Customer support

For over 30 years, we've sourced our tableware directly from Japan, with a deep focus on the Mino region.

Mino ware, also known as Minoyaki, boasts a remarkable history as the oldest pottery tradition in Japan, dating back over 1,300 years. This rich heritage translates into the exceptional quality and enduring beauty of our tableware.

Rest assured, nearly all (99.9%) of our tableware is microwave-safe! Mino porcelain caters to the Japanese domestic market, renowned for its robust design and construction. However, we recommend avoiding microwaves for items with glass 'crackle' or metallic glazes.

99% of our tableware is domestic and industrial dishwasher safe, especially those with high-fired, durable glazes.For piece of mind we recommend using the top shelf. Some pieces with delicate glazes, ha nd-painted details, or metallic accents require hand-washing to preserve their beauty. They wont break in the dishwasher but will last longer and retain their original charm. 

The general rule is you can warm our tableware in the oven but not heat it at high temperatures. If you have a  piece you particularly love and want to use it for warming purposes, preheat it slowly in a low oven (around 95°C) for a few minutes before adding food. Some of our pieces are oven safe and we will note it in the products description. 

Crackle glazes – the spectacular glazes that look like cracked glass on the surface - require slightly more care than our regular products. Check out these tips:

• Don’t use in a microwave. Heat generated in a microwave can open the cracks of the glaze – making your product vulnerable to food/oil stains and nasty bacteria
• Don’t use in a dishwasher unless you’re a careful stacker and use a gentle cycle… Crackle glazes are a bit more fragile than other glazes and prefer hand washing with a mild detergent at a warm temperature – don’t we all?
• Don’t soak – too much water for too long (i.e. 3 days in the sink while everyone ignores the growing pile of unwashed dishes) can cause mould to appear due to excessive water absorption

We stand behind the quality of our products! With proper care, they can last a lifetime or even two. However, to ensure their longevity, please avoid:

• Heating them in the oven.
• Using harsh chemicals or overly abrasive cleaners.
• Exposing them to thermal shock, such as rapidly switching between very hot and cold temperatures.

Here's what our warranty typically doesn't cover:

• Cracks and chips over time: These are considered normal wear and tear unless there's a clear manufacturing defect.
• Discoloration: Gradual fading or color changes are expected over time.
• Glaze imperfections: Minor variations or imperfections are inherent to the handmade nature of our products.
• Damage caused by improper care: This includes using harsh detergents, putting hot items in the dishwasher or microwave when not recommended, etc.

Returns and Exchanges:

We understand that sometimes you might change your mind about a purchase. You can return any unused, original condition item within 30 days of purchase for store credit at the original price. You can return items by:

• Post: Pack the item carefully and include your name and order number. Postal charges for returns are non-refundable, and any exchanges will incur additional postage.
• MIJ store or warehouse: Drop off the item in person.

Refunds:

We offer full refunds for faulty or wrongly described products.

Damaged Items:

If you receive a broken or damaged item, please take a clear photo and email it with your order number to [email protected] We will replace the item as soon as possible. If the item is no longer in stock, our team will contact you to arrange an alternative.

Claims:

All claims regarding order discrepancies must be made within 7 days.

Please contact us at [email protected] and we'll do our best to help you with your enquiry. 

In the unlikely event that you receive any broken or damage items, please take a photo with each clearly visible and email to [email protected] with your order number and we will replace it ASAP.  For items no longer in stock, our team will contact you to organise an alternative.

All claims for order anomalies must be made within 7 days.

We really are conscious of the amount and type of packaging we use at MIJ. Re-using & recycling is very important to us.

We recycle all newspaper, cardboard packaging & plastic packing crates ex Japan in an effort to do our bit for the environment. The newspaper we pack in, is from the Tajimi area where our ceramics are produced.

Our chosen bubble wrap is specially manufactured from recycled soft plastics, which will decompose within 18-24 months in landfill. 

The packing beans we use are biodegradable. They are made up of corn & potato starches so they can break down in compost, decompose quickly in water and leave no toxic waste. These packing beans have already had another life - we gratefully accept them from a local bookshop.

