After more than three centuries of preserving Japan’s finest craft traditions and collaborating with over 800 artisans nationwide, Nakagawa will open its first outpost in London’s vibrant Shoreditch design district from 9th September 2025 to July 2026. This new lifestyle store marks Nakagawa’s most significant international expansion to date, introducing authentic Japanese kogei – heritage crafts – to European audiences seeking meaningful, sustainable alternatives to mass-produced goods.
Nakagawa’s story began in 1716, when founder Nakaya Kihei established a merchant business in Nara, specialising in Nara-Sarashi, a finely woven ramie cloth once favoured by samurai, Japan’s elite warriors. Over generations, Nakagawa has evolved with the times while remaining true to the spirit of craftsmanship. Today, the company works with an extensive network of artisans across Japan from ceramicists in Shigaraki to metalworkers in Takaoka creating contemporary essentials rooted in centuries of tradition.
Culture
With more than 60 directly managed stores across Japan, Nakagawa is widely recognised domestically and has expanded internationally through pop-ups in Taipei, Shanghai, Beijing, and Seoul. The Shoreditch pop-up store will be its first retail presence in Europe.
Nakagawa’s philosophy “preservation through transformation” emphasises sustainability and longevity. Each product is designed to age gracefully with use, encouraging a slower, more mindful approach to everyday living. By bringing centuries-old skills into the present, Nakagawa aims to show how traditional craft can enrich modern life.
“Nakagawa has always believed that true craftsmanship connects people across generations and cultures. Bringing our first pop-up to Shoreditch is a milestone moment, and we are excited to share the spirit of Japanese kogei with the London community. Through our products and workshops, we hope visitors will experience how tradition and modern life can come together to inspire more sustainable and meaningful ways of living.” said Tomoya Yasuda, Nakagawa.
Pop-up
The Shoreditch pop-up shop will showcase around 500 items spanning textiles, ceramics, kitchenware, home accessories, and clothing. Highlights include the award-winning Hana-Fukin dishcloths, originally derived from mosquito net fabric and reimagined for modern kitchens as lightweight, quick-drying, highly absorbent cloths.
Exclusively for London, Nakagawa has created two limited-edition Hana-Fukin designs inspired by the lively Columbia Road Flower Market. These pieces reflect Nara’s time-honoured kaya-ori weaving tradition while celebrating East London’s iconic weekend ritual.
Beyond retail, visitors will be able to experience Kogei first-hand through workshops in tea ceremony, kintsugi (golden repair), and traditional ice shaving. These cultural encounters offer deeper insight into the philosophies of Japanese craftsmanship and living.
The store interior takes cues from the Victorian circular bandstand in nearby Boundary Garden, a symbol of community and cultural gathering. Designed and fabricated by London-based studio Jones Neville, the space incorporates locally sourced London native sycamore, creating a thoughtful dialogue between Japanese craft traditions and British material heritage. The in-store graphic design is by A Practice for Everyday Life.
Nakagawa will also participate in the London Design Festival (13th–21st September 2025), reinforcing its cultural exchange with the UK design community.
Nakagawa London pop-up store
Open: 9 September 2025 – July 2026
Location: 16c Calvert Avenue, Shoreditch, London E2 7JP
Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday 11:00–18:00, Sunday 11:00-17:00
Items: Approx. 500 items including homeware, ceramics, clothing, and kitchenware
Space Design & Fabrication: Jones Neville
Website: https://nakagawa1716.com | Instagram: @nakagawa1716_global
