ISHIKOBO YOSHIDA
Our studio policy
Our small workshop, specializing in crafting hand-cranked stone mills, is approaching its 20th anniversary. Located in Amakusa Island, further west of Kumamoto, on the westernmost edge of Japan, we continue to run our modest workshop. The area is known for its "Hidden Christians," "dolphin watching," and "Amakusa pottery stone." It is a remote location, about a two-hour drive from Kumamoto City via the Amakusa Five Bridges. In modern times, stone mills have been largely forgotten and are often repurposed as stepping stones in gardens. However, fewer and fewer people remember their original use. To preserve the valuable art of milling passed down through the ages, we create tools like coffee stone mills and matcha stone mills that blend seamlessly into contemporary lifestyles. We ship domestically and internationally and accept payments via credit card. For those planning to use our products in support of disability aid programs, we offer sponsorship opportunities. Please contact us in advance to discuss the details.
Who We Are
| Seller's Name | Stone Workshop Yoshida |
|---|---|
| Sales Manager | Shinichi Yoshida |
| Address | 〒861-6551 Shimohira-cho, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture3291-151 |
| phone number | 0969-24-4822 |
| fax number | 0969-24-8266 |
| email address | millstone-yoshida@helen.ocn.ne.jp amakusaishikobo@gmail.com |
to grind with a stone mill
Freshly milled powder offers the richest flavor, but the common practice today is to use machines to save time and effort. The shape of the particles differs depending on whether the powder is milled with a machine or a stone mill, which results in distinct flavors for coffee or matcha. The key difference from an electric mill lies in its durability. While a stone mill may technically wear down over time, it can be used without issues for decades. Because of this longevity, the price of a stone mill starts at over 100,000 yen, but as a lifelong tool, it is a worthwhile investment. Grinding coffee with a stone mill is not merely an act of crushing beans. It is a special method that takes time and effort to bring out the beans' unique character. By grinding slowly and manually, the flavors and aromas are enhanced, transforming your daily coffee into a more luxurious experience.
The craftsmanship of artisans
The stone used for our millstones is made entirely of extremely hard granite. To process this material, specialized cutters and grinding tools embedded with artificial diamonds are required. Once the overall shaping is complete, the exterior is polished in a seven-step process to bring out the natural luster and color of the stone. The crucial process of grooving is not simple. Grooves differ depending on the intended use, such as for grains, matcha, coffee, or specialized materials. However, it is impossible to visually confirm the actual grinding process while in operation, so we rely on experience and intuition to perfect the finish. Starting out self-taught was challenging, but the experience I gained during that time has become evident in the usability of our products compared to those of other companies in the same industry.
