Gyourenbo pottery studio. My potter friend, Ichiro, taught pottery in NY City and Philadelphia for a few years. He speaks English. We were lucky to visit on the day they were firing the Noborigama kiln. Non stop firing for 24 hours a day for several days ..... a time for celebration! Noborigama firing is done twice annually (spring and fall) at many studios.
We took a bus to get to this paper artist's studio, Tetsuo Tange in Kurashiki. Handmade paper (washi) starts from pounding Kozo bark. Amazing process.
Matsuda Bokuden not only uses a brush for his calligraphy but uses hard paper for texture as well.
A special craft exhibit and demonstration at ACROS Cultural Center in Fukuoka.
Kumamoto Castle. "The Last Samurai" movie is based on actual historical events at this castle. Click here to learn about Satsuma rebellion.
