CACL Inc. (Headquarters: Nomi City, Ishikawa Prefecture; CEO: Junichi Okuyama), a company that upcycles crafts damaged in the Noto Peninsula Earthquake and nonstandard Kutani ware, has produced a terrazzo counter embedded with fragments of Kutani ware for Budoono Mori Distillery, operated by Budoono Mori Distillery Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture; CEO: Masayasu Moto), a subsidiary of BudoonoMori Co.,Ltd.

Fragments of Kutani ware—an icon of Ishikawa’s traditional culture—have been reborn as part of a local production for local consumption initiative, transformed from discarded material into new value.

The counter’s surface incorporates finely crushed white porcelain from unfinished Kutani ware as aggregate, along with larger, vividly colored fragments that were individually embedded by hand. Through repeated polishing, some of these fragments were partially exposed, blending naturally into the terrazzo while revealing unique glazes and cross-sections that create a rich, distinctive texture.

Fragments of Kutani ware in five colors are scattered across the counter sides, their cross-sections revealed by polishing.

Close-up: Each shard displays its own expression and color pattern.

The counter was realized with the cooperation of U+ Co., Ltd. and Fujita-Sakan Co., Ltd. From design and construction to material sourcing, the project was completed entirely within the region—an example of a truly locally circular terrazzo counter.

Background of the Collaboration

Budoono Mori Distillery regenerates abandoned farmland and produces sustainable gin under the concept “MORI NO NIWA.”
Similarly, CACL has been exploring new forms of regeneration and creative circulation by reimagining regional resources and traditional crafts.

The shared vision of revival and circular design between both companies led to this collaboration.

This project reused nonstandard or earthquake-damaged Kutani ware that could not be sold in the market. By handling every stage—from design to construction—through local companies, the initiative embodies a new model of “locally produced, locally renewed design.”
The attempt to reshape broken fragments into a new form also serves as a quiet symbol of preserving the memory of the disaster—carrying it forward with resilience.
We hope that the experience of enjoying craft gin while appreciating the counter’s rich expressions will remain in visitors’ memories.

Comments from Project Members

Kaoru Ikeda, Head of Distillation Division, BudoonoMori Co.,Ltd.

“We are deeply grateful for this wonderful collaboration. At MORI NO NIWA, our goal is to carry forward the potential of the land, symbolized by the regeneration of abandoned farmland. Through our work with CACL, another beautiful cycle of regeneration has emerged—the ‘rebirth’ of Kutani ware, a symbol of our regional culture.
This counter is more than just an interior element—it embodies our wishes for recovery from the earthquake and our respect for local culture. Together with the craft gin produced here, we hope to share this story of renewal with many people.”

Toru Yoshida, CEO, U+ Co., Ltd.

“When we first began discussing the space design for Budoono Mori Distillery, I immediately proposed using ceramic fragments. Since the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, these shards have become an essential material for me. The project team agreed right away, and we decided to use them in places close to people’s touch and line of sight—the counter and the outdoor benches.
By embedding large, colorful ceramic fragments into white beer-stone surfaces, we aimed to express a sense of joy and approachable beauty.”

Junichi Okuyama, CEO, CACL Inc.

“No two fragments of Kutani ware are alike. Each piece was carefully embedded at just the right depth and angle to highlight its shape and color. Even the slightest adjustment changes the overall expression, so I hope visitors will enjoy discovering the subtle variations.

This terrazzo finish using ceramic fragments is the first of its kind in Ishikawa Prefecture. We hope to expand it gradually as a new model of local circular design—and to share the beauty of once-discarded materials shining again.”

Company Information

Company: CACL Inc.

Address: Ri-56, Tatsunokuchi-machi, Nomi City, Ishikawa Prefecture 923-1245, Japan
Representative: Junichi Okuyama, CEO
Business Areas: Upcycling of crafts and nonstandard materials into products and materials; creative and artistic projects; social welfare initiatives for people with disabilities
Website: https://cacl.jp
Tel: +81-761-48-8004