Kokki: Flag-shaped tableware to promote cross-cultural cuisines

We all believe and know that food can always melt down the barriers of culture. To promote the same thought, Japanese designer has created Kokki, a rectangular porcelain dishes outlining the four famous national flags. Cuisines from different countries can be served in different flag-shaped dishes to promote interculturalism and cross-cultural dialogues, giving entirely a new perspective to patriotism. Kokki in Japanese stands for “national flag’ and Yamamoto’s kokki beautifully represents the same. In an effort to merge borders and cultures on dining table, the tableware is currently used by two restaurants – Ukafe and Rita – in Tokyo.

Working with Panasonic, the dishes were first presented last year at Tokyo Midtown Design Awards, a competition to reward designers and offer them chance to market their prototypes on world stage. Even after holding the third prize, Award jury decided to commercialize the tableware with manufacturing support from Oda Pottery.

Motive of bringing these dishes to life is a way to understand food and its country better and offer a communal support to tourists visiting Tokyo.