Authentic Kintsugi Workshop: Art of Golden Joinery in Shibuya

Stronger and more beautiful than before it was broken. Through setbacks, hardship, and failure, a new life emerges—refined by embracing the material’s unique character.

At the studio of Taku Nakano, one of Japan’s foremost kintsugi masters and ceramic artists, you can learn the art of kintsugi, view his works, and even purchase pieces.

Taku Nakano is a solitary artist who mastered kintsugi through self-study. Without apprenticing under any teacher, he developed his own “Okunodoi Method,” rooted in the aesthetics of wabi-sabi. Celebrities and renowned brands from around the world visit his studio seeking his artworks. He has held exhibitions in New York, and his contributions to society through art have been recognized with the Order of the Dark Blue Ribbon, awarded by the Emperor of Japan.

This atelier is a new kind of art space—where a museum and a working studio merge into one. Experience authentic craftsmanship and cutting-edge beauty in this truly one-of-a-kind environment.

Kintsugi for Display: Yobitsugi – Option C

A hands-on course that welcomes everyone—from children to adults, including complete beginners.

This workshop allows you to experience yobitsugi, one of the highest forms of kintsugi, in an accessible way. Yobitsugi involves joining pieces of different colors or materials to the damaged area. By combining a perfectly thin line with intentionally thicker, irregular sections and incorporating contrasting materials, this method highlights the wabi-sabi aesthetics of imperfection.

You will perform kintsugi on a handcrafted vessel made by Taku Nakano. Synthetic lacquer that does not cause skin irritation, adhesive, and substitute gold powder are used.

You will learn a style of kintsugi that embraces wabi-sabi, removing all unnecessary elements to highlight simplicity and beauty. The entire lesson is conducted in English.

Your piece will be completed within the 90-minute session and can be taken home immediately. There is also a chance to meet Mr. Taku Nakano on the day of your workshop.

Kintsugi for Display: Edo Komon Small Plate – Option D

A hands-on course that welcomes everyone—from children to adults, and even complete beginners.

In this workshop, you will choose your favorite pattern from five traditional Edo-period designs and apply kintsugi to a small plate. We use synthetic lacquer that does not cause skin irritation, along with adhesive and substitute gold powder.

You will learn a style of kintsugi that embraces wabi-sabi, removing all unnecessary elements to highlight simplicity and beauty. The entire lesson is conducted in English.

Your piece will be completed within the 90-minute session and can be taken home immediately. There is also a chance to meet Mr. Taku Nakano on the day of your workshop.