Specifying Japanese Tiles

Specifying Japanese tiles requires a different approach to standard ceramic products.

Mittsu works closely with architects, interior designers and developers to support the specification of authentic Japanese tiles in architectural projects.

These tiles are produced by specialist manufacturers in Japan, often in regions such as Tajimi in Gifu Prefecture, part of the historic Mino ceramics area.

Many of these manufacturers are highly specialised and focused on the domestic market. Mittsu works directly with them and manages the complexity of sourcing, production and logistics.

Selecting tiles

Japanese tiles are selected for their glaze, texture and proportion rather than a fixed pattern.

The surface is created during firing in the kiln. Colour and variation are not printed onto the tile.

This produces natural differences in tone and glaze movement across each tile, creating a surface that behaves like a material once installed.

For this reason, Japanese tiles are often specified based on how they perform across a wall rather than how a single tile appears.

Samples

Most designers review physical samples before final selection.

Samples allow evaluation of colour variation, glaze movement, texture and reflectivity under real lighting conditions.

• colour variation
• glaze movement
• surface texture
• joint and proportion

Samples are ordered through the website using the sample links on each product page.

Professional project resources can also be accessed through the Specifier Resources page.

Technical information

Each product page includes key specification data required for project work.

• tile dimensions
• sheet size where applicable
• thickness
• material type
• application suitability

CAD drawings are available for selected collections, with additional technical guidance provided where required.

Additional technical documents, CAD files and specification resources are available through the Mittsu Specifier Resources page.

Project advice

Mittsu supports architects and designers during the selection stage.

This typically includes guidance on layout, proportions, joint sizes and suitability for the intended application.

Early discussion often helps identify the most appropriate tiles before finalising the specification.

Budget and supply planning

Japanese tiles are produced in specialist kilns and positioned as a premium architectural material.

Aligning budget and design intent early in the project helps ensure the selected tile remains part of the final specification.

Tiles may be supplied from stock in the UK, Europe or UAE, directly from Japan, or produced to order.

Lead times vary depending on availability and production requirements, so early planning is recommended.

Procurement

Procurement is structured to suit the project.

Tiles can be invoiced to the architect, contractor or client, depending on how the project is organised.

Delivery can be arranged directly to site or through the project team.

Mittsu manages international logistics to ensure materials arrive safely and in sequence for installation.

Specification integrity

Kiln-fired Japanese tiles form part of the architectural design of a project.

Substituting alternative materials will change the visual outcome and compromise the intended design.