Japanese
Yasashii Shokutaku means “Gentle dining table” in English.
We strive to enhance and enrich dining table settings.
On this page, we introduce books published on table coordination and associated topics and present prize-winning works of the Tableware Grand Prix: Comfortable Dining Area Contest. We also provide information on two big events related to table coordination.
| Company Name | Yasashii Shokutaku Co., Ltd. |
| Representative Director | Yoshioka Shin |
| Capital | 10 million yen |
| Address | Kyoritsu Building, 3-11-24, Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0072 JAPAN |
| info@table21.com |
The Yasashii Shokutaku publication division of the Kyoritsu Stenography & Printing Co., Ltd. began independent operations as Yasashii Shokutaku Co., Ltd. in June 2005.
Business Contents
- Yasashii Shokutaku is published once a year and it carries information related to Table coordination
- A publication about table coordination, international etiquette, cuisine, tableware, tea and flower arrangement
- Holding seminars related to dining spaces
- Collection and dissemination of information related to dining spaces
Would you like to try your hand at table coordination?
When we ask this question, the general response is: “As we do not have expensive tableware, we cannot lay a beautiful table,” or “We don't have the refined taste required for table coordination.” This implies that most of the people have the image that table coordination is the same as display.
At our company, however, we think that “table coordination” can broadly be divided into four kinds, ranging from simple table settings that can be enjoyed at home to artistic creations.
1. Table coordination for enjoyable, everyday dining
The feeling that “we want to create a pleasant dining space for ourselves and our family” shows that we care about ourselves and our family. We think table coordination arises from this feeling. This emotion naturally gives birth to ideas and we apply our mind to create a pleasant dining space.
Just decorating the table with a single flower can add color to the dining space. You feel excited when you use your favorite tableware or authentic lacquer ware. And, if you choose a matching luncheon mat and glassware, then the everyday dining space becomes a little more stylish. We think that such simple touches are also table coordination.
2. Table coordination when inviting friends or acquaintances
This refers to table setting styles created keeping in mind the time of invitation, the guest, and the situation. This includes table setting styles for special occasions at home. Table coordination here means theme-based table settings that one not only enjoys oneself, but which also makes the guest feel happy or pleasantly surprised.
3. Display table coordination to introduce goods at shops
Table coordination here refers to display of store commodities in shop windows. Here coordination focuses on the concept conceived by the shop and styles accordingly vary from everyday table settings to table settings for special occasions. There are various unexplored styles that one can choose from without imitating every detail.
4. Table coordination as artistic creations
Table coordination here refers to artistic creations by people engaged in work related to the creation of dining spaces for display at events or exhibitions. A simple look at such table coordination arouses a relaxing effect similar to the feeling you have when you see a painting or listen to music.
At our company, we hope to spread the first type of table coordination to a great number of people, provide suggestions from the second and third types of table coordination and introduce the fourth kind of table coordination at events held at various locations.
Current Issue
Yasashii Shokutaku
Vol. 40 (April issue)
Books written in English
Food & Tableware Seasonal Cuisine for the Next Generation
Author Kiyomi Higashi
The Cultural History of Japanese Food
Editor Hisao Nagayama, Researcher, Cultural History of Food
The art of table
Author Yoko Maruyama
There are various ways of table coordination, but the basic style is, “coordination for making the meal more enjoyable.” Our company has been publishing books related to this kind of “table coordination”.
As of now we have published volumes 1-40 of “Yasashii Shokutaku” Magazine (Co., Ltd.) Yasashii Shokutaku publication.
In addition, we have also published several separate books on table coordination, flower arrangement, tea, and rice.
Yasashii Shokutaku Magazine
It carries compiled information related to table coordination
Current Issue
A4 Paper size
160 pages: Full color
Price: 2,857 yen+tax
Books
We publish books on table coordination, international etiquette, cuisine, tableware, tea, and flower arrangement.
Books written in English
These three books are bilingual books written in both English and Japanese.
Author Kiyomi Higashi
Available in two languages,
Japanese and English
A4 Paper size
100 pages: Full color
Price: 2,000 yen+tax
The book carries information on Japan’s traditional seasonal cuisine arranged in various dishes. By using not only Japanese but also Western dishes the food arranged looks altogether different.
Photographs of recipes are found at the back of the book. Information on Japanese cuisine is communicated to the world through this book.
Editor Hisao Nagayama, Researcher, Cultural History of Food
Available in two languages,
Japanese and English
B5 Paper size
92 pages: Full color
Price: 2,381 yen+tax
This book presents an overview of the history of food culture from the Jomon period to the Showa period (c. 14000 BC-1989). Food culture—the reason behind long life in Japan—is explained through easy-to-understand illustrations.
