Keep it long, treasure it long.

A Set of Small Plates for Peace of Mind

While re-evaluating "the current dining table," the Hasami ware brand ALONGU was born. Designed to be versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of meals—from homemade Japanese dishes to pasta, salads, and even ready-made side dishes—the tableware is crafted to seamlessly fit into everyday life. For example, you can envision using it for toast and fruit in the morning, a plate of leftovers for lunch, and a proper arrangement of main and side dishes for dinner. Its versatility is truly appealing.

A tableware that can be used without hesitation for today's menu

Everyday tableware should be easy to use rather than something you have to be cautious with. ALONGU is designed to be durable and affordable, aiming to be a staple in daily life. It is crafted to blend effortlessly into the flow of everyday chores, including ease of use in microwaves and dishwashers. Whether it's a busy day or a day when you want to enjoy a proper meal, it is a familiar presence that you can easily reach for.

The Plate 100mm is a small-sized plate with a diameter of 100mm, making it perfect for soy sauce or side dishes. It is also designed to serve as a saucer for the Plate 100mm Cup 90mm set of 4 cups. This set includes four plates, each with a different glaze, allowing for easy differentiation when sharing among family members or selecting based on the color of the dish. Since these plates are particularly useful when hosting guests, having a set on hand provides peace of mind. They are also an easy choice for gifting practical items for occasions like weddings or housewarmings.

Crafting tableware with individual differences in mind

ALONGU's tableware is designed with the understanding that variations in glaze thickness and iron powder may occur. While porcelain is often associated with uniformity, the raw materials are natural clay, and the kiln environment changes with seasons and climates. Variations in glaze thickness, firing conditions, and manual processes naturally lead to irregularities in the glaze and small iron particles. At ALONGU, rather than categorizing these variations as defects, they are embraced as part of the charm of the tableware. The brand actively employs glazes that are prone to crystalline reactions, allowing for unique appearances in each piece.

Glazes not only serve as decoration but also protect the surface and influence how food appears. ALONGU has selected four types of glaze expressions that have been thoroughly tested to be user-friendly on the dining table and enhance the visual appeal of food.
- **Fuchi-Sabi**: This finish features a dark line at the rim created by applying iron glaze, providing a clear outline for plating against the white base, making it ideal for showcasing delicate dishes.
- **Seiji**: A transparent glaze with a hint of pale blue that brightens the table without being flashy. It helps prevent white or light-colored foods from sinking, making it easy to match with everyday meals.
- **Tenmoku**: A black glaze rich in iron, which reacts during firing to produce delicate patterns on the surface. While this glaze may show individual differences, its deep color enhances the vibrancy of ingredients and is perfect for colorful or oily dishes.
- **Yaki-Shime**: This finish is achieved by firing without glaze at high temperatures, resulting in a matte surface. Among the four, it has a texture closest to Western tableware, making it versatile for various cuisines.

A new choice in Hasami ware

ALONGU is a tableware brand born from the perspective of "enjoying the current state of Japanese cuisine and hinting at its future." It pursues forms of tableware that do not limit the genre of dishes while incorporating diverse food cultures that have evolved in Japan. The product design is led by Jin Kuramoto, who references modern Asian tableware styles while focusing on the forms of plates and bowls.

The background is rooted in the context of "living tableware" nurtured in Hasami, Nagasaki Prefecture. Used daily, washed, stored, and reused—ALONGU values the seamless continuity of this cycle while enhancing the "freedom of use" to adapt to the diversification of modern food. Drawing inspiration from local production activities and agriculture in Hasami, the brand also addresses waste reduction through its production cycle, reflecting the makers' commitment in the products.

As a result, ALONGU offers tableware that can be used comfortably every day, naturally complements both Japanese and Western dishes, and maintains a cohesive aesthetic whether purchased as a set or individually. For those who find it challenging to maintain overly meticulous table settings, ALONGU quietly provides a reliable option for creating a "realistically" well-arranged dining table.