The name KAGITORA refers to a tiger-shaped key used with an old Japanese chest. It reflects our appreciation for the craftsmanship and character of objects from the past.
I began this Journal as a place to share short notes about Japanese antiques, vintage objects, tea ceremony, Zen, and traditional Japanese culture. Rather than writing formal essays, I wanted to record things that interested me or that I had learned through personal experience.
Some articles are inspired by tea utensils, ceramics, textiles, or hanging scrolls. Others come from visits to museums and Zen temples, traditional festivals, or memories of everyday life in Japan. Sometimes, a question about a single object leads me to explore its history or the traditions surrounding it.
I hope these notes offer another way to appreciate Japanese objects—not only for their beauty, but also for the people, customs, and stories connected with them.
Thank you for visiting the KAGITORA Journal.
