1. What is Tendo Mokko furniture?

When people think of chairs made by Tendo Mokko, many probably picture their beautifully flowing curves .

The technology that creates these curves is the molded plywood technique, which has become synonymous with Tendo Mokko.

Molded plywood is a technique that involves layering thin slices of wood, about 1 to 1.5 mm thick, placing them in a mold, and pressing them together while applying heat. This allows for the creation of bold and beautiful curves that are difficult to achieve with solid wood.

Furthermore, it is well-suited for making lightweight yet durable furniture, and there are even people who have been using Tendo Mokko furniture for two generations .

2. How to visit Tendo Mokko

Tendo Mokko’s headquarters are located about 10 minutes by car from JR Tendo Station and also about 10 minutes by car from the Tohoku Chuo Expressway Tendo Interchange.

Showroom visits are permitted during regular hours without reservation, but factory tours require a reservation .
(Reservations: https://www.tendo-mokko.co.jp/contact/tour/ )

Both the showroom and factory are open for free tours.

Upon arrival, first speak to the security guard at the entrance to the premises, and they will guide you to the parking lot.

Near the parking lot, there was a table and chairs completely covered in a thick layer of snow.
(Taken in January 2026)

These are actually pieces of furniture currently undergoing durability testing , and apparently, it’s been over seven years since the tests began.

It was a scene that conveyed their genuine commitment to “creating furniture that can be used for a long time.”

3. A showroom where you can sit in classic chairs

The showroom is located on the second floor of our head office, and no registration is required.

There is no elevator, but a lift is provided for people with mobility issues.

The showroom is filled with masterpieces that represent Tendo Mokko!

You can sit in most of the chairs on display, so you can check the comfort, feel, and flexibility when you lean back in them—things you can’t get from photos or catalogs—until you’re completely satisfied.

① Experience a one million yen chair

Among Tendo Mokko’s products, which generally feature chairs with a light and airy feel, the Kashiwado Chair [¥1,023,000 including tax (as of January 2026)] stands out with its exceptional presence.

Although I was initially overwhelmed by the price and the sheer weight of the chair, the moment I gently sat down and touched the armrest, I was completely captivated by its wonderful feel.

The chair’s surface is treated with a traditional Japanese technique called uzukuri, and the exquisite uneven texture feels pleasant to the touch.

② A chair with an astonishingly comfortable seating experience.

What impressed me the most this time was this chair from the ORIZURU series, which was inspired by origami.

This design is by world-renowned industrial designer Kiyoyuki Okuyama, who is also known for his work on Ferrari designs.

Its complex shape makes you doubt it’s actually made of wood, but what surprised me most was how comfortable it was to sit on.

When you lean back against the backrest, the gentle flexibility of the wood firmly supports your entire body, allowing you to relax completely.

Tendo Mokko is uniquely able to create chairs that surpass expectations in both design and comfort.

③ Lexus steering wheels also feature Tendo Mokko's technology.

The showroom displays a wide range of products, including furniture for homes, offices, government buildings, and even car steering wheels. There is also a corner where you can learn about the history of Tendo Mokko.

If you find furniture you like, you can discuss purchasing it on the spot.

4. Factory tour

The entrance to the factory tour is located at the back of the showroom.

Stepping inside the factory, I could smell the distinctive scent of wood and paint, typical of a furniture-making environment.

During the factory tour, you can take a close look at the chair-making process from the second-floor walkway while receiving an explanation of the process.

① Forming

This is the “molding” process, which is the core of Tendo Mokko’s chair making.

This time, we were given the special opportunity to film the molding process of our long-selling product, the Butterfly Stool, up close.

First, glue seven thin slices of wood together and carefully but quickly attach them to the surface.

The secret to preventing breakage even when bent drastically is to alternate the direction of the wood grain when gluing the pieces together, thereby increasing durability.

After gluing the pieces of wood together, they are placed in a special mold to create the butterfly-wing-like curves that are a characteristic feature of the Butterfly Stool.

② Sanding

The sanding is done using the craftsman’s skill and intuition.

Depending on the type of chair, some may require further polishing with a small plane or sandpaper after using an electric sander to achieve even finer details.

“To ensure that customers can hold the chair safely no matter which part they choose ,” we sanded down every nook and cranny, including the legs, parts we usually don’t pay much attention to.

Seeing the serious gaze of the craftsman as he worked on the chair, I understood one of the reasons why Tendo Mokko has been loved for so long.

③ Painting

After careful polishing, multiple layers of paint are applied.

Because many of Tendo Mokko’s chairs have complex shapes, the painting is almost entirely done by hand.

To make them more resistant to scratches and stains, some products are painted over as many as 10 times.

We meticulously smooth the surface, checking every nook and cranny without any compromise.

④ Assembly

Finally, relying on the craftsman’s refined senses, the screws are attached, and the job is complete.

To prevent wobbling, we repeatedly check the balance and make fine adjustments while placing it on a platform covered with flooring or carpet material.

In Tendo Mokko’s chair making process, many steps are supported by the skilled hands of craftsmen rather than by machines.

Witnessing the skilled craftsmen meticulously working on each chair, finishing them without compromise, I understood why these chairs have been loved by so many people for so many years.

5. Buy souvenirs at the store.

After visiting the showroom and taking a factory tour, you can also purchase souvenirs at the store located in a corner of the showroom.

The shelves are lined with small items perfect for souvenirs of your trip, such as notepads and wine bottles.

These hangers, which fit clothes snugly and prevent slipping, are also recommended as a special gift for someone special.

Other goods and items besides furniture can only be purchased at showrooms or online shops. The only places where you can see and choose products in person are the three showrooms located throughout Japan.

If you’re looking for high-quality Yamagata souvenirs that are a little different from what everyone else is buying, why not pay them a visit?

6. Message

Finally, we have a message for everyone reading VISIT YAMAGATA from our public relations representative, Megumi Goto.

” You can visit our showroom without an appointment. Please feel free to stop by when you’re in the area. We have a wide selection of chairs, so we hope you’ll find your favorite. “

The sofa Ms. Goto is sitting on is designed by Isamu Kenmochi and is his favorite among all the chairs made by Tendo Mokko.

If you’re curious about the comfort level of the favorite chair chosen by a professional furniture maker at Tendo Mokko, who has tried out countless chairs, please come and try it out in our showroom!