Masaaki Shibata and his three disciples exhibition held. In addition to the works, there are also exhibitions and food products unique to the area where each person lives for sale.

Masaaki Shibata

Born in Tokyo in 1948 and raised in Odawara. As he learned more about folk crafts while attending university, he was drawn to the charm of Tamba ware and moved there after graduating. After receiving training from Kazutaka Ikuta for four years, he became independent in 1975. Build a climbing kiln. A few years later, I acquired a pair of old British ceramic slipware that I had always admired. Manufacturing in the West, far away from Japan. The secret to its beauty, which was achieved through trial and error without even knowing the technique, was not superficial decoration, but a creative expression born from the integration of life and work. Mr. Shibata passed on the "eyes and hands" necessary for making practical vessels for everyday life to the three disciples he lived with. We spoke to Mr. Shibata about Tamba ware, which is not talked about much in the world, about slipwear that fascinated him, and about his own beliefs.

Nanao Yoshihiro

Born in 1967 in Hakodate, Hokkaido. After graduating from Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts in 1992, he studied under Masaaki Shibata. In 1998, he became independent in Shimizu, Assabu-cho, Hokkaido. At the 2015 Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, he won the Excellent Work Award and the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award, and in the same year moved his base to Shiga Prefecture. Using techniques such as ``Neri-komi'' and ``Itchin'', the pottery is characterized by its richly expressive yet subdued colors.

Sohei Kurita

Born in 1972. Moved to the United States in 1991 and studied ceramics at California State University. After graduating, he returned to Japan and studied under Mr. Shibata. After becoming independent, he continues to make pottery based in the same Tamba Sasayama area. Built a climbing kiln in 2012. While thinking about the meaning of making pottery in Tamba, he is exploring his own path.

Seiichi Otsuka

Founded in 1861, Daiseigama has the largest climbing kiln in Mashiko, and together with Hamadagama, it is responsible for the history of Mashiko ware. Seiichi Otsuka, who was born in this historic pottery, spent part of his impressionable high school years in the United States, and moved to Tamba after graduating from university. Studied under Mr. Shibata for three years from 2002. Currently, as the 7th generation owner of Daiseigama, he is working hard to create pottery by making glazes using local soil.