Experience Mashiko-yaki Pottery at Tokyo Institute of Technology

Mashiko Town in Tochigi Prefecture, the home of Mashiko-yaki pottery, and Tokyo Tech have a long and intertwined history. Revered Tokyo Tech alumni, Kanjiro Kawai, Shoji Hamada and Tatsuzo Shimaoka, resided and potted in Mashiko. Visitors to the special exhibition will be able to get a taste of the daily life of people in Mashiko. The works of art of fifteen outstanding artists will be displayed and available for purchase. There will also be a hands-on activity involving clay for a limited number of participants. In addition, there will be lectures and a symposium on Mashiko-yaki and Mashiko Town during the exhibition.

The Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011 damaged the kilns of Shoji Hamada and Tatsuzo Shimaoka, as well as the studios and pottery works of many other artists. Daily life in Mashiko, the making, selling and using of pottery, was suddenly and severely altered. More than one thousand people in Mashiko are engaged in the pottery industry and they suffered a major setback both physically and economically. The town has been pulling together for recovery, but restoration efforts are still needed. It is the sincere hope of the Tokyo Tech community that this special exhibition will contribute to the industrial and cultural restoration of Mashiko.

Published: October 2012