Written by ROGER GRODY. Featured in Performances Magazine, A Noise Within, February 2026
Kinto products featuring minimalist Japanese aesthetics, thoughtful design and sustainability are showcased in the Arts District. ESTABLISHED IN 1972 as an importer of European ceramics to Japan, Kinto has evolved into a manufacturer of its own handcrafted, sustainable products. The company’s showroom in Los Angeles’ Arts District was its first in the U.S. and Kinto continues to expand its global footprint.
“We’re guided by the belief that everyday objects should enrich life through thoughtful usability and timeless aesthetics,” says Denis Dumas-Meseguer, executive vice president/chief strategy officer at Kinto USA. “Our presence in L.A. reflects that spirit, creating products that encourage people to slow down, savor daily rituals and find moments of calm in the everyday.” The store is located at trendforward Row DTLA, where it joins home-furnishing retailers A+R, Joybird and Reform, independent fashion designers, and eateries including Pizzeria Bianco and Michelin-starred Kato.
“We want people to experience the textures, atmosphere and sense of calm that define our brand,” Dumas-Meseguer says. “Our ethos—finding inspiration in small moments and embracing a slower, more mindful pace— resonates with the culture of Los Angeles. Its residents have adopted Kinto as part of their daily rituals, appreciating products that feel natural and easy to live with.” Kinto designers encourage consumers to develop enduring relationships with the objects they use every day, a philosophy that aligns with the company’s environmental consciousness.
When conceiving a product, the designers consider every aspect of its creation, from material selection and production techniques to longevity and sustainability. Kinto’s Fog collection of porcelain tableware features matte grayish tones reminiscent of a misty coastal morning; its casual but sophisticated style blends Japanese aesthetics with California sensibilities.
The translucent white plates of the Rim collection exhibit an elegant hint of blue, a feature of porcelain crafted in Hasami, Japan. Using clay containing iron powders—elements typically considered impurities— the collection’s earthy gray plates present nuanced expressions.
“The Futo collection, designed and developed by Kinto’s Asako Sakata was created to explore fabric as a new medium for enhancing everyday comfort,” notes Dumas- Meseguer, addressing the company’s recent innovations in textiles. The collection’s handbags, caps, aprons, and shirts reflect a beauty whose character is enhanced over time.
An everyday cotton shirt—designed to feel exceptionally comfortable while maintaining its shape—is the product of a loopwheel-knitted fabric from Wakayama, Japan. Because the fabric has such instrinsic character, Kinto keeps designs simple, allowing the product’s natural qualities to shine.
“The charm of Futo lies in the craftsmanship of the artisans who create these fabrics and their stories,” suggests Dumas- Meseguer. The textiles represent Kinto’s commitment to long-lasting, thoughtfully designed products that subtly enrich everyday routines.
“Through objects designed for diverse lifestyles, we aim to build meaningful connections with the people who bring Kinto into their homes,” says Dumas-Meseguer.
Read the rest of the issue: Performances Magazine | A Noise Within, February 2026
For more information, visit kinto-usa.com.
Adress: KINTO Row DTLA, 767 S. Alameda St., Building 2, Suite 188, Downtown Los Angeles
Contact: 213.266.8684
Photo credits: Photo courtesy of Performances Magazine | A Noise Within, February 2026