Author Yoko Maruyama
Available in two languages,
Japanese and English
A4 Paper size
128 pages: Full color
Price: 3,000 yen+tax
We recommend Yoko Maruyama’s “The Art of Table”. Yoko Maruyama is a producer of dining spaces who has been communicating the essence of the Japanese art of table creation to the world through table coordination attained through experience accumulated over a span of 20 years.
Published books
Cooking Atelier Author Yoshiko Hiroe
A4 Paper size
100 pages: Full color
Price: 2,000 yen+tax
This book introduces cuisine made with seasonal ingredients. Recipes of recommended dishes are introduced along with pictures of table coordination. One can enjoy delicious dishes with flavors of the four seasons incorporated in daily cuisine. The book also has recipes of Japanese sweets and cakes.
Edited Japan Table Designer Association
A4 Paper size
120 pages: Full color
Price: 2,700 yen+tax
The book is a collection of table coordination ideas based on the theme of 24 seasons of the old Japanese calendar. Based on the theme of 24 seasons, the book presents table coordination by 24 designers interwoven with table coordination by the prominent figure Yoko Matsuo.
Author Etsuko Asami
A4 Paper size
192 pages: Full color
Price: 3,800 yen+tax
(Contains a number of soothing illustrations)
This book is a truly impressive summary of rice—Japan’s staple food. The author is well acquainted with the importance of rice. The work contains information about various dishes and tableware including rice-based dishes from across the world.
Author Ikuko Nagano
A4 Paper size
104 pages: Full color
Price: 2,500 yen+tax
(Contains many photographs)
The book introduces table setting styles based on seasons. It does not present only expensive tableware or tools, but it also includes pictures of daily life.
Edited Yasashii Shokutaku Co., Ltd.
A4 Paper size
72 pages: Full color
Price: 1,000 yen+tax
(Contains many photographs)
This is a book of recipes compiled for those who do not have enough time, who want to cook simple food, or who do not like cooking so much. This work introduces various recipes using original dressings.
Author Tadako Sato
A5 Paper size
160 pages: Full color
Price: 2,700 yen+tax
(Contains pictures and illustrations)
In modern Japan, western etiquette and the traditional etiquette of ancient Japan coexist. An understanding of both kinds of etiquette and behaving as the occasion demands forms the very basis of international communication.
Author Mitsuo Ueda
A4 Paper size
152 pages: Full color
Price: 2,500 yen+tax
(Contains many photographs)
The author has thoroughly explored Japan’s 100 terraced paddy fields from 134 districts over a span of eight years. The book introduces the natural environment, food related issues, and the traditional culture of every location.
NPO Dining Space Coordination Association (TALK-TCS)
A5 Paper size
220 pages
Price: 4,000 yen+tax
This is a must-read for the candidates who want to take the Level 2 Dining Spaces Coordinator certification of the NPO Dining Space Coordination Association. The textbook contains information that is also of interest to the general public.
Edited Yasashii Shokuten Co., Ltd.
A5 Paper size
116 pages: Full color
Price: 2,381 yen+tax
This book deals with the importance of communication, business etiquette, Japanese and Western dining etiquette, and presents ways of extending warm hospitality that are indispensable for the people working in the service industry.
Author Kayo Suzuki
A5 Paper size
80 pages: Full color
Price: 1,800 yen+tax
One can always create tea time whenever one so pleases. The book recommends various ‘tea time’ styles for these occasions.
NPO Dining Space Coordination
Association (TALK-TCS) A5 Paper size
160 pages The text is in two colors
(Partially in full color)
Price: 2,381 yen+tax
This is a must-read for the candidates who want to take the Level 3 Dining Spaces Coordinator certification of the NPO Dining Space Coordination Association. One can acquire basic knowledge of the subject with a focus on etiquette.
Author Yasuko Yamaguchi
A4 Paper size
100 pages: two colors
Price: 1,429 yen+tax
One can learn the basics of table coordination, make plans, and paste pictures of table settings. The book facilitates the creation of step-by-step notes and serves as a notebook that helps learning through the repetition of thee above tasks and records the progress of one’s study.
Author Yutaka Konno
A4 Paper size
81 pages: Full color (Partially in one color)
Price: 1,429 yen+tax
The book introduces the world of kirigami, paper-cutting, using familiar materials and tools such as paper and scissors. Both adults and children enjoy kirigami.
Author Katsumi Nakajima
Paper size
268 pages
Price: 1,617 yen+tax
The book is a compilation of the author’s outlook of life and worldview based on practical knowhow of external Qigong and knowledge of Qigong and his vast experience.
