Good things reach the people who will love them.
Japan Documented began with a simple frustration. Some of the finest things made in Japan, folded and fired and forged by hand in small workshops, never reach the people abroad who would treasure them. The maker is quiet. The language is a wall. The story stays home.
So we document it. We travel to the workshop, learn the craft and the person behind it, and carry both across the world with the object. When a silk brooch arrives folded petal by petal by Ayano in Matsudo, or a rice bowl reissued from a 1975 Sori Yanagi design arrives from Mizunami, the story arrives with it.
Filmed at Tajima Glass, Tokyo
What we believe
A tool can be bought anywhere. An object you truly connect with is different. It carries the intention of the person who made it, the region it came from, and the years of tradition behind it. We choose only pieces we would keep ourselves, and we tell you exactly where each one comes from.
How we work
We work directly with named makers and long-standing workshops across Japan. Many pieces are made in small numbers, some to order. Every order ships from Japan with tracking and is wrapped with care, because the moment it is opened is part of the gift.
Who we are
Japan Documented is a small team based in Tokyo. Since 2023 we have interviewed more than 150 people across Japan, from candle makers and swordsmiths to sumo wrestlers and tatami weavers, and shared their stories on japan-documented.com and Instagram, where more than 150,000 people follow along.
150+interviews recorded in Japan since 2023
150,000followers on Instagram, @japan_documented
2023the year we started documenting Japan
The team
A note from Leo
I grew up watching a lively shopping street near Tokyo slowly lose its shops. Good things disappear when nobody tells their story. I started Japan Documented to stand in front of the camera for makers who would rather stay at the bench, so that their work reaches the people who will love it.
Documented in Japan. Sent to you with its story intact.
Our Promise
Traceable, Sustainable, Authentic.
We only offer products that we would use in our own homes. Every item is 100% made in Japan, with fully traceable production. We set fair prices that respect the artisan’s labor, so that traditional craft and modern living can thrive together.
Frequently asked questions
Are your products handmade?
Many of them are. Our Warosoku candles, tsumami-zaiku silk flowers and Kaminoka paper flowers are shaped by hand, piece by piece. Other items, such as our porcelain tableware and kitchen knives, come from small workshops that pair traditional techniques with modern equipment. Either way, you may notice slight differences in glaze, color or texture from one piece to the next. In Japan these are valued as part of each object's character.
How do I care for my Japanese ceramics?
To preserve the integrity of the glaze and material, we recommend hand-washing most items. For specific pieces, please check if they are microwave or dishwasher safe on the product page, as traditional high-fire techniques vary.
How do you ensure fragile items don't break during transit?
Nearly every order arrives safely. Fragile pieces such as pottery and glassware are wrapped in several protective layers for international transit. If anything does arrive damaged, send us a photo at support@j-doc.jp and we will make it right.
How does my purchase support Japanese artisans?
We work directly with small-scale workshops and individual makers. By cutting out unnecessary middlemen, we ensure a larger portion of the retail price goes directly back to the artisans, helping to sustain their craft for future generations.
Will I have to pay import duties on my order?
United States: no. We prepay US import duties and include them in the price, so there is nothing extra to pay on delivery.
Other countries: your local customs may charge import duties and taxes on delivery. These are paid by the recipient.
How much is shipping, and how long does it take?
Free shipping on orders over around US$200. Smaller orders ship at a flat rate of ¥2,000 (around US$13). Every order ships from Japan with tracking. In-stock items are dispatched within 1 to 3 business days, and delivery usually takes 1 to 3 weeks depending on your country.
Can I return an item?
Yes. You can request a return within 10 days of receiving your order, as long as the item is unused and in its original packaging. Made-to-order and personalized items cannot be returned. Contact support@j-doc.jp to start a return, or see our Refund Policy.
Do you offer gift wrapping or traditional Japanese packaging?
Yes, many of our items can be wrapped in traditional Japanese style. You can select the gift-wrapping option at checkout to have your order prepared with the same aesthetic care found in high-end Japanese boutiques.
Do you offer bulk orders for restaurants or cafes?
We love partnering with businesses that appreciate Japanese craft. Please contact our concierge team for inquiries regarding bulk orders or professional-use tableware.