ABOUT US

INTRODUCTION

Just be yourself, and go as you feel. This is what I have learned from the shells through my works. Be honest with yourself, and let yourself go where your feeling guides you. Just as the beauty of shells are gently nurtured in the comfort of the ocean, the place where you feel comfortable will bring out the best of your individuality. When we truly believed, we found Hamahiga island and “Kainowa”

A bond between people and mother earth. Kainowa will find a sign for you to connection with nature.

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STORY1 人
Crafting artist Makoto Kawahatsu
I simply thought that
these shells were beautiful.

It was in 2008, when I discovered the natural beauty of shells. It all started from a great green turban shell(yakogai) I had picked up when I was working as a diving instructor. I attempted to polish the yakogai.

Without any experience, I spent countless days creating my first piece. Until this moment, I never thought about crafting the shells.

When I finally managed to complete a ring, it was most beautiful ring I’d ever seen.

Understanding uniqueness
of each shells

There are many ways of crafting shells. Shells reveal their uniqueness when we start polishing.

“How can I best craft this shell?” Sometimes days will pass by not knowing how I should polish the shell, but this is the most important time when crafting.

As time passes, the shell will show me the way to polish. I am surprised most of the time by the luster that it gives out.

The surprise at the end is the happiest moment of my work.

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STORY2 自然
Great green turban shells and Commercial top shells Nurtured in the peaceful ocean
Delicate luster, hidden for reasons

Our materials are Great green turban shells (yakogai) and Commercial top shells (takasegai) nurtured in the warm ocean waters.

After grinding and polishing their rugged surface, the hidden nacreous layers emerge. Their nacreous layers have a more delicate luster compared to other types of shells since they take much time to grow — growing only 7 cm in 3 years.

The internal luster of these shells is a great gift from nature created slowly over time.

Leaving the natural beauty of the Shell

Shells are already beautiful as they look different depending on light and various angles. With the respect to natural beauty of the shell,
our minimalist designs bring out their own beauty.

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STORY3 人と自然
The island with rich nature Hamahiga island
In harmony with nature

Our atelier is located in Hamahiga island, a secluded place with only about 500 inhabitants.

Only 20 years ago, they had no way other than boat to get to the island. It’s filled with warm, welcoming people and untouched nature.

On Hamahiga island, we participate in local ceremonies, look up at the star-sparkled sky at night from the roof of our house, swim in the peaceful beach in front of our atelier.

Letting ourselves be immersed in the peaceful surroundings on this island and cherishing such time.

Just being ourselves

Just be yourself. This is what I have learned from the shells through my works.

Life on this island is simple but filled with joy and happiness from both nature and people. Just like the luster that shells have naturally.

Our atelier might be hard to find, but enjoy the atmosphere and way of life once you step onto our sacred island.

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