Ishoken (Tajimi city pottery design and technical center) was established in October 1959, transferring operations from the Minoyaki Overglaze and Enamel Decoration Research Center. Since the first students mastering the Ishoken training program graduated in March 1960, more than 900 young people have graduated and have been active as ceramists or designers.
Tajimi city forms the greatest ceramics producing district in Japan with neighboring cities, Toki and Mizunami. This district is called MINO and the pottery produced in this area is called "Minoyaki" or MINO ware, which ranges from tableware, tiles for architects, to tea bowls for tea ceremonies, which are represented by "Sino Ware" and "Oribe Ware". The history of the"Minoyaki" goes back in time to the beginning of the 7th century when "Sue Ware" was first made. Since then the Mino pottery industry has continued over 1300 years to the present day.
Furthermore, besides Minoyaki's long history and tradition, The 1st International Ceramics Festival Mino, Japan, which is consisted of competition and exhibitions, was held in 1986. Many works were submitted from countries all over the world. Since then the Festival has been held every three years with the theme of "-From You, From Now, From Here." In 2014, it celebrated the 12th anniversary. In the past competitions, 25 graduates of Ishoken won various prestigious prizes including the grand prize.
Tajimi city aims to send information on "Minoyaki" overseas and to attract young people from all over the world, who are engaged in the pottery industry and aim to be ceramists. The Ishoken has a track record of accepting students from 46 different countries (including 33 countries arranged by Japan International Cooperation Agency and 12 other countries). Why don't you
join us in Ishoken in Tajimi City, the leading ceramics center of the world in both industrial applications and creating cultural works of beauty? We will be looking forward to welcoming YOU and working with hearts full of passion for pottery.
NAKASHIMA Harumi
Director
Ishoken (Tajimi City Pottery Design and Technical Center)
