Japan's First Metal Western Cutlery Maker 'Tsubame Bussan' and LAMBDA JAPAN Launch Experiential Program on Craftsmanship and Food Culture
LAMBDA JAPAN has partnered with Tsubame Bussan, Japan's first metal Western cutlery maker established in 1911, to launch a new tourism experience program designed to immerse participants in the craftsmanship and food culture of the Tsubame-Sanjo region. The approximately one-hour program includes a factory tour and a hands-on polishing experience using the same equipment as craftsmen, allowing attendees to create and take home their own unique piece of cutlery. The program costs 6,000 yen per person (tax included), with a maximum of 10 participants per session, and will be held on April 30th, May 9th, and June 26th, 2026.
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LAMBDA・JAPAN Co., Ltd. (Location: 2353-1 Tenjinbayashi, Kamo City, Niigata Prefecture, Representative Director: Tatsumi Igarashi) is pleased to announce the launch of its first tourism experience program designed to provide a deep, sensory immersion into the craftsmanship and food culture of the Tsubame-Sanjo region, in collaboration with Tsubame Bussan Co., Ltd. (Location: 3501 Koike, Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture, President: Yoshikatsu Sasage, 10th Generation). This approximately one-hour program combines a factory tour (approx. 30 minutes) with a polishing experience (approx. 30 minutes), allowing participants to take home a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of cutlery they have polished themselves. The program is priced at 6,000 yen per person (tax included), with a maximum of 10 participants per session.
■ Background and Features of the Program Development
From a mere "factory tour" to an "experience" that changes the value perception of food culture
Currently, there is a growing demand, particularly among inbound foreign tourists, for "experiential tourism" that deeply explores the culture and spirit behind products. In Tsubame-Sanjo, there is a need for content that goes beyond traditional "viewing" tourism to satisfy intellectual curiosity, such as "I want to experience the craftsman's skills with my own hands" or "I want to learn the value of everyday products from professionals."
Against this backdrop, Tsubame Bussan, which first challenged cutlery manufacturing in Japan in 1911, and LAMBDA・JAPAN, which respects regional spirit, have joined forces. Through the process of polishing with their own hands and tasting with their own palates, we aim to create an opportunity for participants to change their perception of cutlery and products.
Three Features of This Program:
1. **Experience Design by "Cutlery Experts"**
Tsubame Bussan has developed and manufactured a wide range of cutlery, meeting every customer need from everyday items costing 100 yen to luxury pieces exceeding 10,000 yen. We will convey the essence of the product from a professional perspective, fully aware of how its design and shape affect taste.
2. **Deepening from "Seeing" to "Experiencing with All Five Senses"**
In addition to traditional factory tours, we have prepared experiential content to meet the needs of those who want to "engage more deeply with manufacturing and work with their own hands." This time, participants will use polishing machines (buffs) similar to those used by craftsmen. Through an experience that aims for "craftsman-level product standards," participants will experience the profound depth of manufacturing, observing the sounds during operation, the sensation of polishing cutlery, and the gradual change in the product's appearance.
3. **Expanding the World of Manufacturing with Tourism as an Entry Point**
By learning about the immense processes and craftsman's skills embedded in a single spoon or fork, triggered by tourism, we propose a style of travel that touches upon Japanese spiritual culture beyond mere sightseeing, and aim to broaden understanding and interest in Tsubame-Sanjo's manufacturing.
■ First Phase Program Details
This special program will be held as a limited-time event.
【Polishing Experience】Creating a One-of-a-Kind Cutlery Challenging the Craftsman's Skill
The characteristic of this experience is that participants will operate the polishing machines (buffs) actually used by craftsmen. After seeing the entire manufacturing process through a factory tour, they will challenge the same standards as the craftsmen during the polishing experience. Products approved by the craftsmen will be affixed with a certification seal and can be taken home as a "cutlery polished by you," the only one in the world.
Photo with certification seal Caption: Products that have passed the craftsman's inspection will be affixed with a certification seal and can be taken home as a "cutlery polished by you," the only one in the world.
Dates: April 30, 2026 (Thursday), May 9, 2026 (Saturday), June 26, 2026 (Friday)
Times: 10:00 AM – / 1:00 PM – (Daily)
Location: Tsubame Bussan Co., Ltd. (3501 Koike, Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture)
Content: Factory Tour (approx. 30 minutes) + Polishing Experience (approx. 30 minutes)
Fee: 6,000 yen/person (tax included)
Eligibility: Maximum 10 people per session (first-come, first-served)
Details & Application Method: Please apply from the link below.
https://inori-japan.com/experiences/tsubame-bussan-1/
【Participation Precautions】
- Please wear clothing that is not easily soiled and has minimal skin exposure.
