Although the Nozomi Project (a faith-based social enterprise) closed its doors in 2023, its story lives on: the artisans have relaunched as Hikari Crew, continuing their inspiring work.
The Nozomi Project was born in Ishinomaki, one of the areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Amidst the clean-up efforts, a volunteer noticed all of the pieces of pottery on the ground–broken yet beautiful. That’s where their story begins.
Nozomi in Japanese means “hope”, which is perfect for a company that decided to turn broken pieces of pottery (and other materials) found in the wake of such devastation into gorgeous, one-of-a-kind jewelry. The team is made up of a community of women who survived the 2011 disaster, many of whom used to work on fixing fishing nets. Their skills undoubtedly shine through in their detailed work on the strong necklace strands.
Whenever I wear my Nozomi necklace or use my bookmark, I am overcome by the power of hope, and empowered to see the light even in the darkest moments. As mentioned, the Nozomi Project is no longer in business, but its mission lives on through Hikari Crew (“hikari” meaning “light”).