Have you ever heard of “kintsugi” ? Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese restoration technique used to repair broken ceramics. At Tsugu Tsugu, through the art of kintsugi, we wish to offer a eco-friendly alternative to the current model of mass production and mass consumption.
Company Profile
Company name：Tsugu Tsugu Inc.
Established：March 2, 2020, the company existed previously under the name kNotPerfect Inc.
Representative：CEO, Ms Yuki Matano
Capital stock：3 million yen
Head office： akikito apt 1F, Ebisu 2-21-2, Shibuya-ku, 150-0013 Tokyo-to, JAPAN
Phone number：03-6879-0940
Contact : info@kintsugi-girl.com
Opening Hour: 10:00-18:00 (Closed on Wed)
We may have temporary closures. Please always check Google Maps for the latest status before visiting.
Social Media
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tsugu_kintsugi
Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kNotPerfect.jp/
Official Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/tsugutsugu_kintsugi/
Greetings from Founder, Yuki Matano
Have you ever heard of kintsugi?
Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese restoration technique used to repair broken ceramics with natural ingredients such as urushi (the sap of the lacquer tree). Instead of hiding the cracks or chips, kintsugi highlights them with gold, transforming broken pieces into works of art that can be treasured and used for many years.
For me, what is most moving about kintsugi is that it carries a message not only for objects, but also for people. Just like pottery, our lives also have scars and imperfections. Kintsugi teaches us that these marks are not something to be concealed—they can become part of a unique beauty.
At Tsugu Tsugu, through the art of kintsugi, we wish to offer an eco-friendly alternative to the current model of mass production and mass consumption. Our mission is to help build a society where objects are valued, cared for, repaired, and cherished for a long time. We are developing services that connect people who wish to repair their precious items, artisans who can restore them, and anyone who wants to experience kintsugi with their own hands.
Looking ahead, we also hope to collaborate with artisans of other traditional Japanese crafts—an important heritage that is unfortunately declining year by year. By engaging younger generations, we aim to spark new interest in Japan’s traditional culture and craftsmanship.
Tsugu Tsugu Inc.
CEO, Yuki Matano
About Yuki Matano
I was born in Osaka and spent the first part of my career working in the pharmaceutical industry. Yet, I struggled to find meaning in my work and faced many setbacks. Searching for a new path, I studied abroad in Canada and Germany, where I learned different languages and perspectives. Despite my efforts—even trying to enter medical school in Germany—I often felt that I was falling short.
Back in Japan, while pursuing an MBA on weekends and working during the week, I encountered kintsugi for the first time. In fact, my first contact with kintsugi had been earlier, when I accidentally cracked a cherished ceramic I had bought while studying in Germany. I could not bring myself to throw it away, so I searched for someone who could repair it so that I could continue using it with confidence. That was when I first came across kintsugi—but at the time, I saw it simply as a repair method and did not yet understand its depth.
Later, during my MBA studies, a professor from Canada gave a lecture about the philosophy of kintsugi. It was then that I finally realized the true value and meaning of this art. The philosophy of kintsugi was a revelation. It deeply resonated with my own experiences of failure and imperfection, teaching me that scars—whether in objects or in life—can become sources of strength and beauty.
Determined to share this insight with others, I decided to step away from the corporate path and devote myself to learning traditional kintsugi. After intensive training, I founded Tsugu Tsugu, a company dedicated to spreading the beauty of kintsugi through products, workshops, and repair services.
My journey has been full of challenges, but each difficulty has become part of who I am—just like the cracks in pottery filled with gold. With that spirit, I hope to continue bringing the message of kintsugi from Japan to the world.
What We Do
At Tsugu Tsugu, we are dedicated to sharing the timeless beauty and philosophy of kintsugi with people around the world. Our activities span across education, craftsmanship, and global commerce, making kintsugi accessible to beginners and meaningful for professionals.
Sales of Kintsugi Supplies
We ship worldwide a wide range of high-quality kintsugi supplies, including our original “TSUGUKITs”—starter kits designed so that even complete beginners can learn and practice kintsugi by themselves. In addition, we provide professional-grade tools and materials trusted by artisans.
One-of-a-kind Kintsugi Works
Our professional artisans create authentic, one-of-a-kind kintsugi-repaired vessels. Each piece is unique and embodies the philosophy of embracing imperfections with beauty. These works are available for purchase as art pieces.
Kintsugi Workshops
We offer hands-on workshops in our Tokyo studios, where participants can experience kintsugi guided by professionals. For groups, companies, and events, we also provide on-site workshops at your offices, hotels, or conference venues within Tokyo. Workshops are conducted in both Japanese and English, making them accessible to international guests as well.
Professional Kintsugi Repair
Our team of expert artisans carefully restores broken ceramics and tableware using traditional methods. Please note that completed repairs cannot be shipped overseas; customers may collect their items at our studios, or we can ship them within Japan only.