アサノハ asanoha
asanoha®: A Sense of Japan
Through Paper Vessel
Crafted from Hemp Shives
asanoha® is a brand of paper vessels born from a desire to share Japanese culture and traditions, bringing you a true sense of Japan. The brand effectively utilizes “ogara” (hemp shives)—a natural byproduct consisting of the core left behind after hemp fibers are extracted —as part of its raw materials. Furthermore, as part of our eco-friendly commitment to circulating renewable resources, we are advancing initiatives to collect used asanoha items and recycle them into raw materials for toilet paper.
What Is asanoha?
asanoha is a brand of paper vessels born from a desire to share Japanese culture and traditions, bringing you a true sense of Japan. Crafted from wood and hemp pulp, these vessels are made of 100% plant-derived materials. The hemp leaf pattern (“Asanoha” pattern) that serves as the design motif embodies the wishes, wisdom, and aesthetic sensibilities passed down in Japan since ancient times. Hemp, a core raw material, has been deeply rooted in Japanese culture for centuries and features a remarkably low environmental impact during cultivation.
Furthermore, asanoha is crafted using hemp from Yashumashi Kobo, a hemp farm with a 400-year history. Deeply resonating with their desire and activities to protect, pass on, and preserve these time-honored techniques and wisdom, STYLEM proudly supports traditional hemp farmers through asanoha.
Environmentally Conscious Initiatives
While conventional disposable paper plates offer benefits—such as being lightweight and portable, saving water resources by eliminating washing, and requiring no storage space—they also present challenges like increased waste and CO2 emissions during incineration. Most paper plates used in catering and outdoor events are classified as non-recyclable contaminants after use and end up as “burnable waste.” In response, to promote a circular, resource-renewing economy, we partner with Kasuga Co., Ltd. and our customers to collect used asanoha items and recycle them into raw materials for toilet paper. In addition, we are partially implementing a recycling method that involves composting the items together with food waste to create fertilizer. Moving forward, we will continue to drive environmentally conscious initiatives.
Beautifully Elevating Every Setting
Inspired by traditional Japanese geometric patterns, asanoha evokes a sense of familiarity and comfort, enhancing the dining experience and beautifully elevating any space. Complementing any genre of cuisine, asanoha vessels seamlessly fit into a variety of settings, including events, parties, and hotels. The beauty created by the repetition of simple shapes offers a profound encounter with Japanese aesthetics.
Expanding Potential of asanoha
Through asanoha, STYLEM will continue to promote environmentally conscious initiatives that minimize waste toward a sustainable future, while cherishing Japanese traditional culture and its connections with customers.
New Potential as Shaved Ice Vessels
Leveraging its exceptional oil resistance and durability, asanoha is widely adopted as vessels for serving shaved ice by various companies and at public events. As the movement to share Japanese food culture globally through shaved ice continues to grow, we will further expand this initiative through collaborations with other companies.
Image courtesy of NAGARAGAWA SEIRYU HOTEL “Irori and Sweet Gururi”
Ongoing Collection and Recycling Initiatives in Catering
In collaboration with SHUNNO KITCHEN, led by vegetable cuisine chef Sakurako Nibe, and Plantful Journey, operated by Hanako Verhnes, we are continuously working to collect used asanoha items and recycle them into raw materials for toilet paper. Both companies are aligned with this initiative and continue to promote the use and collection of asanoha at various events.
Affinity with Hayama Kachi-tei, a Registered Tangible Cultural Property
asanoha is adopted during guided tours of the Hayama Kachi-tei, designed by architect Arata Endo, who studied under Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the three great masters of modern architecture. The hexagonal and rhombus grid designs that both architects favored and used in many of their works share an affinity with asanoha designs, drawing attention from visitors.
