About the Takeuchi Collection
Among the prominent collectors of Old Noritake in Japan, Mr. Tomoaki Takeuchi is recognized as one of the leading figures, particularly in terms of the scale of his collection.
As a researcher of Old Noritake and a liaison for the Japan Noritake Collectors Club (JNCC), Mr. Takeuchi actively organizes exhibitions at major department stores and commercial facilities across Japan. Through gallery talks and direct interactions with visitors, he passionately disseminates knowledge about the artistic value, charm, and history of Old Noritake.
Mr. Takeuchi's first encounter with Old Noritake dates back 35 years. At the time, he was working as a tour coordinator, guiding Japanese buyers to hotspots for purchasing vintage American items such as jeans and Air Jordan sneakers. It was during one of these tours, after being introduced to Old Noritake in an art publication called Chiisana Tsubomi (published by Soujusha Art Publishing), that he became fascinated by it. This fascination led him to search for Noritake pieces during the tours he organized.
Though it wasn’t until the later stages of a tour that he encountered his first piece, the moment arrived while he was exploring antique shops during his free time after dropping buyers off at a flea market in Pasadena, Los Angeles. Mr. Takeuchi was captivated by the beauty of the Old Noritake collection he discovered, but since he was still working, he refrained from making a personal purchase. However, a few months later, he reconnected with the seller and visited their antique shop in Garden Grove, Southern California, where he acquired his first piece for his collection.
Following this, Mr. Takeuchi learned that many Japanese people were interested in acquiring beautiful Japanese items that had made their way overseas. Pursuing his dream of repatriating such Japanese art pieces, he began to seek out and purchase Old Noritake from the U.S. He scoured the internet, contacting shops believed to hold Old Noritake and tirelessly worked to bring these treasures back to Japan.
At one point, a contact introduced him to the International Nippon Collectors Club (INCC), and after receiving a recommendation letter, he became a member. Attending INCC conventions with his family, he built friendships and trust within the community, which enabled him to participate in auctions and successfully acquire valuable pieces. Over time, his collection grew in both quantity and quality. His efforts were further recognized when he became the first Japanese president of INCC in 2007 and again in 2014, expanding his work in promoting Japanese art, including Old Noritake, on a global scale.
Mr. Takeuchi’s collection, all preserved in mint condition, has now grown to over 2,000 pieces, and he continues to acquire exceptional items whenever they become available.