Tile Categories
Mittsu operates a structured supply model to make Japanese tiles accessible for architectural projects.
The range of tiles available from Japan is extensive. To make specification practical, the collection is organised into four supply categories.
Local stock
Local stock represents the most commonly specified tiles and accounts for the majority of supply by volume.
Stock is held in the UK, Germany and UAE, allowing fast delivery for active projects.
These collections form the core working range for architects and designers.
Stock from Japan
These tiles are selected from a wider range available from manufacturers in Japan and are supplied on a project basis.
They offer greater variation in format, glaze and material character beyond local stock collections.
Supply is typically arranged through pre-order, with lead times depending on availability and shipping.
Made to order
Certain collections are produced specifically for each order rather than held in stock.
These tiles often come from highly specialised manufacturers and require consideration of production lead times and minimum order quantities.
Early coordination is recommended where these materials form part of the design.
Custom production
Custom production allows tiles to be developed specifically for a project.
This may involve adjusting an existing glaze, combining formats, or developing entirely new tile shapes and surface finishes.
Custom tiles are typically used for architectural features, hospitality interiors or projects requiring a unique material expression.
The process involves development, testing and approval before production.
Japanese tile supply is structured to balance availability, material quality and project requirements across different scales of work.