ABOUT TOKODO

陶香堂について

Image of Kiyomizu-cup

ABOUT TOKODO

Since 1936, Tokodo has continued the philosophy of its founder, Sumio Yoshioko, to provide only the best ceramics, collected across Japan, to please customers. The quality and the wide variety of selections were recognized by the Royal Palace. We received the Royal Warrant in 1949. Our ceramics are created for both household use and professional use in restaurants and hotels. Our customers select our pieces because they trust our quality. They can always find pieces in our selection that fit their needs, from daily use to special gifts.

photo of Sumio Yoshioka

TOKODO FOUNDER

SUMIO YOSHIOKA

吉岡澄雄

Sumio Yoshioka was born in Toyama prefecture. He was an artistically gifted child, and he showed remarkable talent for calligraphy and paintings. It was not easy for him to decide whether to become an artist or a fine art dealer. Eventually, he decided to become a fine art dealer because of his keen eye for beauty and his exquisite taste.

Toyama province is located in northern Japan and is a producing area of Kutani-Ware. Sumio decided to move to Tokyo from Toyama and open Tokodo in Aoyama, Tokyo, in 1936. He brought Kutani-Ware ceramics from Toyama and visited every customer’s home to show the quality of the ceramics. Before too long, his ceramic collection’s quality received publicity, and Tokodo became a popular ceramics specialty boutique. After World War II, Tokodo moved to Akasaka, Tokyo, but it did not take long for Tokodo to become popular there as well. In 1949, Tokodo received the Royal Warrant from the Imperial Household Agency. His exquisite taste has carried down through the generations to his grandsons, Soichiro and Hayato.

Image of Soichiro Yoshioka

Soichiro Yoshioka

PHILOSOPHY

“Enjoy the appearance of ceramics with your eyes, its texture with your hands, and its spirit with your heart.”

Real ceramics is an artform. Japanese ceramic artists spend time creating each unique piece of art. People feel enriched with imagination in the scenes of their favorite ceramic art. Days pass as people easily lose themselves in the artwork.

It is important that we relax and find ways to relieve stress. Plastic plates and paper cups won’t bring you any joy, but real, authentic ceramics that Japanese craftsman created just for you can bring you pleasure every day. Tokodo’s mission is to bring harmony to the world by providing authentic Japanese ceramics.

Image of Hayato Yoshioka

Hayato Yoshioka

Image of chopstick rests

CONCEPT

“Make fine dishes even better and dining moments even more enjoyable.”

Tokodo’s ceramics are not only aesthetically pleasing, but functional and comfortable to use. Our selection will stimulate your vision and your sense of touch. The beautiful design will add color to your dining scene. Japanese people hold their tableware in their hands while dining, so people have high expectations for the texture of their bowls. High-quality materials make the texture of your food and drink even smoother. Because of the ergonomic design of the pieces, you will be unaware of the weight while holding them. Together, these features raise your tableware to the next level.

Tokodo continues to provide exquisite ceramics that produce synergy with your dishes and become the artwork of your dining room. Tokodo continues to provide exquisite ceramics that produce synergy with your dishes and become the artwork of your dining room.

Picture of two kiyomizu ware plates
Collage photo of Tokodo history

HISTORY

1936
Established “Yoshioka Tokodo” in Aoyama, Tokyo, by Sumio Yoshioka.
1948
Moved the store to Akasaka, Tokyo.
1949
Received the Royal Warrant from the Imperial Household Ministry.
1959
Opened up a branch store in the Kichijyoji Meiten department store.
1961
Delivered Tableware when the Fukiage Gosho (Emperor Showa’s imperial palace) was completed.
1989
Changed the organization and company name to Tokodo, Inc.; Tokodo building was completed.
1990
Delivered more than 20,000 tableware pieces when Emperor Kinjo acceded to the throne.
2007
Delivered tableware to the Imperial Household Agency for a banquet.
2016
Delivered tableware for the Imperial Garden Party.

CLIENT COMPANIES

GOVERNMENT

  • Imperial Household Agency
  • Patent Agency
  • Ministry of Finance
  • Government bureaucrats and congressional representatives

FOOD INDUSTRY

  • Toraya
  • Kaiseki Tsujidome
  • Tsukiji Jisaku
  • Akasaka Tsuyama
  • Akasaka Matsubaya
  • Ozashiki Tempura Tenmasa
  • Grill Manten-boshi
  • Chianti
  • Ginza Tadano
  • Ginza Kokoro
  • Ginza Minami
  • Ginza Kuwano
  • Sushi Miyazono
  • SushiShou Saito
  • Tsuruhachi
  • And many other foreign restaurants

MEDIA INDUSTRY

  • TBS
  • Fuji Television
  • Hakuhodo
  • Kabukiza

HOTEL

  • Hotel New Otani
  • Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
  • Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
  • InterContinental Tokyo

TEMPLES

  • Akasaka Hikawa Shrine
  • Toyokawa Inari
  • Sanno-Hie Shrine
  • Shiba Daijingu

OTHERS

  • Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
  • Kashima Corporation
  • Mitsubishi Corporation
  • Tokyo Electron Limited

MEDIA

Thank you for introducing Tokodo

  • Nippon Television Network Corporation
  • TV Asahi Corporation
  • Fuji Television Network, Inc.
  • TV TOKYO Corporation
  • Asahi Satellite Broadcasting Limited
  • Akasaka Keizai Shimbun
  • JAL GUIDE
  • SEKAI BUNKA PUBLISHING INC.
  • Koudansha Ltd.
  • Hearst Fujingaho Co., Ltd.
  • Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha, Ltd.
  • SEIBUNDO SHINKOSHA
  • ESPRE inc.
  • WANI BOOKS CO.,LTD.
  • Nagaoka Shoten
  • The Orangepage Inc.
  • KAZI CO., LTD.
  • NIHONBUNGEISHA Co.,Ltd

STORE INFORMATION

Business Hours

          Weekdays  AM10:00 to PM8:00

          Saturday    AM11:00 to PM6:00

          Closed on Sunday and holidays

Access

From the direction of Hitotsugi Street, a two minute walk from the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi-Line and Ginza-Line Akasaka-mitsuke Station, Exit A.

From the direction of Hitotsugi street, a five minute walk from the Chiyoda-Line Akasaka Station exit.

Ginza-Line:   A two minute walk from Akasaka-mitsuke station

Marunouchi-Line:   A two minute walk from Akasaka-mitsuke station

Hanzomon-Line:   A five minute walk from Nagatacho station

Yurakucho-Line:   A seven minute walk from Nagatacho station

Nanboku-Line:   A seven minute walk from Nagatacho station

Chiyoda-Line:   A five minute walk from Akasaka station

MAP