Aun: Giving Japanese Crafts a Modern Voice in Tokyo

Aun: Japanese Crafts with Modern Design in Tokyo

Aun, a shop specializing in crafts and antiques located in Sendagaya—just a short walk from Harajuku, Yoyogi, and Shinjuku—is a must-visit for everyone who appreciates the beauty of Japanese craft.

This curated shop features a handpicked selection of authentic folk art and antiques from every corner of Japan.

Every piece in the shop carries a unique history; by learning its story and bringing it home, you become part of its legacy. Whether you are looking for a meaningful gift or a one-of-a-kind souvenir, Aun offers a window into the soul of Japanese craft.

• Table of Contents
• The Story of Aun: Bridging Traditional Heritage and Modern Living
• Craft Items From All Around Japan, Curated by Aun
• Timeless Treasures and Antiques at Aun
• Original Craft Items Designed by Aun
• Visit Aun: Where Tradition Comes to Life

The Story of Aun: Bridging Traditional Heritage and Modern Living

Opened in early 2026, Aun Crafts & Antiques is led by a team of design professionals committed to promoting Japanese crafts that balance utility with aesthetics.

The shop features a masterfully curated collection of folk art from across Japan: from handmade tableware and accessories to artful stationery, woodblock prints, and artisanal lighting that radiates the soft, warm glow of traditional washi paper.

Aizome (indigo dyed) wooden cups available at Aun

Eschewing mass production, Aun’s collection features items shaped by history and heritage. Most of the products are hand-selected by the owners following personal visits to the artisans' studios.

With many of these crafts facing extinction, Aun is committed to their survival. By integrating century-old craftsmanship with the needs of a contemporary lifestyle, the shop ensures this cultural wisdom continues to thrive rather than disappear.

In addition to contemporary pieces, Aun features a curated selection of antiques, ranging from expressive calligraphy scrolls to vintage ceramics and flower vases.

Orin bells made in Takaoka. Their resonant, pure sound was loved by Sakamoto Ryuichi

Besides crafts and antiques, Aun features items that invite you to reflect on Japanese culture.

Their collection includes products where traditional materials and techniques have evolved to suit modern life: plates crafted by a company that originally made roof tiles, earthen aroma diffusers created by master plasterers, and setta (traditional sandals) made by a dwindling number of rush grass farmers. They handle items where heritage is preserved by adapting to the times.

Many of these traditions and crafts are quietly fading away due to changing lifestyles and a lack of successors. By providing a space where people can experience these works firsthand, Aun hopes to raise awareness of this reality and create opportunities to contemplate the future of Japan's culture.

Every object in the shop has a story to tell. You can uncover these histories through their detailed bilingual descriptions or by speaking with the staff, whose deep knowledge comes from extensive travels throughout Japan and across the globe.

Craft Items From All Around Japan, Curated by Aun

Notebook with pages made out of wood, where every word matters

The pieces at Aun are functional treasures designed for daily life. Crafted from Japan’s finest natural materials, each item embodies the meticulous attention to detail and subtle aesthetics that have made Japanese craftsmanship world-renowned.

Below, discover a selection of the craft items currently gracing the shelves at Aun.

Akari Yoshino: The Warm Glow of Nara’s Sacred Forests

Beyond its cherry blossoms, Nara’s Mount Yoshino is home to prized cypress (hinoki) and cedar (sugi) forests. Akari Yoshino transforms these materials and handmade washi paper into artisanal lighting that supports local forest conservation.

Available at Aun, their standing lamps and aroma diffusers are designed as "light therapy." By emitting a gentle, flickering orange glow from a low profile, these pieces mimic the relaxing quality of candlelight.

Each item celebrates the natural blessings of Yoshino and the timeless beauty of traditional craftsmanship.

Uruma Ryukyu Glass Candles: A Piece of Okinawa in Your Home

Ryukyu glass is an Okinawan craft known for its vibrant blues, greens, and sturdy feel.

These Uruma Ryukyu Glass Candles feature hand-blown vessels crafted by local artisans. In the old Okinawan dialect, Uruma means "island of coral"—a fitting tribute to the glass’s translucent patterns.

When lit, the soft layers of blue and white release a gentle glow, perfectly capturing the shifting beauty of the Okinawan sea within the glass.

Kimono Jackets: From Heritage to High Fashion

At first glance, apparel might seem out of place in a craft shop. However, these modern jackets are actually handcrafted from repurposed kimono textiles.

The designer behind these pieces is on a mission to rescue vintage fabrics that are often discarded. These textiles are more than just beautiful; they represent disappearing artistry—from the intricate patterns of Edo komon to hand-painted details and rare embroidery. Without this preservation, many of these historic techniques and patterns would be lost to time.

