience.
3. Apprenticeship Programs: Structured kintsugi apprenticeship programs — a 2-month introductory program and a 1-month advanced program — taught in Kyoto. These represent premium educational offerings generating revenue while also building a global community of kintsugi practitioners.
4. Professional Repair Service: POJ Studio offers a kintsugi repair service for damaged pieces, providing quotes after assessing the ware via a request form. Repairs are handled by kintsugi specialists using authentic urushi and gold/silver/brass/tin finishing options.
5. Wholesale: POJ Studio offers wholesale to approved retailers, with a list of wholesale products, prices, MOQs, and relevant information available via email inquiry at [email protected]. Not all countries or items may be eligible.
6. POJ Studio Interiors (Design Concierge): B2B interior design concierge service targeting architects, designers, restaurants, hotels, galleries, and private clients. Services include interior styling, architectural craft integration, antique/art sourcing, and project facilitation for integrating Japanese craftsmanship into architectural and interior projects globally.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

POJ Studio sells authentic Japanese artisan craft products — including kintsugi repair kits, ceramics (Shigaraki, ōryōki), textiles (Ainu, indigo noren), furniture (Nakagawa collection), cast iron goods, incense, and calligraphy kits — through its own Shopify e-commerce storefront, a flagship Kyoto retail/workshop space, and international channel partners. The company also delivers educational and experiential offerings: self-paced kintsugi video tutorials, in-studio workshops in Kyoto and pop-up cities, multi-week kintsugi and woodworking apprenticeship programs, and multi-day craft immersions. A professional kintsugi repair service and a B2B design concierge (POJ Studio Interiors) extend the offering into repair and architectural integration services.

Product overview

POJ Studio operates as an e-commerce marketplace and experience platform connecting Japanese artisans with global customers. The core product portfolio centers on authentic Japanese crafts including Kintsugi repair kits (basic and advanced), Pieces of Kyoto pre-broken antique kits, calligraphy (Sumi) kits, traditional Shigaraki ceramics, Ōryōki bowls, indigo wall pieces, Noren tapestries, Ainu textiles, and Japanese incense. The offering extends through experiential add-ons: self-paced kintsugi online learning with instructional downloads, in-studio workshops in Kyoto and pop-ups, intensive apprentice programs (introductory two-month and advanced one-month), woodworking apprentice programs, Japanese craft immersions, and professional kintsugi repair services. POJ Studio Interiors provides design concierge services for architectural integration of Japanese craftsmanship. All products emphasize traditional techniques, natural materials, and cultural preservation, with the company mission focused on sustaining Japanese artisan traditions for future generations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Kintsugi Kits DIY kits for learning the Japanese art of kintsugi repair, including basic kits with urushi lacquer, gold powder, and tools, plus advanced kits for more complex repairs. Sold direct-to-consumer globally.
• Pieces of Kyoto – Kintsugi Kits Beginner kintsugi kits featuring pre-broken antique pieces sourced from Kyoto flea markets, paired with urushi lacquer, gold powder, and repair instructions for authentic kintsugi practice.
• Calligraphy Kits (Sumi Kits) DIY kits for Japanese calligraphy including colored sumi ink sets, scented sumi kits, and washi paper products sold direct-to-consumer.
• Kintsugi In-Studio Workshops Hands-on kintsugi workshops taught in Kyoto and at pop-up locations in Long Beach, San Francisco, and Zurich, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Delivered by trained kintsugi specialists and apprentice alumni.
• Kintsugi Apprentice Programs Intensive two-month introductory and one-month advanced programs teaching authentic Japanese kintsugi repair techniques in Kyoto, including hands-on field trips and cultural immersion. Produces a global network of apprentice alumni.
• Keihoku Woodworking Apprentice Program (Sashimono) Apprenticeship program teaching sashimono, a traditional no-nails Japanese joinery method of woodworking, in the forests of Keihoku, Kyoto.
• Japanese Craft Immersions Multi-day immersive experiences teaching Japanese crafts, including 2-day kintsugi immersions, run in Kyoto and Zurich with cultural and educational programming.
• Kintsugi Repair Service Professional kintsugi repair service for damaged ceramics and tableware, handled by kintsugi specialists using authentic urushi and gold, silver, brass, or tin finishing options. Quotes provided after assessment via a request form.
• POJ Studio Interiors (Design Concierge) B2B interior design and architectural craft integration service curating Japanese craftsmanship for residential and commercial projects, including antique sourcing, interior styling, and project facilitation. Targets architects, designers, restaurants, hotels, galleries, and private clients globally.
• Japanese Artisan Tableware & Ceramics Collection E-commerce catalog of authentic Japanese artisan tableware including Shigaraki ceramic plates, bowls, dishes, and ōryōki nested bowls in white and black finishes. Sold direct-to-consumer globally.
• Nakagawa Furniture Collection Design-forward furniture and decor by artisan Nakagawa Shuji, including warped oke buckets, wine coolers, coffee tables, and stools. Sold direct-to-consumer globally with custom/made-to-order options up to $5,766.
• Cast Iron Collection Cast iron home goods including fūrin wind chimes, incense burners, candle stands, and trivet items, crafted by the 16th generation of Suzuki Morihisa. Sold direct-to-consumer.
• Indigo Wall Pieces and Noren Handcrafted wall hangings and room dividers featuring traditional Japanese shibori tie-dyeing, rōketsu-zome wax-resist dyeing, and embroidery techniques. Sold direct-to-consumer, with custom Noren options from $589.
• Ainu Textile Collection Handcrafted textiles and home goods inspired by Japan's indigenous Ainu communities, including blankets and noren. Sold direct-to-consumer.
• Japanese Incense Collection Japanese incense including Leaf Incense (Sugi, Hinoki, Yuzu), Sen Incense (Hinoki, Kinmokusei), and Uzumaki Incense in various fragrances. Sold direct-to-consumer at $18–$48.
• Wholesale Program Wholesale offering for approved retailers with product list, prices, and MOQs provided via email inquiry to [email protected]. Not available for all countries or items.

