MUJI’s craftsmanship is inspired by the voices and perspectives of consumers, the wisdom passed down through traditions, and the gifts from nature. This combination helps us maintain a fresh and broad outlook on our work, which spans clothing, food, and household items. Through our craftsmanship, we aim to create a simple and pleasant life and society, making various discoveries along the way.

This exhibition highlights an example of craftsmanship that resonates with MUJI’s values. It showcases the philosophy of Tatsuya Kojima, an Izumo Tōji (master brewer) from Shimane Prefecture, who brews sake (Japanese rice wine) while exploring fundamental questions: ‘Why do people make sake?’, ‘Why do people drink sake?’, and ‘What is sake?’ By delving deeply into its history and culture, he continues to refine Nihon no sake in his unique way.

Kojima focuses on the treasures already present in everyday life, rather than seeking new stimuli in our technologically advanced world. His work aims to bridge the past and the future, and we hope through this occasion we will be able to provide insights into the philosophy behind our craftsmanship.

ATELIER MUJI

Drinking sake (Japanese rice wine) with someone and feeling happy and content is delightful. Sake that connects people is valuable. I decided to become a brewer to create this kind of sake, the kind that brings people together.

While delving deeper into the techniques and cultural traditions of brewing, I began to realize that sake not only forges new connections but also helps us recall existing ones. I call this existing connection itonami (being, lifestream, to live..).

The essence of itonami in Japan becomes apparent when we unravel the relationship between rice, the raw material for sake, and the festivals associated with its cultivation. Our ancestors drank sake at these festivals, sharing their hardships in rice farming and deepening their bonds with each other and nature. Sake extended these relationships, connecting companions, villages, and eventually fostering a shared consciousness within the nation. Sake has always been close to people, reminding us that we are all a part of nature and preserving the itonami passed down through generations. These itonami become our strength to live and our hope for the future.

I craft sake based on my philosophy and the traditional techniques of brewing from our ancestors in the existing natural environment. The sake that emerges from this process stirs emotions and reveals the engagement of life as a natural ritual. This is what Nihon no sake is about, and I want to create sake that reminds us of the enduring connections nurtured since ancient times.

Tatsuya Kojima