- Please follow the instructions of the staff at all times within the factory.
- Participation by individuals who have consumed alcohol is not permitted.
*The second phase of the program is scheduled for release soon. We are preparing a program that will unravel how the dining experience transforms through cutlery, engaging all five senses.*
About Tsubame Bussan Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1751. Japan's first specialized metal Western tableware manufacturer. With the philosophy of "devoting oneself to spoons," we support Japanese food culture broadly through diverse operations, ranging from exquisite items served to state guests at state guesthouses and luxury hotels to novelty goods, under our own brand and OEM.
Keywords:
■ Background and Features of the Program Development
From a mere "factory tour" to an "experience" that changes the value perception of food culture
Currently, there is a growing demand, particularly among inbound foreign tourists, for "experiential tourism" that deeply explores the culture and spirit behind products. In Tsubame-Sanjo, there is a need for content that goes beyond traditional "viewing" tourism to satisfy intellectual curiosity, such as "I want to experience the craftsman's skills with my own hands" or "I want to learn the value of everyday products from professionals."
Against this backdrop, Tsubame Bussan, which first challenged cutlery manufacturing in Japan in 1911, and LAMBDA・JAPAN, which respects regional spirit, have joined forces. Through the process of polishing with their own hands and tasting with their own palates, we aim to create an opportunity for participants to change their perception of cutlery and products.
Three Features of This Program:
1. **Experience Design by "Cutlery Experts"**
Tsubame Bussan has developed and manufactured a wide range of cutlery, meeting every customer need from everyday items costing 100 yen to luxury pieces exceeding 10,000 yen. We will convey the essence of the product from a professional perspective, fully aware of how its design and shape affect taste.
2. **Deepening from "Seeing" to "Experiencing with All Five Senses"**
In addition to traditional factory tours, we have prepared experiential content to meet the needs of those who want to "engage more deeply with manufacturing and work with their own hands." This time, participants will use polishing machines (buffs) similar to those used by craftsmen. Through an experience that aims for "craftsman-level product standards," participants will experience the profound depth of manufacturing, observing the sounds during operation, the sensation of polishing cutlery, and the gradual change in the product's appearance.
3. **Expanding the World of Manufacturing with Tourism as an Entry Point**
By learning about the immense processes and craftsman's skills embedded in a single spoon or fork, triggered by tourism, we propose a style of travel that touches upon Japanese spiritual culture beyond mere sightseeing, and aim to broaden understanding and interest in Tsubame-Sanjo's manufacturing.
■ First Phase Program Details
This special program will be held as a limited-time event.
【Polishing Experience】Creating a One-of-a-Kind Cutlery Challenging the Craftsman's Skill
The characteristic of this experience is that participants will operate the polishing machines (buffs) actually used by craftsmen. After seeing the entire manufacturing process through a factory tour, they will challenge the same standards as the craftsmen during the polishing experience. Products approved by the craftsmen will be affixed with a certification seal and can be taken home as a "cutlery polished by you," the only one in the world.
Photo with certification seal Caption: Products that have passed the craftsman's inspection will be affixed with a certification seal and can be taken home as a "cutlery polished by you," the only one in the world.
Dates: April 30, 2026 (Thursday), May 9, 2026 (Saturday), June 26, 2026 (Friday)
Times: 10:00 AM – / 1:00 PM – (Daily)
Location: Tsubame Bussan Co., Ltd. (3501 Koike, Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture)
Content: Factory Tour (approx. 30 minutes) + Polishing Experience (approx. 30 minutes)
Fee: 6,000 yen/person (tax included)
Eligibility: Maximum 10 people per session (first-come, first-served)
Details & Application Method: Please apply from the link below.
https://inori-japan.com/experiences/tsubame-bussan-1/
【Participation Precautions】
- Please wear clothing that is not easily soiled and has minimal skin exposure.
- Please follow the instructions of the staff at all times within the factory.
- Participation by individuals who have consumed alcohol is not permitted.
*The second phase of the program is scheduled for release soon. We are preparing a program that will unravel how the dining experience transforms through cutlery, engaging all five senses.*
About Tsubame Bussan Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1751. Japan's first specialized metal Western tableware manufacturer. With the philosophy of "devoting oneself to spoons," we support Japanese food culture broadly through diverse operations, ranging from exquisite items served to state guests at state guesthouses and luxury hotels to novelty goods, under our own brand and OEM.
Keywords: