Keep it long, treasure it long.

For both teacups and small bowls

Introducing ALONGU, a Hasami ware brand born from a fresh perspective on "today's dining table." Designed to complement a wide range of meals—from homemade Japanese dishes to pasta, salads, and even store-bought side dishes—these versatile vessels are crafted to embrace any culinary creation. Imagine enjoying toast and fruit for breakfast, a plate of leftovers for lunch, and a well-presented main and side dish for dinner. The broad usability of these pieces is truly appealing.

A vessel you can use without hesitation for today's menu

When it comes to everyday tableware, it's more important to be able to "use it without reservation" than to be overly cautious. ALONGU is designed to be durable and affordable, aiming to be the go-to vessel in your daily life. With ease of use in the microwave and dishwasher, these pieces seamlessly fit into the flow of daily chores. Whether it's a busy day or one when you want to enjoy a proper meal, they are always within reach as your usual tableware.

The Cup 90mm is a palm-sized cup that can be used for both beverages and small bowls. Its versatility shines as it can hold tea like a yunomi, or serve a small portion of yogurt, fruit, nuts, or side dishes at the table. This cup's charm lies in its ability to adapt to various uses. When used as a yunomi, it can be paired with the Plate 100mm Small Plate Set as a tea tray. The set includes four pieces, each with a different glaze, allowing you to choose colors that match your menu for the day, expanding the enjoyment of using the same shape. This set is perfect for those looking to start fresh in their new life, as well as for entertaining guests. It’s an easy choice for gifts like wedding or housewarming presents that can be used in future living.

Crafting with Individual Differences in Mind

ALONGU's tableware is designed with the understanding that variations in glaze thickness and iron powder can occur. While porcelain is often associated with uniformity, the raw materials come from natural clay, and the kiln environment changes with seasons and climates. The thickness of the glaze, firing conditions, and manual processes contribute to the natural occurrence of glaze irregularities and small iron particles. At ALONGU, we aim to ensure that these characteristics do not lead to "B-grade" products; instead, we design them to be seen as part of the vessel's charm. We actively use glazes that are prone to crystalline reactions, allowing for a natural acceptance of the unique appearance of each piece.

Glaze serves not only as decoration but also as a protective layer and a factor that influences how food is presented. ALONGU has carefully selected four types of glaze expressions that are easy to handle at the table and enhance the visual appeal of dishes.
- **Fuchi-Sabi**: A finish that applies iron glaze to the rim, creating a bold line against the white base, enhancing the contours of your plating and pairing well with delicately presented dishes.
- **Seiji**: A transparent glaze with a hint of pale blue that brightens the table without being flashy. It’s designed to avoid overshadowing white ingredients and light-colored dishes, making it easy to incorporate into everyday menus.
- **Tenmoku**: A black glaze rich in iron that reacts during firing, creating delicate patterns on the surface. While this glaze can show individual differences, its deep color enhances the vibrancy of ingredients, making it suitable for colorful or oily dishes.
- **Yaki-Shime**: A matte finish achieved by high-temperature firing without glaze. This texture is closest to Western tableware among the four types, making it versatile for any cuisine.

A New Choice in Hasami Ware

ALONGU is a tableware brand born from the perspective of "enjoying the present state of Japanese cuisine and hinting at its future." It seeks to create vessels that do not limit the genre of cuisine, based on the evolving Japanese dining table that incorporates diverse food cultures. 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 lies in the context of "living vessels" nurtured by the Hasami region in Nagasaki Prefecture. Used daily at the dining table, washed, stored, and reused—ALONGU values this cycle while enhancing the "freedom of use" to align with the diversification of modern food. Drawing inspiration from local production activities and agriculture in Hasami Town, ALONGU also works on waste reduction through its production cycle, reflecting the makers' commitment in the product's essence.

As a result, ALONGU offers tableware that can be used without hesitation every day, naturally complementing both Japanese and Western dishes, and maintaining a cohesive aesthetic whether purchased as a set or added to over time. Even for those who may not maintain overly meticulous practices, ALONGU quietly provides a reliable option for creating a "realistic" well-arranged dining table.