At Aun, you can discover the unique history of each textile, learn how to style these pieces with a modern wardrobe, and select a one-of-a-kind garment that carries a story.

Stainless Lacquerware: Beauty Woven from Stainless Steel and Lacquer Techniques

The metalworking of Tsubame-Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture and the Yamanaka lacquerware of Ishikawa Prefecture are both crafts that boast over 400 years of history.

These cups are made by applying traditional Yamanaka lacquer to stainless steel formed with Tsubame-Sanjo's advanced molding techniques, achieving a high level of balance between functional beauty and practicality.

While designed as objects for daily use, these cups possess the elegance of works of art. Each cup is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that brings together Japanese industrial technology and traditional craftsmanship.

Timeless Treasures and Antiques at Aun

Beyond new artisan works, Aun features a curated selection of antiques for those seeking items with a deep sense of history.

For example, Ukiyo-e art prints. Ukiyo-e is a Japanese art form of woodblock printing that depicts the "Floating World"—a term referring to contemporary fashions from the Edo period (1603–1868) and the fleeting nature of life.

At Aun, you can encounter works provided by Gallery Sobian in Kyoto. These pieces capture the ephemeral brilliance of daily life during the Edo period, ranging from vibrant scenes of entertainment to serene natural landscapes.

Iconic examples include Katsushika Hokusai’s magnificent series of Mount Fuji and Kitagawa Utamaro’s elegant portraits of beautiful women.

Another standout is this vintage wooden kendama from the 1960s. A beautiful example of traditional craftsmanship, this piece invites you to imagine the skill and spirit of past competitions—it might even become your new lucky charm!

This beautiful bronze Komainu statue also caught our attention. Komainu are mythical lion-dogs that guard the entrances of Japanese shrines, symbolizing protection and strength. This piece captures their supernatural power and serves as a stunning example of classic Asian artistry.

For those captivated by Japanese calligraphy scrolls, Aun offers some beautiful vintage items. These antique pieces often carry a personal legacy—perhaps once gracing the alcove of a tea ceremony master.

Each scroll offers more than just a Zen proverb or a poem; the character of the piece is revealed through the energy of the brush strokes, the texture of the aged paper, and the intricate textile binding.

The shop’s antique collection also extends to a selection of one-of-a-kind ashtrays. Featuring rare shapes and sizes seldom seen in modern design, these pieces serve as distinctive sculptural accents for any space.

An entire shelf is dedicated to vintage sake cups, each a small masterpiece of craftsmanship. These pieces often feature whimsical designs that capture the humor and high spirits traditionally shared over a bottle of sake.

For a more playful discovery, guests can use the shop’s vintage capsule machine (gachapon). For only 300 yen, it dispenses a unique, surprise sake cup to take home.

Original Craft Items Designed by Aun

Aun has developed an original line of products created in direct collaboration with artisan studios across Japan.

A highlight of this collection is the portable incense set. This compact box includes both premium incense sticks and matches, making it effortless to bring a sense of calm to any travel destination.

The fragrance, custom-blended by the Aun staff, features traditional Japanese fragrant woods paired with bright yuzu citrus, creating a refreshing yet grounding aroma designed to revitalize the spirit.

For those with a sweet tooth, Aun offers a signature fruit-flavored cotton candy. This cotton candy offers a true fruit sensation, much like a "drinkable fruit juice," luxuriously crafted with fresh fruit grown in Mitoyo, Kagawa Prefecture, overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.

By combining carefully cultivated peaches from Mitoyo’s peach farmers with a high-purity, specialty brand of granulated sugar, this treat achieves the authentic flavor of the fruit with a clean finish and a moist, snow-like melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The original product lineup at Aun continues to grow, so be sure to explore the latest additions during your visit.

Visit Aun: Where Tradition Comes to Life

We hope this introduction has sparked your curiosity about Aun. If you find yourself in the Harajuku or Shinjuku area, do stop by!

The knowledgeable staff is always on hand to provide recommendations, helping you find the perfect Japanese craft for your home, daily use, or as a thoughtful gift.

Aun also plans to host artisan demonstrations and hands-on workshops where guests can try their hand at time-honored crafts. For the latest news on these events and new arrivals, be sure to follow their Instagram account for updates.

Aun: Crafts & Antique Gift Shop
Location: Tokyo, Shibuya, Sendagaya, 4 - 21 - 5 - 1F (Google Map)
Hours: 11:30 - 18:00
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aun_selects

In cooperation with Aun