Kūzen Presents "Karesansui": Traditional Materials Elevated to Modern Art for a Future 100 Years from Now. A Dream to Transform Fading Craftsmanship into Japanese Aesthetics Admired Worldwide.

The origin of Representative Yoichi Ono's endeavor to create Karesansui (dry landscape gardens) using "Oya stone" lies in his extensive experience in his previous career in the construction industry, and a severe near-death experience. In the quiet time he faced the flickering light of life, he reaffirmed the unique charm of Oya stone, which he had been convinced of while encountering numerous building materials. When he re-recognized its value as a construction professional, a passionate sense of mission emerged.
The journey to elevate it into "Karesansui Art" was beyond imagination. With his architectural knowledge, he allowed no compromise, demanding millimeter-level precision. And the sharpness and beauty of the edges that instantly captivate viewers. Together with skilled craftsmen who thoroughly understood the properties of the stone, they deciphered the stone's 'breathing' and went through three long years of trial and error.
Thus, the modern Karesansui product proposed by Kūzen was born: a palm-sized tranquility depicted with traditional "Oya stone."

"The power to gently absorb light and bring deep serenity to a space."

Oya stone possesses an overwhelming presence that has supported historical buildings, including the Imperial Hotel, and a texture that grows more beautiful with age. Formed approximately 20 million years ago from volcanic ash accumulated by volcanic eruptions, it is a "pumice tuff." Oya stone, which once captivated architect Frank Lloyd Wright as a building material for the old Imperial Hotel and made its name known worldwide, still holds a special status as a representative precious stone of Japan.

• Firstly, its "breathing" porous structure. Oya stone, containing microscopic air bubbles, is full of vitality, capable of humidity control and deodorization. Despite being a stone, it feels somehow warm and possesses an embracing quality that soothes the heart of those who touch it.

• Secondly, its color that commands "consistent serenity." The elegant gray with a faint greenish tint, brought about by the zeolite component in the stone. This color gently absorbs and diffuses strong light, casting soft shadows in the space. This color was indispensable for eliminating visual noise and achieving deep tranquility.

• And thirdly, the expression of "miso," a testament to nature. The reddish-brown spots (miso) scattered on the surface are unique, a once-in-a-lifetime encounter, as no two are alike.
  When the powerful presence unique to natural materials overlaps with the formal beauty of Karesansui, a "true nature" imbued with ancient memories quietly resides on your desk.

【The Essence of Creation: Seeking Supreme Harmony】

Not only the Karesansui vessel but also the "Oya stone lantern" that adds color to the space, the special "Mashiko ware" for neatly storing sand, the "artificial rocks" that reproduce the ruggedness of nature, and the "rake" for drawing intricate sand patterns—all these components are crafted by individual skilled artisans.

The collaboration of master craftsmen, who share the traditions of Tochigi and bring together their accumulated expertise in their respective fields, is what creates this unique harmony. This single item, built up over years of passion and transcending the boundaries of origin and field, goes beyond mere decoration to become a "living art" that accompanies the life of its owner. The unwavering dignity born from three years of dedication and the crystallization of Japan's proud craftsmanship will weave deep serenity and unwavering trust into your organization's space.

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■ "Serenity" Felt with All Five Senses: From Viewing to an Experience of "Tuning"

The Karesansui we propose is not merely an art piece for appreciation. It is a "spiritual tuning device" for regaining a moment of tranquility and confronting oneself in a modern society constantly overflowing with information.

Take the rake in hand and draw a single sand pattern. At that moment, ambient noise fades, and consciousness focuses on the sensation of your fingertips and the texture of the stone.
This act of "arranging the sand patterns" itself serves as mindfulness, offering a luxurious moment to shed the noise of daily life.

■ "The Luxury of Emptiness": Wabi-Sabi Teaches Deeper Thought

The core of Karesansui lies in the spirit of "wabi-sabi," which emerges after stripping away ornate decorations. It allows one to feel the flow of water without using water, and to perceive an infinite universe within a limited space. This culture of appreciating "the beauty of insufficiency" and "emptiness" can be said to be the most creative mindset in an era that demands efficiency and rationality.

Especially for leaders who repeatedly make important decisions, the "serene emptiness" created by this small Karesansui becomes a place to deepen thought and invite new inspiration.

【Representative Ono's Vision: Why Karesansui Now?】

"In a modern world plagued by ongoing conflicts and difficulties, where we are constantly exposed to external anxieties and information, what people need most now is not anger directed outwards, but rather a return to the 'serenity' within themselves and time for self-reflection."

The act of arranging the sand patterns in Karesansui calms a disturbed mind, sharpens the five senses, and allows one to draw a single line or circle in the empty space. In that moment, we can reaffirm the preciousness of "peace here and now."

My mission and dream as an artist is to deliver this "mental emptiness" for self-discipline and compassion towards others, through this small Karesansui, to the leaders of the next generation and people around the world. Especially in an era of incessant conflict, I believe it is my calling to transmit the "salvation" that a moment of tranquility brings, from Tochigi to the world.

Yoichi Ono, Representative of Kūzen

【Product Overview】

Product Name: Karesansui Art Series "Kūzen" — Portable Serenity —

Contents: Oya stone Karesansui vessel, Oya stone lantern, Mashiko ware sand storage container, artificial rocks, dedicated rake, Kanzuna sand set

Production Period: Approximately 3 years (from stone selection to processing and maturation)

Price: Inquiry (or "Made-to-order, estimate required")

*As each item is unique, prices vary depending on the stone's expression and size.

Sales Start Date: April 1, 2026 (Wednesday)

【Inquiry and Application Process】

This work is a "one-of-a-kind" piece, handcrafted by artisans over three years. Therefore, we operate on a "reservation-only, in-person (or online) consultation system" to propose the optimal piece for your space through dialogue.

1. Inquiry

Please contact us first via the email form or phone number provided under "Contact Information" below.

Providing your name, company name (if corporate), intended installation location, and desired size will help us assist you more smoothly.

2. Interview & Counseling

Representative Ono himself will conduct an interview to understand your vision for the work and your desired shape/size. We will propose the most suitable stone expression and composition based on the atmosphere of the installation location (e.g., office, study, tea room).

3. Proposal & Quotation

Based on the interview content, we will present a proposal and quotation for the most suitable existing piece or for a new custom creation.

4. Contract & Delivery

Once you are satisfied with the details, we will make final adjustments, carefully package the item by our craftsmen, and deliver it to you.

【Contact Information for Media and Customers Regarding This Matter】

Organization/Brand Name: Kūzen

Representative: Ono

Address: 1-17 Fujimicho, Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture, 328-0044 Japan

Phone Number: 070-8394-1833

Email Address: [[email protected]]

Official Website: [https://www.ku-zen.net/]