Brand & Maker Overview

ASAKURA

Connecting snowy-forest wood to everyday living.

Founded in 1950 in Niigata with roots in kiri (paulownia) tansu making, ASAKURA continues to craft furniture and wooden tools with an attached factory showroom. Its mission is "coexistence with nature," and the lineup centers on Japanese wood — tables, chairs, sofas, storage pieces, and traditional all-kiri tansu. The company also runs the "snowbeech project," naming Niigata-grown beech "Snow Beech" and exploring new uses while keeping an eye on the future of forest management.

2574 Ibasone, Minami-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata 950-1456, Japan (Showroom & Factory) asakura
ASAKURA

Why We Love It

I like tools that feel good not only in use, but also when they're put away. ASAKURA's wooden tools sit softly in the hand, and even the moment you return them to a drawer feels calm and tidy. Sometimes I lay a tong or turner on the table before cooking — just to enjoy the texture and shape. The lightness and balance show up in your movements. Wipe, dry, and place them back in their spot. The routine feels neatly aligned.

PROFILE About the Company / Workshop

ASAKURA began in 1950 in Kamo, Niigata, starting with kiri tansu craftsmanship. The company was established in 1967. Today, it operates a factory and showroom in Minami-ku, Niigata City, producing and retailing household and contract furniture as well as wooden goods — keeping the full picture of "living tools" under one roof.

One of its key materials is "Snow Beech," Niigata-grown beech. The pale, bright surface blends easily into many interiors. The same wood appears in both furniture and tools, where its smooth feel and durability become noticeable through daily use.

The lineup spans all-kiri tansu, solid-wood furniture centered on Japanese timber, and "ASAKURA" wooden goods. You can choose by series and purpose — large pieces like tables and chairs, and small tools that fit in the hand — while keeping a consistent mood across the home.

Materials also come with a clear background. Through the "snowbeech project," ASAKURA explores new uses for Niigata beech while considering forest maintenance such as planned harvesting. The factory-attached showroom supports hands-on selection, and weekday reservations make consultations comfortable and focused.

"Snow Beech," a Niigata-grown beech wood

ASAKURA calls beech from Niigata's heavy-snow regions "Snow Beech." It has a bright, clear-looking surface and a calm grain. The texture feels smooth to the touch, and the wood is known for being hard and resistant to scratches — useful for both furniture and everyday tools.

A project that looks beyond the product

The "snowbeech project" explores new ways to use Niigata beech while also focusing on forest care, including planned harvesting and maintenance. It quietly links what you use at home to the long-term health of the forest.

One workshop feel, from furniture to small tools

From tables, chairs, sofas, and storage to traditional all-kiri tansu — and even small wooden goods — ASAKURA covers a wide range. Materials and finishing concepts stay consistent, so pieces naturally match when you bring them into the same space.

A factory-attached showroom you can visit

The showroom is attached to the factory in Niigata City, letting you see and choose items in person. Weekdays are by reservation, which makes it easier to talk through details. Custom-order consultations are also available for those planning around specific needs.

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