[Creating New 'Pottery'?] CGJ Launches Crowdfunding for 'Nakama-yaki,' a New Craft Industry in Nakama City
Culture Generation Japan (CGJ) has launched a crowdfunding campaign on READYFOR as of May 21 to establish 'Nakama-yaki,' a new craft industry in Nakama City, Fukuoka. The project aims to build a sustainable local industry by utilizing the city's historical connection to 'earth' and establishing a circular pottery production facility.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 21, 2026 at 22:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 21, 2026 at 13:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 21, 2026 at 13:32 (0 min after Collected)
Culture Generation Japan (CGJ), based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, led by CEO Takuya Hotta, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on READYFOR on May 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM. The campaign aims to fund the construction of a new pottery facility and product development for 'Nakama-yaki,' a new local craft industry created in collaboration with the citizens of Nakama City, Fukuoka, by leveraging the city's historical resources.
CGJ has previously built a 'circular economy for tableware' through its tableware subscription service for restaurants, 'CRAFTAL,' and its reuse business, 'Tabizara.' For 'Nakama-yaki,' they will apply this expertise to create a circular model where produced items are used in restaurants and then passed on to new users via 'Tabizara' once they have served their purpose.
Nakama City is the origin of the 'Ongagawa-style pottery,' a key indicator of agricultural culture in the Yayoi period, and was once a production hub for bricks. Today, it faces challenges like the loss of core industries and an aging population. CGJ aims to update this historical memory of 'earth-based craftsmanship' to create a foundation where the younger generation can work with pride.
Funds raised will be invested in a new pottery hub (workshop and community space) and design public calls and product development involving creators and citizens. This initiative is a 'cultural co-creation project' that goes beyond production, including workshops for children and local collaborations.
The initial design call for 'Nakama-yaki' is open until June 17, 2026.
CGJ has previously built a 'circular economy for tableware' through its tableware subscription service for restaurants, 'CRAFTAL,' and its reuse business, 'Tabizara.' For 'Nakama-yaki,' they will apply this expertise to create a circular model where produced items are used in restaurants and then passed on to new users via 'Tabizara' once they have served their purpose.
Nakama City is the origin of the 'Ongagawa-style pottery,' a key indicator of agricultural culture in the Yayoi period, and was once a production hub for bricks. Today, it faces challenges like the loss of core industries and an aging population. CGJ aims to update this historical memory of 'earth-based craftsmanship' to create a foundation where the younger generation can work with pride.
Funds raised will be invested in a new pottery hub (workshop and community space) and design public calls and product development involving creators and citizens. This initiative is a 'cultural co-creation project' that goes beyond production, including workshops for children and local collaborations.
The initial design call for 'Nakama-yaki' is open until June 17, 2026.
FAQ
Where is the 'Nakama-yaki' project based?
It is based in Nakama City, Fukuoka, with a newly established pottery hub, 'HUB LAB-NAKAMA' (1304-5 Hanyu, Nakama-shi, Fukuoka).
Can anyone participate in creating 'Nakama-yaki'?
Yes. Participation is open to anyone regardless of age, gender, or experience through the public design call (until June 17, 2026) and future workshops.
Why start pottery in Nakama City?
Nakama City has a rich history of craftsmanship related to 'earth,' including being the source of ancient Yayoi-period pottery and a former production site for bricks, which the project aims to modernize.