Authentic Kintsugi Experience with real Urushi in Namba Osaka

Great experience

Thank you Jo for a wonderful workshop and insight into the world of Kintsugi, we enjoyed it very much and learnt a lot. Package safely received with the finished plates, we love them. A fantastic memory of our adventures in Japan.

via Tripadvisor

Unique class in cozy studio with local artist

Have always been an admirer of kintsugi and was very excited to find this class during my trip to Japan. I happened to be the only person signed up this day, so was lucky to receive a private class! The studio was charming and easy to find. Jo, the studio owner, was incredibly sweet and spoke English very well. He provided a complete presentation about the kintsugi process and the personal history behind his philosophy and business. We also shared matcha, and he gave me nearby ramen recommendations. Really appreciated the opportunity to not only learn some craft, but spend time with a local. Can't wait to display my plate in my home!

Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful review. It was truly a pleasure to welcome you to Zenkei, and I’m very happy that you enjoyed not only the kintsugi experience, but also the time we spent together in our small studio. I especially appreciate your kind words about my presentation and the story behind Zenkei. For me, kintsugi is not simply a technique for repairing broken ceramics. It is also a way of taking time, appreciating what we already have, and connecting with people, objects, and their stories. So it means a lot to me that you felt you were able to experience something beyond just learning a craft. Sharing matcha, talking about Japan, and even discussing ramen recommendations were also wonderful parts of the day for me! I’m glad you had the chance to experience a little bit of local life in Namba. I hope your kintsugi plate will have a special place in your home and that every time you look at it, it will remind you of your time in Osaka and Japan. Thank you again for visiting Zenkei and for sharing your experience with others. It was a pleasure meeting you, and I sincerely hope our paths cross again someday.

via Tripadvisor

Fun, informative and relaxing.

This was a wonderful, relaxing and informative experience. The pieces were prepared and ready for the final finishing work that we did. Really fun to finish them off and have them shipped back once properly cured.

Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear that you found the experience fun, relaxing, and informative. It was a pleasure having you with us and sharing the final finishing process of authentic kintsugi with real urushi lacquer. We hope you enjoy your repaired piece when it arrives after it has been properly cured. May it continue to be a meaningful part of your life for many years to come. Thank you again for visiting ZENKEI and for taking the time to share your experience with others. We truly appreciate it!

via Viator

Our instructor, Jo, was...

Our instructor, Jo, was very knowledgeable about the subject and was very skilled. He was patient and informative as he instructed us, and showed great hospitality and kindness throughout the session.

Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a real pleasure to share the art of authentic kintsugi with you. I'm very happy to hear that you found the experience informative and enjoyable. Thank you for your kind words about my teaching and hospitality. I hope your repaired piece will always remind you of your time in Osaka. Wishing you safe travels, and I hope to welcome you again someday!

via Viator

More Than a Workshop—A Meaningful Cultural Experience

If you’re considering a kintsugi workshop in Osaka, I can’t recommend this one enough. The workshop takes place in a quaint, quiet house tucked away from the busy streets of Namba. Josuke shared that the house is around 100 years old, which made the setting feel even more special and fitting for learning such a historic art form. The workshop lasted about 2.5 hours, and I never once felt rushed. My experience was incredibly personal from beginning to end. I happened to be the only participant that day, but Josuke immediately made me feel welcome. He was waiting outside to greet me when I arrived, and after the workshop, he even walked me to a nearby shrine and shared more about the area. It felt less like a tourist activity and more like spending the afternoon learning from someone who genuinely loves sharing his craft. Josuke is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about kintsugi. He doesn’t just teach you how to repair pottery—he explains the history, philosophy, and cultural significance of the art, along with each tool and natural material used throughout the process. You leave with a much deeper appreciation for what kintsugi represents. One thing that really sets this workshop apart is that Josuke practices traditional kintsugi using only natural materials. Unlike many workshops that use quick-setting epoxy, authentic kintsugi takes time, so your piece will need about 4–5 days to fully dry. Be sure to plan your itinerary accordingly. If you’re traveling internationally like I was, don’t let that discourage you—Josuke was incredibly flexible about arranging a pickup time before my flight home, and he carefully wrapped my finished piece so it would travel safely. The workshop ended with us preparing and sharing matcha together, which was such a thoughtful and relaxing way to conclude the experience. Before you leave, be sure to visit the gallery upstairs as well. It’s filled with beautiful works by Josuke and other local artists and is worth taking the time to explore. As an international traveler, I also appreciated that Josuke speaks excellent English. Communication was effortless, and I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone visiting Japan, whether you’re already interested in kintsugi or simply looking for a meaningful cultural experience.

Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful and generous review. Reading your words truly made my day. It means a great deal to know that you not only enjoyed the kintsugi process itself, but also connected with its history, philosophy, and the atmosphere of our old house. On the day of your visit, we happened to have a quieter schedule, and I was fortunate that you were the only participant. Because of that, we could spend more time together than we normally can, and I was happy to walk with you to the nearby shrine afterward. Unfortunately, during busier workshops, I’m not always able to offer that kind of personal experience, so I feel grateful that we had the opportunity to share such a relaxed afternoon. I was also delighted to hear about your work in mental health care. Kintsugi teaches us that brokenness does not diminish value—it simply becomes part of an object's story. I sincerely hope that this philosophy, and the piece you created, can in some small way bring encouragement or inspiration, both to you and perhaps to the people you support through your work. Thank you again for choosing to spend part of your journey in Japan with us. Every repaired piece carries its own unique story, and I hope yours will always remind you of your time in Osaka whenever you see it. I wish you all the very best with your important work, and I hope our paths will cross again someday.　Arigatougozaimasu.

via Tripadvisor