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...
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...
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...
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...
The incense master Toshichiro Tsutsumi introduced me to Yuta Kiyonaga, a talented young craftsman who runs a bamboo processing workshop in the local neighborhood. Yuta comes from a long line of artisans, and he...
It was the last day of my buying trip in spring 2022. I visited the incense craftsman Toshichiro Tsusumi in Yame village, Fukuoka prefecture. During my buying trip to Kumamoto. I had a surprise...
I visited Yasuo's studio in the spring of 2021, marking my first visit before launching my business. During our conversation, I shared my aspirations of starting an online business focused on showcasing handcrafted products...
Heading to Naoki's studio is always a delight, as I cherish the scenic drive to the coastal town of Amakusa. Upon arrival, Sachi, Naoki's wife, greeted me warmly with a steaming bowl of Matcha served...
We headed from the mountains to the oceans! Japan may be small, but I always feel like there are countless spots to explore on Kyushu Island. I visited Naoki's studio with my sister this time....
Memory from visiting the Moriyama kiln. I bought his plates and bowls almost 10 years ago - way before I started my small business. Ever since, Itaru has been on my list to stock...
It's been more than 10 years since I last visited the Onta pottery village in Oita prefecture. I was super excited to see it again, didn't mind driving 7-8 hours round trip in a day!...
Lost in the Greens: Discovering Mugihiko's World Visited a young ceramic artist, Mugihiko Kitagawa, in the deep Aso mountains. Ended up lost in the middle of a rice field. The heavy rain was a bit...