Founded by creative genius Hiroshi Baba, Starnet is a compound of sorts, showcasing the work of artists across several mediums, including music, ceramics, clothing, and woodwork.
Located in Mashiko, a town long noted for its earthy pottery and rustic glazes (and an easy hour's train ride from Tokyo), Starnet encompasses a shop, cafe, gallery, and studio housed in renovated farm buildings. Baba was one of the first in Japan to embrace organic gardening; much of the produce used for the cafe is grown on the premises. Their reach has expanded to include a line of Starnet Foods and a custom line of ceramics available in their new Tokyo and Osaka Starnet outposts.
Above: Image via Kitchen Label
Above: The Starnet store in Mashiko features locally made goods and other handcrafted pieces.
Above: A handmade leather bag with a display of berries.
Above: A collection of subtly colored scarves.
Above: Cherry wood cutting boards made by a woodworker in a neighboring town.
Above: A collection of pastel-colored ceramic vases by Mamiko Wada (whose work is also available at Tortoise in Los Angeles).
Above: Handpainted vintage pendant lights.
Above: The gallery space features a display counter for a row of ceramic bowls.
N.B. This post is an update, the original version ran on September 12, 2007.