Finely crafted Japanese cedar oke (barrels and buckets) were once found throughout Japanese daily life and culture in numerous variations, but in recent years these beautiful vessels have been steadily replaced by cheap, plastic substitutes. Led by Naruhito Tokumaru, the Shirayama Concept team, however, aims to create a new tradition of oke implements for everyday life which embody the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship. Through thoughtful design, production, and marketing, this unique team is utilizing domestic lumber, restoring the sustainability of local forests, and revitalizing an important craft tradition as it works to achieve the vision of “at least one oke in every household.”
