Hamada Shoji, the founder of the Mingei movement, opened a kiln in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture. He says, "I found my way in Kyoto, started in England, studied in Okinawa, and grew up in Mashiko." He applied the knowledge, sense, and techniques he cultivated in various places to the local climate and materials to create original Hamada Shoji products, and continues to lead Mashiko ware, which has developed into a major pottery production center. His grandson, Tomoo, currently runs the kiln, producing products centered on Hamadagama 's traditional tableware.