About us
I'm Hideaki Kihara, creator of "Edward & Bunny", a collection of Arita-ware Japanese porcelain.
Arita was the primary source of Japanese porcelain exported to Europe by the Dutch East India company during the 17th and 18th centuries (via the port of Imari), and is a rich part of Japan's historical connection with the broader world.
I live in the Saga area of Kyushu island, Japan (a two-hour drive from Nagasaki) where I work with local Arita-ware artisans to bring my ideas to life.
I am afflicted with severe scoliosis (curvature of the spine), which makes it difficult for me to do physical tasks or stand for long periods of time. My disability led me to search for my purpose in life ("ikigai") and ponder what sort of contribution I would make to our world in my lifetime. I first thought about what I love: my two rabbits Edward (black colored) and Rockwell (gray colored) who you can see my Instagram @edwardandbunny. I also realized I was not alone: many others in my home area also suffer from disability, and being in the deep countryside of Japan they have limited employment opportunities. Finally, I considered the rich and beautiful porcelainware originating from the Arita village area, and how I might combine these loves to both help those around me and also convey traditional culture to a global audience.
In result, I created the "Edward & Bunny" Arita-ware porcelain collection. I donate 20% of proceeds of Edward & Bunny to support the disabled in Arita town.
If you like Edward & Bunny's creations, please post on Instagram with the hashtag #EdwardAndBunny!
Arita was the primary source of Japanese porcelain exported to Europe by the Dutch East India company during the 17th and 18th centuries (via the port of Imari), and is a rich part of Japan's historical connection with the broader world.
I live in the Saga area of Kyushu island, Japan (a two-hour drive from Nagasaki) where I work with local Arita-ware artisans to bring my ideas to life.
I am afflicted with severe scoliosis (curvature of the spine), which makes it difficult for me to do physical tasks or stand for long periods of time. My disability led me to search for my purpose in life ("ikigai") and ponder what sort of contribution I would make to our world in my lifetime. I first thought about what I love: my two rabbits Edward (black colored) and Rockwell (gray colored) who you can see my Instagram @edwardandbunny. I also realized I was not alone: many others in my home area also suffer from disability, and being in the deep countryside of Japan they have limited employment opportunities. Finally, I considered the rich and beautiful porcelainware originating from the Arita village area, and how I might combine these loves to both help those around me and also convey traditional culture to a global audience.
In result, I created the "Edward & Bunny" Arita-ware porcelain collection. I donate 20% of proceeds of Edward & Bunny to support the disabled in Arita town.
If you like Edward & Bunny's creations, please post on Instagram with the hashtag #EdwardAndBunny!