Founded in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, in 1965 by Shoichi Takahashi, a lathe worker. Originally produced mostly table legs and ornamental pillars. With the downturn in the domestic furniture market, Takahashi Kougei launched in the 1980s the production of wood cups and sugar pots using lathes, becoming the founder of the Asahikawa group of wood tableware makers. Creates simple and functional tableware using mainly Hokkaido-grown trees. While preserving the look and feel of wood, these items--such as the Kami series drinking cups--have a modern sensibility, enabling them to blend naturally into the contemporary lifestyle. Hidetoshi Takahashi became president in 2009.