Tsubame Finish: A Yamazaki Flatware Hand-Polishing Workshop

About Yamazaki Flatware 山崎金属

In 1918, Bungen Yamazaki (山崎文言) opened a small workshop in Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture, a region globally renowned for its exceptional metalworking craftsmanship. After mastering the traditional technique of hand-hammered copperware, Yamazaki turned his attention to something more intimate: the humble spoon. It was a modest beginning, but one that would grow into over a century of dedication to creating tableware that brings quiet joy to everyday moments.

Today, Yamazaki's commitment to precision and artistry has earned them a place on some of the world's most distinguished tables. Their flatware has been recognized with the Japan Good Design Prize (1979-1989), the "Best of the Best" at Germany's Red Dot Design Award (2013), and additional Red Dot Design recognition (2016). Their YUEN collection was presented as an official gift at the G7 Summit in Niigata (2023), and Yamazaki was commissioned to create flatware for the Nobel Prize Banquet.

But beyond the accolades, what truly defines Yamazaki is their belief that great flatware should feel as natural in your hand as it looks beautiful on your table. Each piece reflects the same care and attention that Bungen Yamazaki brought to his craft over a century ago, now carried forward by artisans who understand that the tools we use to share meals matter.

ARJ Los Angeles is honored to welcome Yamazaki successors Sawako and Shuji to Los Angeles for this special workshop, continuing a story of craftsmanship that began over one hundred years ago.

Explore the Yamazaki collection at ARJ Los Angeles.

About the Workshop

This 90-minute immersive session unfolds in three parts — flatware polishing, spoon tasting, and a complimentary food and sake experience.

The workshop begins with an introduction to Yamazaki’s heritage and an inside look at their factory through a short documentary. You’ll then take part in a guided spoon tasting, comparing standard flatware with Yamazaki’s precision-crafted pieces to discover how thoughtful design transforms the dining experience.

In the hands-on portion, you’ll learn metal hand-polishing techniques and create your own personalized flatware set (2 pieces) to take home. Each participant may engrave up to 3–5 initials of their choice on each piece.

Workshop participants will also have exclusive access to pre-order from the Gold Leaf Tableware Collection by the Hakuichi Project — a special collaboration rarely available outside Japan.

Throughout the session, enjoy Niigata specialty sweets, sake tasting, and complimentary food by Pikunico, celebrating the culinary traditions of Yamazaki’s home region.

Included with Each Ticket ($70)

• All materials and tools provided
• Two (2) Aquatique Bright Dinner Spoons ($68 total value) — hand-polished and personalized to take home
• Complimentary Japanese food provided by Pikunico
• Niigata regional sweets and sake tasting
• Special in-store discount on Yamazaki products

No experience is required — beginners are welcome. All materials and tools will be provided, and you'll leave with functional, personalized flatware you can use and treasure for years to come.

Seats are limited and early sign-ups are strongly encouraged. A small waitlist may be available in case of cancellations.

Cancellation Policy

Due to limited seating, all workshop registrations are final and non-refundable.If you notify us at least 72 hours before the workshop, we will provide a store credit for the registration amount to use toward ARJ merchandise purchases. To cancel and request a credit, email us at help@arj.la. Please note that we are unable to honor reschedule requests with less than 72 hours advance notice.

For any inquiry, please contact us help@arj.la or 213-608-7574.