JOC Items is lastly dwell! I’m right here to share the journey of making our new Japanese tableware and kitchenware model with you.

At present marks a really particular milestone as we launch JOC Items, a brand new division of our Japanese recipe web site, Simply One Cookbook.

If you’re not on our e-newsletter or social media, JOC Items is our new on-line store, providing a curated assortment of Japanese tableware and kitchenware—each bit handcrafted by native Japanese artisans.

To be trustworthy, after working across the clock for the previous six months, it feels surreal (and just a little petrifying) to convey my newest labor of affection into the world.

Why JOC Items? The Backstory

I’ve been working Simply One Cookbook for nearly 14 years, experiencing many ups and downs—completely happy tears out of your heartfelt emails, a couple of kitchen mishaps, numerous late-night filming and fixing web site bugs, and close to coronary heart assaults every time Google modifications its algorithms.

Simply One Cookbook is my life’s work, and I dwell and breathe it. So, you would possibly marvel, why launch a brand new enterprise promoting tableware?

I really feel the necessity to share the backstory as a result of I owe it to a lot of you—my pricey readers, who’ve been a part of the JOC neighborhood and household. Additionally, placing this down in phrases helps me see the way it all comes collectively.

Ardour Instilled at a Younger Age

First, I’ve my mother to thank. Not solely did she educate me the right way to minimize greens and pack my very own bento since I used to be seven or eight, however she additionally instilled in me the significance of setting the desk for our household dinners.

She taught me that “meals needs to be eaten with the eyes,” a typical saying in Japan. We should admire the tableware and presentation earlier than tasting the meals. She believes in creating magnificence in on a regular basis life and has been accumulating ceramics for a very long time. Once I helped her set the desk, I used to be captivated by her treasured assortment—how each bit elevated the dishes we ready and cooked and the way they made our on a regular basis eating a particular second to share.

Every fantastically plated dish attracts our consideration to the meals, reminding us to present thanks for every little thing supplied as we start our meal saying ‘itadakimasu.’

After beginning my circle of relatives in San Francisco, I’d store for tableware and kitchenware on our annual visits to Japan and carry further suitcases or packing containers again residence.

A lot of you who comply with Simply One Cookbook social media might have seen footage or movies up to now of my suitcases and packing containers full of all these fragile treasures!

Over time, my assortment expanded, as did my understanding of the craft. It dawned on me that my love for this artistry was profoundly formed by my mother—a connection that mirrors the deep appreciation many Japanese households have for his or her tableware.

My Dream Impressed by You

Once I used these plates, bowls, and chopstick rests for meals styling and featured them in my pictures and movies, a lot of you admired them and requested me the place you can discover this stuff.

A few of you expressed a powerful need to personal related items however didn’t have the chance to go to Japan and buy them yourselves. More often than not, these small retailers don’t supply to ship exterior of Japan.

That’s after I wished I might assist. I noticed that the appreciation for Japanese ceramics extends far past households in Japan.

My ardour for Japanese ceramics runs deep and is rooted in my tradition, however I do know that you just, too, share a ardour for high-quality items handcrafted with care.

Turning My Imaginative and prescient right into a Actuality

After months of planning, sourcing, and curating, the JOC Items staff and I traveled throughout Japan this previous summer season to fulfill the artisans and craftsmen with whom we work.

Together with our journey photographer and author, Andy, we visited over 15 porcelain kilns in addition to lacquerware and metallic workshops.

Throughout our go to, I had the privilege of observing and talking with expert artisans and craftsmen at work. Their dedication and a spotlight to element replicate the depth of their experience of their respective crafts.

Newfound Sense of Goal

I used to be blown away by the enduring spirit of the craft. Nonetheless, fewer younger individuals are excited by pursuing these trades. The lengthy work hours, years of apprenticeship, and demanding bodily labor are appreciable sacrifices.

I knew then that JOC Items can be one thing greater than my authentic imaginative and prescient. Watching these artisans at work touched a deeper a part of my coronary heart, inspiring me to share their invaluable artwork and craftsmanship with the world.

With a newfound sense of goal added to my lifelong ardour, I felt compelled to pour my coronary heart and soul into this new enterprise. And now, I’m excited to share JOC Items with you.

The Starting of a New Enterprise

JOC Items was born from a love of meals and the experiences surrounding it. Thanks—my readers, my staff, and my household—for planting the seeds of braveness and giving me the wings to take flight. It could not have come to fruition with out your love and help.

Lastly, Mr. JOC and I need to thank our staff once more. We couldn’t have completed this with out the hardest-working staff we’ve ever had. They’ve helped us tirelessly all through the journey to launch JOC Items on time. Thanks!!

I hope you take pleasure in searching our collections and discover items that talk to you. Collectively, we are going to cook dinner many extra scrumptious recipes and specific our creativity and love by the desk.

I’m so glad you’re right here with me on this journey!

Keep Up to date on JOC Items

Join JOC Items newsletters if you go to the store! Additionally, comply with JOC Items on Instagram and Fb.