About

KI-CHU NEW YORK

Ki-Chu New York brings traditional Japanese culture into the modern Western world. We curate traditional Japanese works, from usable art to interior pieces, crafted by skilled artisans. Our mission extends to workshops and events where we share Japanese traditions and foster cultural appreciation in everyday life. We are dedicated to preserving and passing down this rich cultural heritage.

What does “Ki-Chu” mean?

“Kichu” means everything is within. All emotions are within, such as happiness, joy, and sadness. Cherishing your daily life is filling your life.

KUMIKO JITSUKAWA (Founder and Creative Director)

Kumiko Jitsukawa was born in Yokohama, Japan, and moved to New York in 2001. Kumiko had studied at Musashino Art University in Tokyo and also New York School of Interior Design in NYC. She was trained as a designer and previously worked at L’Observatoire International, the world-renowned lighting design firm. Kumiko has overseen various high-profile projects such as Jean-George Vongerichten's restaurant "Jean-Georges", “Shibui Spa” of Robert De Niro’s Greenwich Hotel, and one of the most luxury apartments in NYC.

Later, Kumiko decided to leave her position as a lighting designer to embark on a journey of sharing Japanese culture with the world, and founded Ki-Chu New York, and infuses traditional Japanese culture into the modern Western world. She curates traditional Japanese works, from usable art to interior pieces, crafted by skilled artisans. Her mission extends to workshops and events, where she shares Japanese traditions and fosters cultural appreciation in everyday life. She is dedicated to preserving and passing down rich cultural heritage.

KICHUYO*

Kichuyo is a traditional climbing kiln, located in Kamakura where is the birthplace (13th century) city of Japanese Zen. It once belonged to one of the most famous ceramic artists Rosanjin Kitaoji. After Rosanjin died, the ceramic artist Kitaro Kawamura inherited the kiln by arrangement of the Zen master Daiki Tachibana of Daitokuji, which is a Buddhist temple located in Kyoto. Kawamura family has been creating the finest ceramic works there for three generations; since then, Kitaro's grandson Kifumi Kawamura, is currently making beautiful pieces at Kichuyo.