Orange Market Tableware (Irvine, California)

For our next Community Stories feature, we spoke with Ryan Yang, founder of Orange Market Tableware, which has two locations in Irvine, California.

Orange Market Tableware began from a love for Japanese craftsmanship, tea culture, and everyday objects that bring warmth into daily life. The team created Orange Market as a welcoming space where people could discover Japanese culture through tea, ceramics, workshops, and conversation.

In our interview, we discussed the inspiration behind Orange Market, the experiences they create for customers, and the role craftsmanship plays in what they do.

Creating a Welcoming Place

When asked what inspired them to create Orange Market, Ryan shared a simple goal: to create a welcoming space where people could discover Japanese culture.

In creating experiences for customers, they focus on craftsmanship, storytelling, and making those experiences feel personal and interactive.

The team hopes visitors feel relaxed, inspired, and curious when they visit.

Sharing Japanese Culture Through Experience

Orange Market regularly hosts workshops, tea tastings, artist exhibitions, and community events.

These activities give people an opportunity to engage with Japanese culture in a hands-on way and learn through direct experience.

Recently, the team hosted a free educational tea demonstration at a local elementary school using teas from Sugimoto Tea. Introducing students to Japanese tea was one example of how Orange Market continues to share Japanese culture beyond the store itself.

For the team, tea culture represents connection, slowing down, and appreciating small moments.

Supporting Artists and Craftspeople

Craftsmanship plays a central role in the way Orange Market selects products and creates experiences.

The team places a strong emphasis on supporting artists, craftspeople, and thoughtful production. Craftsmanship and thoughtful sourcing are central to everything they do.

This focus on craftsmanship has been part of Orange Market since the beginning and continues to guide many of the decisions they make today.

The People Who Return

One of the most meaningful moments for the Orange Market team is seeing customers return with friends and family.

Orange Market has welcomed many first-time visitors. Seeing those visitors return and invite others to experience the space alongside them is a reminder that the experiences shared there often continue beyond a single visit.

Looking Ahead

Orange Market first connected with Sugimoto Tea while searching for a high-quality Japanese tea partner that shared similar values around craftsmanship and education.

As they continue sharing Japanese culture through Orange Market, they hope more people can experience Japanese tea culture in a way that feels approachable and meaningful in daily life.

Visit Orange Market Tableware

Orange Market Tableware
Culver Store: 15333 Culver Drive Suite 900A, Irvine, CA 92604
Spectrum Store: 735 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618