Author Tadako Sato
A5 Paper size
328 pages: Partially in full color
Price: 2,857 yen+tax
Tadako Sato, a researcher of international etiquette, has compiled a dictionary of essential hospitality terms born from her long personal experience in New York—the center of partying and hospitality.
Author Yuko Oishi
A5 Paper size
100 pages: Full color
Price: 1,524 yen+tax
A book that is useful for 41 themes of everyday living. The book is packed with information on table coordination and simple wrapping and table etiquette.
Author Yasuko Yamaguchi
A4 Paper size
96 pages: Full color
(Partially in one color)
Price: 1,619 yen+tax
The book is a thoughtful introduction to recommendations about table coordination styles, topiary techniques and wreath making including ways of napkin folding.
Co-authors Yoko Maruyama,
Mayumi Chiba and Yuko Hama
A4 Paper size
112 pages: Full color
Price: 2,381 yen+tax
Yoko Murayama has collaborated with Mayumi Chiba and Yuko Hama. Responding to the call of the times, the authors have written this manual utilizing their vast knowledge. The book is a useful reference for people aspiring to be professional table coordinators.
Author Hisako Tsuji
A4 Paper size
120 pages: Full color
Price: 3,334 yen+tax
Table coordination is connected to stylish living. This book is based on the basic concept of creating dining spaces emphasizing the idea that “inviting others to join in gives happiness.”
Edited Food Design Research Society
A5 Paper size
128 pages: Full color
Price: 1,810 yen+tax
This is a textbook on coordination of dining spaces focusing on the university and college teachers working in the field of food. It employs concrete examples to explain various issues related to table coordination.
Author Michiyo Adachi
A4 Paper size
122 pages: Full color
Price: 2,267 yen+tax
This work provides basic knowledge of Chinese tea and black tea, and the procedures and etiquette of hospitality. It contains a wealth of information and presents various tea time table settings for enjoyment in everyday life.
Author Naoko Ochiai
A4 Paper size
112 pages: Full color
Price: 2,381 yen+tax
Historical banquet styles, dining space presentations by 55 artists who learned at schools, and universal designs of dining space are included in this book.
Author Etsuko Asami
A4 Paper size
144 pages: Full color
Price: 3,334 yen+tax
The author of Table & Food & Flower Coordinators has presented a compilation of her feelings and thoughts on Wa. This is a textbook on Japan’s cherished traditions and the future of table coordination in Japan.
Author Yuka Kaneko
A5 Paper size
128 pages: Full color
Price: 2,096 yen+tax
(Contains 200 photographs)
The book presents various kinds of flower vases, landscapes, and sites for decoration that match the unique characteristics of 11 species of flowers blooming in the four seasons. The work presents settings that make the flowers look most beautiful.
Author Mitsuko Mori
B5 Paper size
128 pages: Full color
Price: 2,096 yen+tax
You can do it! The work introduces flower arrangement utilizing 8 themes and various illustrations. It is packed with table flower coordination styles that can be applied instantly.
Author Katsuko Uno
A4 Paper size
104 pages: Full color
Price: 2,667 yen+tax
The author owns a Thai restaurant at Kiyamachi Street in Kyoto. The book presents the world of table coordination and cuisine in Thailand and Kyoto enriched by the author’s 13 years of experience as a table coordinator.
Author Yasuko Yamaguchi
A4 Paper size
88 pages: Full color
Price: 1,620 yen+tax
The book introduces various table coordination settings. It also presents methods on how to enjoy a simple life, how to cook simple food and learn the art of napkin folding.
Author Shizuko Honmi
A4 Paper size
100 pages: Full color
Price: 1,524 yen+tax
The book presents how to bake delicious bread with ease by using ovens at home. This book is a warm invitation to people trying their hand at baking bread for the first time, and to those who want to eat freshly baked breads on weekends.
Author Yoko Maruyama
B5 Paper size
188 pages: Full color
Price: 2,858 yen+tax
This book is for people aspiring to be table coordinators. The work includes both Japanese and Western table coordination and the creation of dining spaces based on an awareness of color coordination.
Author Tadako Sato
B5 Paper size
126 pages: Full color
Price: 2,381 yen+tax
This book is filled with useful information about parties, restaurants, hotels and tour destinations. This knowledge enables one to enjoy in a relaxed and comfortable environment. This is an indispensable book to learn international etiquette.
Original products
B5 Paper size
48 pages
Price: 800 yen (tax included)
Planning sheets can record plans, projects, and ideas related to table coordination. After the plan has been implemented, one can record one’s impressions and feedback and affix photographs. Sale is limited to “Yasashii Shokutaku”.
