Our Story
The Gifts of Nature
MINO is the name that refers to the southern area of Gifu prefecture, and the region has been the center of ceramic production and artistry since the 7th century. The ceramics produced in Mino, both traditional and modern, are referred to as “Minoyaki (Mino ware).” Mino’s environment offers natural elements that are suitable for making quality ceramicware.
Refined Clay :
Mino region is rich in high-quality, iron-rich clay used for ceramics.
Rich in Water:
To refine the clay out of the sand, water is essential. Being surrounded by the Kiso River and the Hida river, The region is also rich in water. This made it possible for the Mino region to produce ceramics more efficiently and in a larger volume than other regions.
Mountainside Kiln:
Since Mino is a mountainous region, its slopes are ideal for making climbing kilns. Although the equipment has been modernized, these kilns carved into the mountainside have been in use from the mid-Meiji era (about 1890) until the present day.
Craftmanship
Every Zero Japan product is carefully perfected by the hands of Mino craftsmen, who were one of the first ceramists to seamlessly combine ceramics, steel, and silicone together to create timeless tablewares with a modern twist. From initial molding to final glazing and fit & finish of lids to pots, a long history of attention to detail is evident.
BEE HOUSE - ZERO JAPAN TIMELINE
1992
BEE HOUSE CO., LTD. (JAPAN) was incorporated.
1994
Launched the first Square Canisters.
Began selling to retailers including Macy’s, Crate and Barrel, Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee, and Tea, Dillard’s, and more.
1998
Developed and launched the first line of Round Teapot.
2000
Round Teapot gets featured in InStyle Magazine - followed by the explosive Teapot sales.
2001
Developed and launched the first line of Salt Box.
Developed and launched the first line of Coffee Dripper.
2006
CHANGED COMPANY /BRAND NAME FROM BEE HOUSE JAPAN to ZERO JAPAN.
Coffee Dripper gets picked up by Blue Bottle, creating momentum to ride the Third Wave of Coffee.
2018
Focus America Corporation became the distributor in the U.S.
To this day, ZERO JAPAN items have been introduced in 46 countries.
2022
ZERO JAPAN will celebrate the 30th Anniversary.
