About IJ Studio

Ikigai Japandi started as a personal project — a search for home objects that were calm, well-made, and didn't cost a fortune. We couldn't find exactly what we were looking for, so we started making it ourselves.

We're a small, independent studio based in Toronto. Every piece is designed and 3D printed by us, one at a time. There's no warehouse. No mass production. Just a growing collection of objects we're genuinely proud of.

Why 3D Printing?

3D printing lets us create forms that would be difficult or expensive to produce any other way — and do it without waste. We only print what's ordered, which means no overstock, no excess, and a smaller impact on the planet.

Each object is made to order, right here in Toronto.

What Is PLA — and Why Does It Matter?

We print exclusively with PLA (Polylactic Acid), a plant-based bioplastic derived from renewable sources like corn starch, cassava, and sugarcane.

Unlike conventional plastics made from petroleum, PLA is:

  • Renewable — sourced from plants, not fossil fuels
  • Low-waste — we print only what's needed, nothing sits in a warehouse
  • Precise — supports fine detail and consistent form, batch after batch
  • Better for your home — no heavy metals, no harmful off-gassing

It's not perfect — no material is — but it's a meaningful step toward making things more responsibly.

What Japandi Means to Us

Japandi is the meeting point of two philosophies: Japanese wabi-sabi — the beauty of imperfection and impermanence — and Scandinavian lagom — the quiet value of just enough.

Together, they describe spaces that feel intentional without feeling cold. Objects that earn their place. A home that breathes.

We design with that in mind: clean geometry, honest texture, nothing extra. The kind of piece you notice quietly, over time.

A Studio, Not a Factory

We're a small team. Every design goes through rounds of prototyping before it enters the collection. If something doesn't feel right, it doesn't ship.

We're just getting started — and we're building this one piece at a time.

Questions or custom requests? hello@ikigaijapandi.com