SASAKI
A contemporary reinterpretation of the “wood-carved bear,” a symbol of both Hokkaido’s majestic natural landscape and its renowned woodcraft tradition.
This art object embodies both the boldness and precision made possible through advanced woodworking techniques. The sculptural form, born of expert craftsmanship, is beautifully complemented by intricate surface finishes, each enhancing the other’s appeal. As a result, this piece stands as a symbolic art object representing the collaborative craftsmanship of Hokkaido and Kyoto.
For the lacquer finish, ash wood (tamo) is used to highlight its distinct grain. For the foil-pressed finish, dense walnut is chosen to complement the ultra-thin gold foil—just 1/10,000 mm thick.
The Craftsmanship of SASAKI
At SASAKI, our strength lies in the harmonious integration of traditional craftsmanship and precision machine processing. This allows us to achieve the unique sculptural quality of handcrafted pieces while maintaining the accuracy necessary for scalable production.
Our process is driven by the creativity and ingenuity of each member of our team. We are both craftspeople and operators—equally hands-on and technically precise.
Every product is designed with both form and function in mind, taking into account not only aesthetics and user experience but also production efficiency and cost management. Through continuous exploration and refinement, we develop new techniques and processes that define the SASAKI identity and foster a new generation of skilled makers.
We are a manufacturer that grows together with the objects we create. That is SASAKI.
From the Snowfields of Asahikawa
SASAKI was nurtured in the vast, snow-covered lands of Asahikawa, Hokkaido.
Here, we live in harmony with nature.
Our work exists in the space between what is crafted by human hands and what is shaped by the natural world.
No matter how much we refine our techniques or push the boundaries of design, each piece of wood carries its own unique grain, personality, and quirks—no two pieces are ever the same.
The beauty of craftsmanship lies in the collaboration between uncompromising human skill and the aesthetic richness of nature.
The majestic natural world has taught us to face each material with humility and sincerity.
• In May 2016, selected as one of the "300 Vibrant Small and Medium Enterprises and Small Businesses" by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan.
• In October 2016, awarded the Excellence Prize in the Manufacturing Category of the 2016 Hokkaido New Technology and New Product Development Awards.
• In November 2018, received the Asahikawa City Work-Life Balance Promotion Award.
• In September 2023, KUMA by pirkamonrayke was featured on the cover of the October issue of the magazine PEN.
• In February 2024, selected as one of the Top 100 Companies Representing Hokkaido.