Rebuilding the Future After the Earthquake – Shinohara Takashi

This is a message from Suzu-yaki Artist Shinohara Takashi - February 2025.

Background - 2022-2024 Earthquake

Shinohara Takashi's kiln was destroyed by the 2024 earthquake. His home was also damaged, and he is currently living in temporary housing. He plans to begin rebuilding the kiln this March, 2025.

Suzu Pottery works and Earthquake info.: https://shihateacomfort.com/oldsuzu
Recovery Hisory from the Earthquake: https://shihateacomfort.com/suzu-earthquakes

Shinohara Takashi's Message

I believe that one of the beauties of medieval Suzu pottery is its dignified appearance. 

The quiet grayish-black color of this pottery invites the person who appreciates it to take in the scenery of the Okunoto region of Ishikawa, Japan.

After a long period of dormancy, Suzu pottery was revived in the modern age through the combined efforts of many people,

and has become a symbol of the historical and cultural heritage of Okunoto.

The earthquake caused severe damage to the Suzu Pottery, but now that Noto's crafts are attracting attention not only in Japan but also abroad,

I would like to do my utmost to rebuild the kiln and make the new Suzu Pottery that will be born from it a symbol of the recovery.

 I would like to find the one and only value in the works produced by potter who entrust body and soul to the climate of Okunoto.

I do not want my work to be self-indulgent, but to be in touch with the times, to feel the atmosphere of the times,

to be sensitive to what the times demand, and to reflect these demands in my work.

Furthermore, I must not neglect to entrust my works with a message of how I should live in this land and what the future of Noto should be after the earthquake disaster. 

I believe that the works born from the combination of these two elements will surely have the power to reach people's hearts and move their minds, and I would like to play with the clay with all my heart.

Shinohara Takashi, Suzuyaki Yuge Kiln

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Note: Okunoto(奥能登) is the area at the tip of the Noto Peninsula（能登半島）. Life there is simple, in harmony with nature and tradition, with a rich food culture, calm and kind people, and a way of life that holds values different from modern society—this is my impression. Jicky from Shiha Teapot Shop.

Thank you very much for reading.

Shinohara Takashi Works

Shinohara Takashi Item Page

https://shihateapot.com/collections/shinohara