柴田勝家が愛した幻の青い石。北ノ庄城と「笏谷石」が紡ぐ歴史ロマン (The Phantom Blue Stone Loved by Samurai)

NHK『歴史探偵』の柴田勝家特集でも話題となった、福井の幻の石「笏谷石（しゃくだにいし）」。 勝家公が築いた北ノ庄城（現在の福井県福井市）では、天守の屋根にこの笏谷石で作られた「石瓦」が葺かれていたと伝えられています。
雨に濡れると、淡い青緑色から「神秘的な深い青」へと姿を変える笏谷石。その美しさは、戦国乱世を駆け抜けた武将たちの心をも癒やしたのかもしれません。 現在では新たに採掘することができない、大変希少なこの笏谷石。
私たち「ふくいブルー」では、福井の歴史と文化が詰まったこの石をリサイクルし、現代の暮らしに寄り添う器や酒器へと生まれ変わらせています。 乾いた状態の優しいブルーグレーから、お酒やお水を注ぐことで、一瞬にして吸い込まれるような深い青へ。 柴田勝家公が天守閣から眺めたかもしれない「福井の青」を、今夜はご自宅での晩酌で、お気に入りの地酒とともに味わってみませんか？歴史に思いを馳せる、贅沢なひとときをお届けします。

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Recently featured on Japanese national television, Shakudani Stone (笏谷石) is revered as the legendary "Phantom Blue Stone" of Fukui, Japan.

During the 16th century—an era of fierce battles led by samurai—one of Japan’s most celebrated warlords, Katsuie Shibata, built his grand fortress, Kitanosho Castle, right here in Fukui. Historical chronicles reveal that the towering castle keep was roofed with unique tiles crafted entirely from Shakudani stone, turning the castle roof into a breathtaking sea of blue whenever it rained.

What makes Shakudani stone truly magical is its duality: in its dry state, it displays a gentle, soothing pale blue-gray hue. But the moment it is touched by water or rain, it undergoes a stunning transformation into a vibrant, deep oceanic blue. In an age of relentless warfare, this captivating blue may well have brought a rare moment of serenity to the hearts of samurai commanders.

If you ever have the chance to visit Fukui—a serene cultural haven along the Sea of Japan, rich in artisan traditions—be sure to wander through the ancient grounds of Kitanosho Castle or Mount Asuwa, where this stone was once quarried. On a drizzly day, you can still catch enchanting glimpses of historical stone pavements and shrine lanterns glistening in that unmistakable, mystical blue.

Yet, today, all quarrying of Shakudani stone has officially ended, making it an irreplaceable and finite treasure of Japanese heritage.

At Fukui Blue, we carefully reclaim and upcycle this historic stone from traditional Fukui architecture, breathing new life into it as exquisite, contemporary tableware and sake cups.

When you pour sake, spirits, or water into our cups, the stone transforms before your eyes in a fraction of a second—deepening from soft gray-blue into an intensely rich, glowing blue.

Even if you are oceans away from Japan, you can now bring the living history and quiet beauty of Fukui directly into your home. Tonight, why not pour your favorite drink into a piece of 1,500-year-old samurai heritage, and savor a truly luxurious moment of serenity and craftsmanship?