Japanese Sake Meets TOKYO SILVER: JOEKR Presents the 'Kintai Bridge and Sakura' Collection

Created exclusively for the exhibition, the "Kintai Bridge and Sakura" collection was developed in conjunction with manga artist Kenshi Hirokane's special Dassai label.

The cherry blossom metal ornaments were designed by JOE WATANABE and handcrafted by TOKYO SILVER artisan Munemitsu Kamikawa.

The TOKYO SILVER collection showcased a range of handcrafted silver cups and sake vessels, including Silver Cup Sakura and Silver Cup Oboro, all crafted from pure silver.

This collaboration with ceramic artist and tea master Shota Yamada, JOE WATANABE proposed attaches a convex pure silver plate to the base of each ceramic vessel.

The collection also included the "Kintai Bridge and Sakura" Chopstick Rest Set.

JOEKR presented its creations with TOKYO SILVER artisans at Dassai's "Art and Dassai, Dassai and Art" event at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi.

MEGURO-KU, TOKYO, JAPAN, August 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- JOEKR, the accessory and silverware brand developed by e-moer, participated in Dassai's pop-up exhibition, "Art and Dassai, Dassai and Art," held at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store from May 13 to May 26, 2026. Presenting its creations alongside TOKYO SILVER artisans, the brand introduced the event-exclusive "Kintai Bridge and Sakura" collection, inspired by a special label created by renowned manga artist Kenshi Hirokane.

Bringing Japanese Traditional Craftsmanship and Japanese Sake Culture Together Through Contemporary Design

The exhibition featured the "Kintai Bridge and Sakura" collection inspired by a special label created by renowned manga artist Kenshi Hirokane, as well as silver cups, sake vessels crafted by TOKYO SILVER artisans, and collaborative works created with ceramic artist and tea master Shota Yamada.
By bringing together the craftsmanship of TOKYO SILVER, the culture of Dassai's Japanese sake, and the creative vision of contemporary artists, the exhibition sought to transform the experience of enjoying Japanese sake into an appreciation of fine craftsmanship and art.

Inspired by Nihonbashi, Kintai Bridge, and Cherry Blossoms

The collection draws inspiration from both the venue—Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store—and the landscape of Iwakuni City in Yamaguchi Prefecture, home to Dassai's brewery.
Nihonbashi and Kintai Bridge, the iconic bridge of Iwakuni, are both counted among Japan's Three Famous Bridges. Using this connection as its starting point, JOEKR translated the scenery of Kintai Bridge and cherry blossoms, together with the experience of enjoying Japanese sake, into decorative bottle cases, silver cups, and sake vessels.

Event-Exclusive "Kintai Bridge and Sakura" Collection

Created exclusively for the exhibition, the "Kintai Bridge and Sakura" collection was developed in conjunction with manga artist Kenshi Hirokane's special Dassai label.
Inspired by the cherry blossoms depicted on the label and the famous sakura surrounding Kintai Bridge in Iwakuni, the collection features bottle case ornaments incorporating metal elements modeled after the bridge. Two versions were available: one crafted from sterling silver and another made from brass with 18-karat gold plating.
The cherry blossom metal ornaments were designed by JOE WATANABE and handcrafted by TOKYO SILVER artisan Munemitsu Kamikawa.
The collection also included the "Kintai Bridge and Sakura" Chopstick Rest Set, combining chopstick rests inspired by the bridge with chopsticks crafted from cherry wood.
Reflecting on the collection, JOE WATANABE commented:
"What impressed me in Iwakuni was not simply the beauty of the scenery, but the quiet harmony between the land and the people."

Pure Silver Cups and Sake Vessels by TOKYO SILVER

The TOKYO SILVER collection showcased a range of handcrafted silver cups and sake vessels, including Silver Cup Sakura and Silver Cup Oboro, all crafted from pure silver.
Each piece highlights silver's distinctive brilliance, reflective qualities, and satisfying weight in the hand. Beyond serving as functional sake cups for enjoying Japanese sake, these works also capture surrounding light and scenery, transforming everyday drinking into an artistic experience.
Among them, Silver Cup Sakura was created by casting an actual cherry blossom in pure silver. By preserving the flower's natural form, the piece captures the fleeting beauty of spring and transforms it into a timeless silver cup.

Kamikawa commented:
"I see the surface of pure silver as a canvas, engraving the moment when the aroma of sake begins to rise."

Reflecting the Landscape: Collaboration with Shota Yamada

For this collaboration with ceramic artist and tea master Shota Yamada, JOE WATANABE proposed attaching a convex pure silver plate to the base of each ceramic vessel.
The polished silver surface reflects the surrounding light and scenery, drawing the landscape into the vessel through its mirrored finish. As the reflections change with the seasons and the place where it is used, each piece offers a different visual experience every time it is enjoyed.

Yamada describes the work as:
"A new experience of appreciating the landscape within the vessel while enjoying Japanese sake."
The collaborative collection will continue to be developed under the Produced by JOEKR brand.

Event Information

Event: Art and Dassai, Dassai and Art
Dates: May 13–26, 2026
Venue: Central Hall, 1F Main Building, Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
Organizer: Dassai Co., Ltd.

The Artists and Craftsmen

Munemitsu Kamikawa, a master silversmith specializing in TOKYO SILVER, was born into a family of silversmiths and trained under his father, second-generation master Munesho Kamikawa. He specializes in hera-shibori, a traditional metal spinning technique used to create three-dimensional forms, while actively passing on traditional silversmithing techniques to future generations.
Shota Yamada is both a ceramic artist and tea master whose work communicates the richness of Japanese culture through pottery and the traditions of the tea ceremony.
JOE WATANABE serves as shareholder and designer of the haute couture brand MAQUINN. His work has been showcased internationally through solo exhibitions in Paris and showcase events in Qatar. He has also designed costumes for internationally recognized figures including Chinese actress Fan Bingbing and singer Ariana Grande.

Expanding Japanese Craftsmanship to the World

JOEKR is the accessory and silverware brand developed by e-moer.
By combining the traditional techniques of TOKYO SILVER with contemporary design, the brand aims to introduce Japanese craftsmanship to audiences both in Japan and overseas.
Looking ahead, JOEKR plans to strengthen relationships with international buyers, galleries, and select retailers while continuing to present Japanese traditional craftsmanship through products designed for today's global lifestyle.

JOEKR Online Shop: https://joekr-official.com/

About JOEKR

JOEKR is an accessory and silverware brand developed by e-moer. By combining the traditional techniques of TOKYO SILVER with contemporary design, the brand creates products that bring Japanese craftsmanship into modern lifestyles.
JOEKR’s silverware and metal products are manufactured by Nisshin Kikinzoku, a Japanese company specializing in metalworking and traditional craftsmanship.
Through collaborations with artisans and contemporary artists, JOEKR aims to introduce the value and beauty of Japanese craftsmanship to audiences in Japan and around the world.

JOEKR Online Shop:
https://joekr-official.com/

Media Contact

Koshiro Kanemoto
e-moer
E-mail: koshiro@joekrjewelry.com

Koshiro Kanemoto
e-moer
+81 50-3144-0242
koshiro@joekrjewelry.com