Hiroshima Andersen (7-1 Hondori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City) is holding the "Tobe Ware: Tradition in Everyday Life" exhibition from September 8 (Tue) to 14 (Mon), 2026.
History — Tobe Ware and Andersen
With a history of about 250 years, Tobe ware is a nationally designated traditional craft and an intangible cultural asset of Ehime Prefecture. Its plump, warm forms and the crisp indigo blue that stands out against smooth white porcelain have long accompanied people's daily lives, passed down through generations.
Andersen's connection to Tobe ware traces back to the opening of Aoyama Andersen in 1970. In search of tableware with the Danish warmth befitting a restaurant known for its Danish pastries, the team traveled across Japan and eventually found Tobe ware. That encounter later extended to keepsakes for the アンデルセン友の会, forming a long-standing relationship.
This exhibition introduces a wide range of Tobe ware, from traditional designs to pieces that incorporate contemporary sensibilities. Alongside the appeal of the tableware itself, table settings featuring bread and dishes served on the pieces offer a look at everyday life with Tobe ware.
Event Details
| Dates | September 8 (Tue) to 14 (Mon), 2026 |
| Hours | 10:00 AM–7:00 PM (until 4:00 PM on the final day) |
| Venue | Hiroshima Andersen, 4F Copenhagen Room (admission free) |
1. Limited-Quantity Original Designs
"Encounter with Tobe Ware" — Reproduction Ware
A reproduction of the tableware used when Aoyama Andersen opened in 1970 is being sold. The contrast between indigo blue and deep brown stands out, with its texture created by mixing iron powder into the clay. This piece has been recreated with modern methods based on the techniques of the time, with cooperation from the kiln きよし窯. This year's second installment introduces a bread plate, an essential piece for the breakfast table.
Bread plate: approx. 16.5 cm diameter, ¥1,760
Tobe ware used at Aoyama Andersen in 1970 (bottom right)
Small Plate and Mug Featuring a "Bluebird and Tree" Design
Designed by Yamada Hiromi of きよし窯 with a comfortable morning table in mind. Beyond serving bread and Danish pastries, these pieces also make a fitting gift for everyday life.
Small plate (mamezara): approx. 10.5 cm diameter x 3 cm height, ¥770. Mug: approx. 9 cm diameter x 9 cm height, ¥2,200
2. 14 Kilns Gather to Showcase the Range of Tobe Ware
The exhibition brings together works from kilns that honor tradition while exploring new forms of expression, from everyday tableware to pieces that add character to daily life, each showing Tobe ware's individuality and range of expression.
Participating kilns: 岡田陶房, 千山窯, tsuneoka ceramics, atelier LUXE, きよし窯, 大西陶芸, イロリ工房, 和将窯, 清月窯（トリネコ屋）, 雲石窯, 東吉窯, すこし屋松田窯, 器屋ひより, ヨシュア工房 (in no particular order)
3. Painting Workshop With Yamada Hiromi, an Ehime Prefecture-Designated Intangible Cultural Asset Holder and Certified Traditional Craftsperson (Reservation Required)
Reservation required — the workshop is full and is now accepting waitlist entries.
Yamada Hiromi of きよし窯, a certified traditional craftsperson who continues to share the appeal of Tobe ware, leads this painting workshop. Participants learn the basics of painting and then freely paint a design of their choice on a piece of tableware. Finished pieces are collected for final firing and later handed over at the Hiroshima Andersen store.
| Date and time | September 13 (Sun), 2026 — Session 1: 10:30 AM–12:30 PM; Session 2: 2:00 PM–4:00 PM |
| Venue | Hiroshima Andersen, 4F Denmark Room |
| Fee | ¥2,800 plus the cost of the piece (¥660 to ¥1,980) |
| Capacity | 16 people per session |
| What to bring | An apron and a hand towel |
How to Reserve
Reservations are accepted online or by phone (main line: 082-247-2403; reception hours 10:00 AM–7:00 PM).
All prices listed include tax.
Hiroshima Andersen
Address: 7-1 Hondori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City 730-0035
Phone: 082-247-2403
Hours:
- 1F Bakery Market: 10:00 AM–7:30 PM (Sandwich Stand: 7:30 AM–5:00 PM, last order for made-to-order sandwiches at 3:00 PM)
- 2F Restaurant: weekdays 11:00 AM–9:00 PM / weekends and holidays 7:30 AM–9:00 PM (last order 8:30 PM)
Year-end and New Year holidays, store closures, and other schedule details are announced on Hiroshima Andersen's official website and social media.
Access:
- 10 minutes by taxi from JR Hiroshima Station
- 2-minute walk from the "Hondori" stop on the Hiroshima Electric Railway line bound for Hiroshima Port (Ujina)
- 2-minute walk from the "Hondori" stop on the Hiroden bus (Hiroshima Electric Railway Line 1, bound for Hiroshima Port (Ujina))
Official website: https://www.andersen.co.jp/hiroshima/
Official social media: https://www.instagram.com/hiroshima_andersen_official/
