MARCH 2026

EXPLORING JAPANESE POTTERY

Japan’s pottery has a long and rich history, encompassing a wide variety of techniques, usage, and aesthetic perspectives, resulting in a diverse range of distinctive wares. The most distinctive aspect of Japan’s pottery is that it has developed over an exceptionally long period while remaining closely intertwined with daily life. In this issue of HIGHLIGHTING Japan, we feature an interview with Professor ARAKAWA Masaaki about the historical background of Japanese pottery culture, its connection to food culture, and how best to enjoy it. We also introduce Japanese potteries from a range of different perspectives, such as types of pottery produced in different places across Japan, the pottery stay program which immerses visitors in the local lifestyle, culture and pottery-making processes of the region, allowing them to enjoy and learn about Japanese pottery culture, and ceramics used as roofing materials for traditional Japanese houses.

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