Kamui vintage
Japanese Collectibles from Northern Japan
Founded on January 1, 2026, Kamui Vintage offers a carefully curated selection of authentic Japanese collectibles and décor from northern Japan. Each item is hand-picked for its quality, character, and connection to Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
Discover timeless Japanese treasures, thoughtfully curated and ready to be appreciated once again.
About Kamui Vintage
Kamui Vintage is a curated collection of Japanese vintage goods, antiques, and collectibles sourced directly from northern Japan.
Based in Hokkaido, we specialize in objects that carry history, craftsmanship, and quiet character—pieces that were made to be used, cherished, and lived with, not simply displayed. Our collection includes Japanese pottery, tea ceremony items, folk craft, lacquerware, textiles, paper goods, religious and ceremonial objects, and everyday items that reflect the design and culture of Japan’s Showa era and earlier.
What “Kamui” Means
Kamui (カムイ) is an Ainu word meaning spirit or divine presence. In Ainu culture, kamui exist within all things—objects, tools, nature itself—each carrying its own story and purpose.
We chose this name to reflect our belief that well-made objects retain something of their past: the hands that shaped them, the places they came from, and the lives they once touched. Every item we offer is selected with this spirit in mind.
Carefully Sourced, Thoughtfully Offered
Kamui Vintage is run by a small husband-and-wife team living in Hokkaido. Our location allows us access to local markets, estates, rural towns, and lesser-known sourcing areas often overlooked by larger dealers. Rather than mass inventory, we focus on quality, condition, and story.
Many of our items are vintage rather than strictly antique, but all are chosen for their authenticity, craftsmanship, and cultural value. We describe each piece honestly and accurately so you know exactly what you are purchasing.
A Bridge Between Japan and the World
Our goal is simple:
to connect people around the world with meaningful Japanese objects they won’t find everywhere else.
Whether you are a collector, designer, or simply someone drawn to the quiet beauty of Japanese craftsmanship, Kamui Vintage offers pieces meant to be appreciated, used, and passed on.
Thank you for visiting—and for giving these objects a new chapter in their story.
How to Order
If you see something you like, let us know which items you would like to purchase, and we will send you a custom invoice to ensure you receive the best possible shipping rate. Please note that there is a time difference, but we will get back to you as soon as possible. We accept most forms of payment.
We also buy antique items, so feel free to email us photos of your items, and we’ll make you an offer.
If you have any questions or special requests, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're always happy to assist you.
Sourcing & Authenticity
At Kamui Vintage, trust begins with how—and where—our items are sourced.
All items are personally selected in Japan, primarily in Hokkaido, through a combination of local antique markets, estate clearances, private sellers, long-established dealers, and regional auctions. We do not purchase bulk lots sight unseen, nor do we rely on mass wholesalers.
Each piece is chosen individually for its craftsmanship, condition, cultural value, and character.
Our Approach to Sourcing
We believe meaningful objects come from thoughtful selection, not volume.
Our sourcing focuses on:
Traditional markets and rural areas often overlooked by large dealers
Estates and private collections
Small, family-run shops with generational knowledge
Items made for everyday use, ritual, or craftsmanship—not reproduction décor
Because we work locally, we are able to examine items in person and assess materials, construction methods, wear patterns, and age indicators before offering them for sale.
Authenticity & Age
We describe every item honestly and accurately based on our experience, research, and direct inspection.
Items listed as antique are believed to be 100 years old or older
Items listed as vintage generally date from the Showa era (1926–1989) or earlier
Some items may be older than estimated; others are valued for craftsmanship rather than age alone
Unless explicitly stated, dates are approximations, not guarantees. Japanese antiques and folk objects were often produced without signatures or records, and exact dating is not always possible. When uncertainty exists, we state it clearly.
Condition & Restoration
Most items we sell are previously used and show signs of age consistent with their history.
We do not artificially age items, disguise repairs, or conceal flaws. Any notable:
chips
cracks
repairs
patina
wear
are disclosed in descriptions and photographs.
We may gently clean items for stability or presentation, but we avoid aggressive restoration that removes original character.
Cultural Respect
We approach Japanese and Ainu-influenced objects with respect and care.
Items with religious, ceremonial, or cultural significance are described thoughtfully and never sensationalized. We do not sell modern replicas represented as historic objects.
The name Kamui reflects our belief that well-made objects carry stories and presence—but it is not used to imply spiritual power, blessing, or religious function.
Our Commitment to Buyers
We are committed to:
Clear, detailed descriptions
Accurate photography without misleading filters
Prompt communication
Secure packaging and international shipping
Ethical representation of every item
If you have questions about an item’s age, origin, or condition, we welcome them. Informed buyers make confident collectors.
A Living History
Every piece at Kamui Vintage has already lived a life.
Our role is not to rewrite its story—but to carry it forward, honestly and responsibly, to its next home.
Thank you for trusting us.
Our Collection
We’re starting small—with just a handful of carefully selected items—but our goal is to grow thoughtfully over time. As we reinvest, we plan to expand both the quality and variety of our collection. Building something meaningful takes time, and we’d love your help along the way.
What kinds of items would you like to see in our online store? Your ideas matter to us. Your suggestions will help guide our future acquisitions, and we truly enjoy hearing from you.
Below are a few categories we’re currently exploring, but we’d love to know what you’re looking for.
To view what’s available now, please visit Our Current Collection.
We look forward to hearing your ideas.
— John & Mutsumi
Categories We’re Exploring
Rare & Unusual Items
Green Tea Bowls (Matcha Chawan)
Traditional Fans (Uchiwa & Sensu)
Kitchen & Tableware
Sewing & Jewelry Chests
Art & Decorative Objects
Latest Listings
Our Blog
Through our blog, we invite you to come along with us as Kamui Vintage grows—or sometimes struggles to grow—one step at a time. We’re not a big company, and we don’t pretend to be. At the end of the day, it’s simply a husband-and-wife team, entering the next chapter of our lives, doing our best to pay the bills, enjoy the work, and find meaning and happiness along the way.
Living in Japan, we’re guided by ikigai—the idea that purpose can be found in honest work, small routines, and doing things with care. Here, we share the real story behind Kamui Vintage: the small wins, the slow moments, the challenges, and everything in between.
If you enjoy personal stories, thoughtful living, and the quiet satisfaction of building something slowly and honestly, you’ll feel at home here.