Art and welfare support in every cup with UKIYOE COFFEE

En no Ki, a coffee roastery engaged in local circular initiatives, has introduced “UKIYOE COFFEE,” a contemporary art coffee brand developed in partnership with NODD, the design unit of Grip Grap LLC. This art collaboration brings together traditional ukiyo-e artwork and modern designs, creating unique labels crafted by welfare organisations to provide opportunities and income for people with disabilities.

The “UKIYOE COFFEE” project revolves around a collaboration where welfare organisations reproduce classic ukiyo-e prints, and NODD transforms these reproductions into original illustrations for the coffee labels. En no Ki Corporation complements this effort by developing different coffee blends for each organisation.

To further support the welfare organisations, a royalty system has been implemented, ensuring that the income from label designs directly benefits these groups. Additionally, the project includes exclusive gift packaging, such as tin cans designed by Kuramae Retroma.

UKIYOE COFFEE seeks to preserve and evolve artistic traditions while enhancing regional resources by fusing traditional art with contemporary culture. Each welfare organisation contributes by creating locally themed ukiyo-e reproductions, adding a distinctive, community-focused touch to the project.

Notable ukiyo-e reproductions featured in this initiative include “The Actor Otani Oniji III as the Servant Edohei” and “Ichikawa Ebizo as Take-mura Sadanosuke” by Toshusai Sharaku, “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji: Honganji Temple in the Eastern Capital” by Katsushika Hokusai, and “Firefly Hunting” by Eisai Choki.

“UKIYOE COFFEE” offers a versatile range of products, too. The Original Tin Gift Set by Kuramae Retroma, priced at ¥3,080, includes four drip coffee bags. For those seeking smaller options, the Clear Case Set of five bags is available for ¥1,620, while the Display Carton containing twelve bags is priced at ¥3,600.

These offerings make the coffee suitable for everything from thoughtful gifts to individual souvenirs. En no Ki also invites partnerships, custom gift orders, and collaborations involving their illustrations.