POJ Studio Launched Fall Kintsugi Workshops
The Kyoto-based studio has introduced a series of ceramic repair workshops to Los Angeles residents.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Arts & Crafts
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POJ Studio has launched a fall series of kintsugi workshops in Los Angeles to teach the traditional art of repairing ceramics with urushi lacquer and gold. The studio seeks to foster community interest in traditional Japanese crafts through these hands-on sessions.
Why it matters
Founder Koyama established the studio to help revive the declining urushi lacquer industry by connecting participants with the historical roots of the craft. These workshops serve as an educational platform to preserve techniques that rely on natural materials harvested from tree sap.
POJ Studio manages an artisan network comprising more than 80 craft families. The organization typically adds between 10 and 20 additional workshops to its program each year.
The players
POJ Studio
This Kyoto-based organization focuses on the preservation and promotion of traditional Japanese crafts through e-commerce and physical workshops.
Koyama
The founder of the studio who initiated these programs to combat the decline of the traditional urushi lacquer industry.
The details
Kintsugi is a precise process requiring the curing of natural tree sap lacquer to physically strengthen ceramic repairs. Participants learn to apply these materials alongside gold, grounding their practice in the same methods used by the studio's extensive network of artisans.
Timeline
POJ Studio started as an e-commerce business in 2020.
The company opened its first retail space in Kyoto in 2022.
A new woodworking program was launched in Keihoku at the end of 2025.
The new series of kintsugi workshops began in Fall 2026.
A ceramics school is scheduled to open in Shigaraki in early 2027.
Culture Shift
The expansion of kintsugi workshops represents a broader movement toward preserving heritage crafts in an era of mass-produced goods. By teaching traditional repair methods, the studio taps into a growing consumer desire for sustainable living and the preservation of artisanal knowledge.
Residents in Los Angeles can now access professional instruction on repairing broken ceramics rather than discarding them. Participating in these workshops requires time to master the delicate curing process, potentially changing how households approach the lifespan of their home goods.
The takeaway
Kintsugi offers a practical way to extend the utility of household items while learning a complex artistic tradition. Participants should be prepared for a multi-step process that emphasizes patience and respect for the natural materials used in the restoration.
What happens next
POJ Studio is planning the opening of a ceramics school and residence in Shigaraki in early 2027.
Further reading
Explore more local creative initiatives on the Arts & Crafts page.
More information
Find upcoming session details on the POJ Studio official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Downtown News - The Voice of Downtown Los Angeles.
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