B5 Paper size
48 pages
Price: 800 yen (tax included)
Planning sheets can record plans, projects, and ideas related to table coordination. After the plan has been implemented, one can record one’s impressions and feedback and affix photographs. Sale is limited to “Yasashii Shokutaku”.
B5 Paper size
48 pages
Price: 800 yen (tax included)
Planning sheets can record plans, projects, and ideas related to table coordination. After the plan has been implemented, one can record one’s impressions and feedback and affix photographs. Sale is limited to “Yasashii Shokutaku”.
Come look for your favorite dining tables!
Our magazine Yasashii Shokutaku covers the Tableware Festival held every year at Tokyo Dome and the contest winning works of the Table Coordination Fair previously held at Osaka Dome. You can enjoy browsing through all the exhibited works from the 7th Tokyo Dome Festival onwards and the 3rd Osaka Dome Fair onwards that are displayed on our website. With browsing possible by various categories including by four seasons, events, target individual, or the Eight Basic Categories of TALK*, our website provides a diverse and easy reference for table setting styles. Come enrich your everyday table coordination!
On this page are provided details of the creative works. One can browse table concepts and recipes that match the visualized table setting, as well as comments for the works by expert table stylists.
Events
- Birthdays
- Celebrating Home Coming
- Celebrating the Beginning of Spring
- Celebration of University Enrollment, Kindergarten Enrollment
- Celebration to Commemorate a Person’s Long Life
- Cherry Blossom Viewing
- Children’s Day
- Christmas
- Chrysanthemum Festival Day
- Coming-of-Age Ceremony
- Doll’s Festival or Girl’s Festival
The Eight Basic Categories
*The Eight Basic Categories of TALK is a newly compiled method of categorization by Talking Association of Life Culture (TALK) based on the “Color Image Scale” proposed by Nippon Color and Design Research Institute Inc. Click here for details on the Eight Basic Categories of TALK
Current Issue
Yasashii Shokutaku
Vol. 40 (April issue)
Books written in English
Food & Tableware Seasonal Cuisine for the Next Generation
Author Kiyomi Higashi
The Cultural History of Japanese Food
Editor Hisao Nagayama, Researcher, Cultural History of Food
The art of table
Author Yoko Maruyama
Here we introduce the events related to dining space styles held every year.
The Tokyo Dome Tableware Festival: An Exhibition of Tableware to Enrich Your Lifestyle
Date and Time: Held annually in early February for 8 days from 10:00-19:00
Venue: Tokyo Dome 1-3-61, Korakuen, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo
Admission Fee: Door Tickets: 2,100 yen (tax included)
*Free for children of elementary school age or younger who must be accompanied by an adult. Sponsored by: Tableware festival Executive Committee
For more information: Please see the official website of the Tableware Festival.
Yasashii Shokutaku has an individual booth for display of goods and books on sale.
[Contents]
There are features on tableware pottery producers and table coordination creations are displayed. Prominent figures from all walks of life introduce “Welcoming Dining Spaces” that enrich our everyday life through highly distinctive table settings.
The Tableware Grand Prix—Comfortable Dining Area Contest: This is the industry’s biggest tableware contest with candidates competing in the categories of original design, coordination, and the special judges awards. Awards include the Grand Prix/Economy, Trade and Industry Minister’s Award, and the Tokyo Governor’s Award. Many creative masterpieces by professionals and amateurs alike are displayed.
The creations (photos/concepts) in the Tableware Grand Prix are published in the Yasashii Shokutaku magazine. (Event Venue Photographs)
Nagoya Dome: Dome Yakimono World
Date and Time: Held annually in the middle of November for 7 days from 10:00-18:00
Venue: Nagoya Dome, 1-1-1, Daikouminami, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
Admission fee: General (junior high school age or above) Door tickets: 1,200 yen, free for children of elementary school age or younger
Sponsored by: Dome Yakimono World Executive Committee
For more information: Please see the official website of Dome Yakimono World.
Yasashii Shokutaku has an individual booth for display of goods and books on sale.
[Contents]
The World of Tableware—a meeting place of cultures that makes life more enjoyable
The biggest market across Japan where you can compare and buy tableware from all over the country!
The tableware ranges from creations by artists, traditional ware, and designer ware at select shops to products of value used in everyday life. Besides ceramics, an array of products related to dining and daily life such as cutlery, lacquer tableware, wooden tableware, and glass tableware are displayed.
The contest creations are published in Yasashii Shokutaku.
Current Issue
Yasashii Shokutaku
Vol. 40 (April issue)
Books written in English
Food & Tableware Seasonal Cuisine for the Next Generation
Author Kiyomi Higashi
The Cultural History of Japanese Food
Editor Hisao Nagayama, Researcher, Cultural History of Food
The art of table
Author Yoko Maruyama