Customers from VIC, NSW, QLD, SA or ACT:  

• We charge a flat rate of $20 

Customers from WA, NT & TAS:

• We charge a flat rate of $30

Simply enter the postcode or suburb of your shipping address. The shipping cost calculator will display the total cost for delivery to your selected postcode or suburb. 

Wholesale customers will be provided with a shipping rate dependent on the weight of the products purchased.

Enter your full street address. The shipping cost calculator will display the total cost for delivery to your selected postcode or suburb within the checkout.

When purchasing online, click and collect is available from our Mornington warehouse in Victoria.

For click and collect purchases, a street address must still be given to process your order.

Please ensure to select ‘Pick up Mornington’ to avert unnecessary delivery charge.

For orders processed during our business hours, we endeavour to pack and dispatch within 24-48 hours. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer express delivery.

Standard orders will take between 2 - 10 business days to arrive, depending on your destination.

Please note that our couriers do not operate on weekends or public holidays. Please be prepared for slight delays to your delivery around Christmas, Easter and public holidays.

Made in Japan use courier services to ship your order and therefore you must supply a street address as PO boxes are unable to be delivered to. As with most delivery services, the couriers that will deliver your order do not have a standard or set time of the day that goods are delivered. Your order will be delivered on Weekdays only from Monday to Friday and only during business hours 8am-6pm. During your checkout process there will be a comment box for you to leave any special delivery instructions. Please note: not all requests will be able to be made, however we will attempt to ensure we provide the best service we can.

If you change your mind about a product you have purchased from us, you can return that product to us within 30 days of purchase and we will happily give a store credit to the original purchase price of that product provided that it is in unused original condition and the product is re-saleable. Items can be returned

• By post
• Drop into a MIJ store or warehouse

If you are sending back via post, please pack carefully to ensure safe delivery. Postal charges on returns are non-refundable and any exchanges will incur additional postage. Please ensure to enclose your name and order number so we can get in touch with you as soon as we receive your parcel.

Refunds will be given if the product is faulty or wrongly described.

If you are not home when the courier attempts to deliver your order, they will typically leave a note or calling card. This calling card usually contains the details needed to contact the courier to arrange a suitable re-delivery date. The courier will attempt to deliver your order two times however if for any reason you do not contact them and/ or they are unable to contact you, the delivery may be returned to us.  If returned, we will contact you and either arrange another delivery (at an additional cost to you), or we will arrange a refund of the order value less any incurred delivery costs.

Please contact us at [email protected] with any shipping details or stock adjustments you would like made to your order.  

f you know the exact item you'd like and have the SKU number, we can add you to an email list for the product's arrival. Simply reach out to our customer service team at [email protected] with your request.

Even the most durable tableware can develop marks and scratches over time, especially for those who appreciate scraping every last bite! But these don't have to signal the end for your favourite plate or bowl. Here are some tips to help restore your tableware to its former glory:

• Lighter Scuffs: Tackle lighter marks with gentle cleaning options readily available in your pantry, such as baking soda or cream of tartar.
• Stubborn Stains: For darker, more substantial scuffs and marks, you'll need a stronger solution. Consider a cream cleanser with abrasive particles (e.g., Jif) or a powder abrasive containing oxalic acid (e.g., Bon Ami or Ajax without bleach).
• Cleaning Process: Once you've chosen your cleaner, sprinkle or squirt it generously over the surface of the dish you want to refresh.
  • Powder Cleaners: For powder cleaners, create a paste by adding a few drops of water.
• Scrubbing and Rinsing: In both cases, use a damp dishcloth to gently rub the paste or cleaner all over the surface of your dish. Let it sit for a minute or two to work its magic. Then, scrub with your dishcloth until the marks disappear (you might need some extra effort for tougher scuffs). Finally, wash the paste off with your regular dish detergent, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely.

Regular shipments arrive every 3 weeks from Japan, occasional delays can occur due to unforeseen logistical challenges.

To view our entire product range in person, visit our South Melbourne showroom located in Victoria, Australia.

Our warehouse in Mornington is available for Click & Collect orders & returns only. There is no longer a showroom here so it's not the best place to view our products. If you're down this way and would like to make an enquiry please get in touch via [email protected]

Yes! If you're a retailer, stylist, photographer, chef, creative, brewer, restauranteur, cafe owner with an ABN you are eligible for a discount on our products. It's as simple as emailing [email protected] 

Our Wholesale manager will get back to you with everything you need to start using your account and placing your first order with us.