Quantifiable outcome

• Free international shipping for orders above USD $300
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Norm ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025POJ Studio collaborated with Danish architectural design firm Norm Architects on the Joinery Stool — a piece that embodies clean, sustainable design by combining Danish architectural principles with Japanese woodworking craftsmanship. The stool is available in black and natural wood finishes, priced at $810 and $791 respectively.
• Lane CrawfordcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLane Crawford is a premier luxury department store group in Hong Kong. POJ Studio products are available across multiple Lane Crawford locations in Hong Kong including Pacific Place (Admiralty), Canton Road, IFC Mall, and Times Square. This partnership provides POJ Studio with access to a well-heeled retail consumer base in Asia.
• Limited Stock GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLimited Stock GmbH is a Zurich-based retailer at Spiegelgasse 22, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. POJ Studio's retail offering and kintsugi workshops are launching at this location in June 2026. The partnership expands POJ Studio's European presence beyond e-commerce.
• Kickstarter (Ceramics School Fundraiser)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPOJ Studio is fundraising via Kickstarter for the establishment of a Ceramics School in Shigaraki, Japan. The school would create a new apprentice program to sustain traditional Japanese ceramic-making techniques. This is a community-fundraising initiative rather than a commercial partnership.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• MUJI: MUJI is a global Japanese lifestyle retailer offering minimalist home goods, apparel, and food. Comparable to POJ Studio because it shares a Japanese design philosophy and global DTC retail footprint, though MUJI operates at vastly larger scale with mass-market pricing rather than premium artisan positioning.

Direct peers

• Japan Objects Store: Japan Objects Store is a curated online retailer of Japanese artisan crafts, design, and home goods, founded on a magazine of the same name. Directly comparable to POJ Studio's editorial-led e-commerce model, with similar emphasis on artisan storytelling and authentic craft supply chains.
• Sousou: Sousou is a Kyoto-based Japanese textile brand specializing in traditional fabrics, noren, and clothing with a modern sensibility. Comparable to POJ Studio's Kyoto-anchored artisan offerings, particularly the indigo/noren and textile products, and shared commitment to traditional craft techniques.
• Kakimori: Kakimori is a Kururi-based Japanese stationery and ink maker known for custom notebooks, sumi ink, and artisan writing tools. Comparable to POJ Studio's DIY sumi/calligraphy kit category and shared focus on selling premium Japanese artisan materials to global buyers interested in craft practice.
• Folkways: Folkways curates and sells handcrafted Japanese home goods directly to global consumers, with a focus on artisanal ceramics, textiles, and kitchenware. Closely aligned with POJ Studio's positioning as a curated bridge between Japanese artisans and international buyers interested in craftsmanship and heritage.
• Tortoise General Store: Tortoise is a Los Angeles-based Japanese craft and lifestyle retailer founded by a Japanese owner, offering curated artisan homewares and clothing. Directly comparable to POJ Studio's US retail operations and premium Japanese craft assortment, including both physical and e-commerce channels.
• Kiriko Made: Kiriko Made is a Portland-based Japanese textile and apparel brand producing indigo-dyed and traditional Japanese craft goods in the US. Comparable to POJ Studio as a Western-market retailer translating Japanese textile traditions for premium consumers, with overlapping product categories in indigo and homewares.
• Goods from Japan: Goods from Japan is an online retailer specializing in traditional Japanese home goods, kitchenware, and lifestyle products shipped globally. Directly comparable to POJ Studio's e-commerce model, artisan product mix, and global shipping model from Japan to international consumers.

Emerging players

• TOKiON the Store: TOKiON is a Tokyo-based creative retailer blending Japanese fashion, craft, and culture for a global audience, with a curated shop and online storefront. Comparable to POJ Studio as a curated Japanese craft retailer serving international consumers interested in design-led, culturally-rooted goods.
• Mashiko Studio: Mashiko Studio sells Japanese pottery, tableware, and artisan home goods to international buyers, with a strong focus on Mashiko-region ceramics. Comparable to POJ Studio's Shigaraki ceramics and tableware offerings, overlapping on curated Japanese artisan pottery at premium price points.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/pojstudio
• Facebookfacebook.com/pojstudio

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about POJ Studio