A Summer in Kumamoto, Japan
Our recent family trip to Kumamoto was more than a visit; it was a heartfelt reconnection with my roots and a chance to introduce my daughter to the wonders of my hometown. Nestled in the...
Kajiya Kiln and Our Memory with Akio Yonehara
I was living in my hometown of Kumamoto, Japan during the 2021 pandemic with my children. It was during that time when I decided to launch my small business, Yoka—a dream I had been nurturing...
Kicking Off My Two-Week Buying Trip Journey in Kumamoto, Japan! Meet with Shimoura Bentenkai team.
From the moment the plane touched down, I always knew my adventure through Kumamoto, my beloved hometown in Japan, was going to be something special. There’s something deeply comforting about returning to your roots, especially...
Reuniting with Naoki and Sachi Kanazawa...and their cat, Mugi!
In the heart of Japan’s ceramics country, there exists a small, almost magical world where tradition and artistry blend seamlessly with nature. In Amakusa islands, Naoki Kanazawa create his one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces, capturing the essence...
A Visit to "Hanaregumo" - Inside the Washi Paper Craft with Mr. & Mrs. Kanazashi
Junpei Kanazashi, born in Shizuoka, Japan, in 1959, has made his home in Minamata, Kumamoto Prefecture, for over four decades. His wife, Hiroko, is a master of botanical dyeing and weaving, crafting every ingredient from...
Discovering the Artistry of Hiroki Kanazawa and His Family's Ceramic Factory
Before delving into the artistry of Hiroki Kanazawa, it's essential to understand the legacy of the Kanazawa family. Nestled in Amakusa city, Kumamoto prefecture, the Kanazawa family is renowned as a legendary ceramic dynasty with...