WASARA

Name: WASARA
Brand: Japan
Availability: OutOfStock

since 2008 : The Art of Ephemeral Dining

Founded in Tokyo in 2008, WASARA takes its name from “wa,” meaning “Japanese,” and “sara,” meaning “dish.” The concept was born within a packaging company determined to elevate disposable tableware into a new realm of beauty and sustainability. More than three years of research and development went into creating pieces that merge traditional Japanese aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility.

The brand’s creative vision is shaped by Shinichiro Ogata, a designer renowned for weaving Japanese cultural sensibility, precision craftsmanship, and warmth into his work.

about wasara

WASARA transforms the ordinary notion of single-use tableware into a graceful dining experience. Its pieces, inspired by the elegance of fine porcelain, feature soft, organic textures and silhouettes drawn from centuries of Japanese tradition.

Called “tableware for the moment,” WASARA’s philosophy is rooted in the idea that even fleeting occasions deserve beauty, hospitality, and simplicity.

Products

Signature designs include the Maru round plates, Kaku square and rectangular plates, shallow bowls, trays, tumblers, choko cups, and the distinctive triangular compartment plate. Bamboo utensils are created to rest effortlessly on the dishes, enhancing both form and function.

Every piece is made from tree-free, renewable materials, including bagasse (sugarcane pulp), bamboo, and reed pulp, making the collection fully compostable and biodegradable.

The designs are meticulously considered for comfort and utility, with details such as cup handles that also act as pouring spouts and cutlery that balances securely on plate edges. Although lightweight, the tableware is heat-resistant and durable enough for cutting, and it stacks with elegant efficiency.

why wasara

Guided by the Japanese concept of ephemeral beauty, WASARA encourages mindful appreciation of the present moment and a respectful return of materials to nature. Each piece is designed to disappear without a trace, yet leave behind a memory of refinement and care.

The brand embodies the traditions of Japanese craftsmanship, minimalism, and hospitality, seamlessly integrated with a deep reverence for the natural world.

Brand Highlights

In 2008, WASARA received the Paperware Award at the PEN Creative Awards for its innovative union of aesthetics and utility. Two years later, it earned the prestigious Good Design Award, further cementing its status as a leader in sustainable tableware design.

WASARA’s global recognition reached new heights in 2010 when its pieces were featured at the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt museum’s “Why Design Now?” exhibition, where they served as the official tableware for the opening event.

where to find

WASARA is available worldwide through its official online store, offering international shipping. The brand is also stocked by select design and homeware retailers, including Branch Homeware in the United States, making its elegant disposables accessible to a global audience.