NEWS
15.JUN.2026
3daysofdesign 2026 – Porcelain in the Nordic Summer Light
In June 2026, JAPAN FORM participated in 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen, presenting the porcelain lighting collection of Hirotaka Tobimatsu. As part of the Openhouse Magazine curated exhibition at The Conary, we were honoured to exhibit alongside some of Europe’s leading design brands. The presentation also marked Tobimatsu’s first visit to Europe and his first exhibition on the continent. Since introducing Tobimatsu Lighting to Europe in 2024, one of our ambitions had been to present the work within an architectural setting where daylight itself could become part of the experience. The atrium at The Conary provided exactly such an opportunity. Within the atrium, a warm glow emerged softly from inside the porcelain shades, while daylight from above illuminated their white surfaces. Throughout the exhibition, Copenhagen’s ever-changing summer sky became an active participant in the installation. Fast-moving clouds continuously altered the intensity and character of the daylight, creating a dramatic and constantly evolving atmosphere. Unlike glass, which is transparent, or metal, which primarily reflects light, porcelain possesses a unique ability to receive, diffuse and transmit light through the material itself. The relationship between the light within and the daylight outside was constantly shifting, revealing new expressions throughout the day. This dialogue between interior light and natural light is something only porcelain can achieve in quite this way. As the sky above Copenhagen changed, so too did the character of the installation. No two moments were ever exactly the same. For us, the exhibition became more than a presentation of lighting objects. It was a demonstration of how porcelain can shape the experience of space through light. We are deeply grateful to everyone who visited the exhibition and to all those who helped make this experience possible.
9.FEB.2026
Thank You for Visiting us at Gärsnäs — Stockholm Design Days 2026
We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who visited us at Gärsnäs during Stockholm Design Week. From 3–5 February 2026, in the historic 18th-century setting in Gamla Stan, we had the pleasure of meeting many visitors in person and sharing the qualities of the porcelain lamp shades, as well as the spatial experience created by the 24-light installation. We are deeply grateful to all who came. This year was unusually cold, and the frozen canal in front of Stockholm City Hall created a striking and beautiful winter scene. Within this special atmosphere, we truly appreciated the calm and meaningful moments we were able to share with our visitors. Our collaboration with Gärsnäs now enters its third year since the launch of Japan Form in 2024. Each year, it is an honour to present Tobimatsu’s compassionate, delicate, and warm light alongside Gärsnäs’ beautifully crafted and functional furniture within such a historic environment. We would especially like to thank the entire Gärsnäs team for continually providing the opportunity to present our work in such an exceptional setting. We look forward to meeting you again in the future and continuing our activities together. Thank you very much.
3.JUN.2024
TOBIMATSU's lamps illuminate the 3daysofdesign festival in Copenhagen
JAPAN FORM presents, for the first time at the 3daysofdesign festival in Copenhagen, the works of Japanese porcelain artist Hirotaka Tobimatsu. Hirotaka Tobimatsu's "Vessel of Light" features meticulously crafted porcelain lampshades. These lampshades blend seamlessly into a room like alabaster when unlit and emit a soft, warm glow when lit. Originally from Saga, a historic center of porcelain production in Japan, and now based in Tokyo, Tobimatsu draws inspiration from Western milk glass lampshades of the 1920s, bridging traditions in his craft. Combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, these sophisticated lampshades bring elegance and poetry to any space, private or public, creating a serene and welcoming ambiance. The collection comprises 32 intricately designed and customizable models. During the exhibition, 20 models will be featured inside a historic 1600s building in the heart of Copenhagen. Experience their unique forms, textures, and delicate play of light firsthand. 12th - 14th June 2024 10:00 - 18:00 Lapidarium Of Kings, Frederiksholms Kanal 29, 1220 Copenhagen
30.JAN.2024
TOBIMATSU TOKI, the Japanese porcelain lamp, lights up for the first time in Europe in collaboration with Gärsnäs
During Stockholm Design Week JAPAN FORM presents, for the first time in Europe, the works of Japanese porcelain artist Hirotaka Tobimatsu at the House of Gärsnäs, in collaboration with Gärsnäs furniture. Tobimatsu has established a distinctive style and body of work in porcelain lighting, gaining significant attention as one of today's noteworthy artists in Japan. Working in a small studio in Tokyo, he uses techniques of casting and moulding, and through enhancing the translucent properties of porcelain, he has developed lampshades that emit a unique and delicate light. Inspired by the “milk glass lamps” that were widely used in Japan in the early 20th century, Tobimatsu seeks to honour cultural values while exploring suitable lighting solutions for modern living. Hironori Tsukue, founder of JAPAN FORM, says “Originally from Asia, porcelain spread to Western countries as a luxuryproduct. Here so-called milk glass came to be used as a substitute for the expensive white porcelain, and in the early 20th century, milk glass lampshades became popular in Japan too. It is this tradition that Tobimatsu brilliantly reinvents in his porcelain lampshades. Impressed by how his work and designs transcends eras and continents, I feel an urge to share them more widely, and I am truly honoured to be able to showcase these examples of fine Japanese craftsmanship in the historic architectural space of House of Gärsnäs, alongside the Gärsnäs designs that I greatly admire.” During the exhibition, more than 30 models will be featured for the first time in Europe. Experience their unique forms, textures and delicate play of light firsthand at the House of Gärsnäs. 5th - 11th february, 2024 during Stockholm Design Week Måndag – fredag 9.00 – 18.00 Lördag 9.00 –17.00 Söndag 11.00–16.00 House of Gärsnäs showroom Svensksundsvägen 17 Skeppsholmen, 111 49 Stockholm

ABOUT US
JAPAN FORM presents carefully curated works of modern Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship, as seen through the lens of Hironori Tsukue and his partner, Reiko Tsukue.
As our first offering, we are delighted to present porcelain lampshades by the esteemed artist Hirotaka TOBIMATSU. JAPAN FORM proudly serves as the exclusive European distributor of Tobimatsu’s lampshades. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted and made to order.
"After studying product design in Japan, my fascination with Nordic design drew me to Sweden, where I immersed myself in interior and furniture design. Living in Sweden has given me a fresh perspective on Japan and deepened my appreciation for its culture. Along the way, I’ve uncovered striking similarities between Japan and Scandinavia: a genuine appreciation for everyday objects and their craftsmanship, a pursuit of comfort and beauty, and a dedication to creating lasting value. With this vision, I aim to promote innovative Japanese craftsmanship and design for global living."
Hironori Tsukue
Founder
About Hironori Tsukue
A graduate of Tokai University’s Product Design Programme in Japan and HDK’s MFA in Sweden, Hironori Tsukue has spent the past 30 years exploring Nordic design. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, he works as a photographer and designer of furniture and interiors.
