A group of people are gathered around a long dining table in a warmly lit restaurant or private dining space. A striking wooden chandelier with globe lights hangs above the table, which is adorned with flower arrangements.

Tsuchiya Kaban Appreciation Dinner
2023 in Portland Oregon

We held an exclusive Japanese-style *Omotenashi dinner party for our ambassadors based in Portland on November 16th  2023, at the incredible home of our good friend, Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini. 

* A Japanese expression steeped in the traditions of hospitality and mindfulness, finds its roots in the artful role of the host during a Japanese tea ceremony.

A long dining table is set for a gathering, illuminated by numerous hanging pendant lights with geometric wooden shades. The table is adorned with several floral arrangements featuring orange and red foliage, candles in glass holders, and various place settings.
A neatly set dining spot on a wooden table, featuring a rectangular placemat, a pair of chopsticks resting on a blue chopstick rest, and a blue booklet or menu with text that includes

Welcoming our guests with a table adorned in Tsuchiya's signature color, Indigo, in the form of custom-dyed Tenugui (Japanese cloth napkins) and custom chopstick rests crafted by a local glass artist. Enhancing the ambiance with a florist's artful touch of “Ikebana”, our table captures the essence of Portland's autumn, showcasing the vibrant colors of fall foliage.

A brown leather cylindrical bag with a top handle and zipper is displayed on a white tablecloth. In the foreground, a small lit candle in a glass holder provides warm ambient light.
Tsuchiya Kaban's six Randoseru backpacks, each uniquely decorated with white or colorful designs, are lined up on a grey sofa. The designs include graphic patterns, text like

As our guests arrived, they enjoyed a cocktail with new and old friends while reveling in the world of Tsuchiya's craftsmanship. The guests indulged in masterpieces like “Fun of Carrying” and explored the artistic realm of the “Artist Series”, where Tsuchiya's signature Randoseru were brought to new life with hand-painted drawings by talented artists.

Sharing our Japanese custom of pouring sake in a masu box, Kampai!

A hand is pouring liquid from a dark bottle into a small, clear glass, which is placed inside a traditional wooden masu cup. The setting appears to be a dimly lit dining table, with other glasses, bowls of food, and lit votive candles visible in the blurred background.
A diverse group of people are gathered around a long wooden table, seemingly enjoying a meal or event. In the foreground, a person is pouring from a bottle, while others are smiling and laughing, with some appearing surprised or delighted. A woman in a white shirt and apron stands in the background, clapping, while another woman behind her is laughing. The table is decorated with natural elements like wood pieces and red maple leaves, and the overall atmosphere is lively and social.
A lively dinner gathering is taking place at a long wooden table, with many people seated on both sides, raising their hands or glasses in a toast. The table is adorned with floral arrangements featuring red maple leaves and other flowers, as well as candles and individual place settings with small dishes. In the background, a man in a white shirt and dark apron stands near the end of the table, smiling. The room is warmly lit by hanging wooden light fixtures, and a wall covered with framed artwork is visib

We celebrated this special gathering starting with Sake spirits crafted in Oregon. Guests poured overflowing sake each other into glasses within the masu box, partaking in the generous spirit of a Japanese-style 'Kanpai.' This tradition not only embodies our unique form of ”Omotenashi” hospitality but also serves as an expression of heartfelt gratitude.

A close-up overhead shot of a Japanese meal set on a wooden table. On the left, a rectangular wooden box holds various small dishes including tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), grilled fish, and other appetizers. On the right, a round bowl contains several small, artfully decorated rice balls (onigiri) with different toppings like ikura (salmon roe), seaweed, and cucumber, presented on green leaves. A pair of chopsticks rests on a blue holder in the foreground. In the blurred background, glasses with drinks and ca
A close-up shot shows multiple individual square-shaped strawberry shortcakes arranged on white plates, each placed on a green leaf. The cakes feature layers of light sponge cake, cream, and sliced strawberries, topped with a whole fresh strawberry. Some plates are stacked in the background.
Three women are seated at a table, engaging in conversation in what appears to be a cozy indoor setting. The woman on the left is looking towards the center, while the woman in the middle, wearing a green patterned top, is looking to her right and holding chopsticks. The woman on the right, wearing a light-colored top with a fur collar, is smiling and talking, also holding chopsticks.

The bento-style dinner was a multi-course culinary journey, which was not only delicious but truly stunning to behold. Guests savored the rich flavors of Oregon's wild salmon, expertly miso-glazed, alongside traditional Japanese celebratory dishes symbolizing enduring health and happiness. To finish it off on a sweet note, guests helped themselves to Japanese rice flour shortcake and bespoke ice cream, signature creations made by local Portland chefs specially for this event.

Exclusive Sneak Peek into Our Latest Randoseru Model

Three people are standing in an indoor setting with brick walls and what appears to be an art piece with a punk rock figure on a gold background. A woman on the left is holding up a reddish-brown randoseru backpack. In the center, a man in a white shirt and dark apron is holding a bright red randoseru backpack and smiling towards the right. On the right, a man in a grey suit, tie, and sunglasses is holding up another red randoseru backpack, also smiling.

At the culmination of the party, we proudly unveiled our latest Randoseru model to our guests, showcasing it before anyone else. Drawing inspiration from the Randoseru Thomas had cherished for over 15 years, this masterpiece is the collaborative result of skilled artisans and designers. Soon to be released exclusively on our global site!

A wide shot captures a lively dinner gathering in a warmly lit, art-filled room. A long wooden table is set with place settings, floral arrangements, and candles, around which many guests are seated and interacting. A large wooden chandelier with globe lights hangs above the table. The wall on the right is densely covered with framed artwork of various sizes, and two women in aprons are visible near the back, one possibly serving or presenting.

The Artisan/makers who made the evening so special.

Catering - Soen, Naomi Molstrom
Beverage - SakeOne, Kimino, Iyoshi Craft Cola
Dessert - Salt&Straw, Mio’s Delectables
Ingredients - Sho Japanese Restaurant, Obon Shokudo
Snacks - Fulamingo
Ikebana Florals - Diane Dixon
Glass holders - Kurumi Conley

A man with glasses and a mustache, wearing a suit and tie, is smiling and ringing a large brass bell. He has a reddish-brown Randoseru backpack on his back. He is in what appears to be a restaurant or event space, with a long dining table and other people blurred in the background.

Truly a night to remember!
Thank you Thomas Lauderdale and Portland, we love you!

Meet our favorites

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Kenzo Minami crosses a New York crosswalk while carrying Tsuchiya Kaban’s Tone Nume Box Tote in Medium Brown.
Kenzo Minami - Artist and Designer
Karie Higgins and Lee Gibson - Owners of River Cabaan
Karie Higgins and Lee Gibson - Owners of River Cabaan
Brooklyn-based ceramicist Shino Takeda with Tsuchiya Kaban
Shino Takeda - Ceramicist