The general rule of thumb for production time is 6-10 weeks once the item has been ordered with the kiln in Japan. The time frame can vary depending on various factors including national holidays, material availability & international and domestic logistics.    

The materials used to make Mino Yaki ceramics are primarily sourced locally from the Gifu Prefecture in Central Japan, where Mino Yaki originates. Here's a breakdown of the key materials:

• Clay: Kilns and potters utilize various types of clay deposits found within the Gifu Prefecture. These clays offer unique properties for shaping and firing Mino Yaki pieces.
• Feldspar: Feldspar is a common mineral used as a flux in Mino Yaki glazes. Flux helps lower the melting point of other glaze materials, allowing them to fuse together during firing and create a smooth, glassy finish.
• Silica: Silica, another common mineral, is often used in Mino Yaki glazes to provide structure and durability.
• Natural Pigments: Kilns and potters traditionally use various natural minerals and oxides to create the vibrant colours seen in their glazes. These might include iron oxide for reds and browns, cobalt oxide for blues, and copper oxide for greens.

While the primary materials come from Gifu, some kilns and potters incorporate additional elements like:

• Porcelain Stoneware: Some pieces use porcelain stoneware clays, which combine the qualities of porcelain and stoneware, offering both translucency and strength.
• Recycled Materials: In recent years, some kilns have begun incorporating recycled materials like glass or porcelain shards into their clay bodies, adding a unique aesthetic and promoting sustainability.

Overall, Mino Yaki is deeply connected to its local roots, with the majority of materials sourced from the Gifu Prefecture and surrounding areas. This focus on local materials and traditional techniques contributes to the unique character and enduring appeal of Mino Yaki ceramics.

1. Clay Preparation:

• Selection: Kilns carefully choose the appropriate clay type based on the desired form and final appearance of the piece. Kilns utilize various local clays offering unique characteristics.
• Wedging: The chosen clay is wedged, a process that kneads and folds the clay to remove air pockets and ensure an even consistency for shaping.

2. Shaping:

• Techniques: Several shaping techniques are used in Mino Yaki, including:
  • Hand-building: Directly shaping the clay on a potter's wheel.
  • Molding: Pressing clay into pre-made molds for faster production of specific forms.
  • Throwing: Shaping the clay on a spinning potter's wheel to create symmetrical pieces.
• Trimming and Refining: Once shaped, the piece is trimmed on the wheel or by hand to refine its form and remove any imperfections.

3. Drying:

• The shaped piece undergoes a slow drying process, often at room temperature or in a controlled environment, to remove excess moisture and prevent cracking.

4. Glazing:

• Glaze application: Mino Yaki is known for its diverse and beautiful glazes. Kilns may use dipping, pouring, or spraying techniques to apply the glaze. Glazes can be single-layered or layered for more complex effects.
• Glaze composition: Glazes are typically composed of a mixture of feldspar, silica, natural pigments, and water. The specific composition determines the final color, texture, and finish of the piece.

5. Bisque Firing:

• The first firing, called bisque firing, takes place at a lower temperature (around 900°C). This firing hardens the clay but doesn't completely melt the glaze.

6. Decoration:

• Depending on the artist's style and design, additional decoration may occur after the bisque firing. This might involve using underglaze paints, carving patterns into the clay, or applying metallic elements.

7. Glaze Firing:

• The final firing takes place at a higher temperature (around 1200°C - 1300°C) depending on the specific glaze. This firing melts the glaze, creating a smooth, glassy surface and fusing it with the ceramic body.

8. Cooling and Inspection:

• The fired pieces are allowed to cool slowly in the kiln to prevent cracking. After cooling, the pieces are inspected for any defects or imperfections.

Variations and Modernization:

While the core process remains similar, some kilns and studios incorporate modern techniques to enhance efficiency or achieve specific effects. These might include:

• Spray guns: Using spray guns for faster and more even glaze application.
• Electric kilns: Utilizing electric kilns for more precise temperature control during firing.

Despite these advancements, Mino Yaki production priorities traditional techniques and high-quality local materials, resulting in beautiful and functional pieces with a rich history.