About Me

Hello, and thank you for visiting. I'm Shinji. I come from a very traditional family of craftsman, mainly working in porcelain. Now, as current generation, I’m working to preserve this heritage and to explore new ways to make our work relevant to the modern world. My personal philosophy revolves around the term 手間暇, or tema hima in English - it means that we need to take a lot of care, time, and effort to create something really special. This philosophy shapes everything I do, whether it’s producing a collection of porcelain ware or imagining how tradition can evolve.

I am currently based overseas and this has given me a new perspective to how Japanese crafts can connect with different ideas. I want to create something unique by collaborating with contemporary artists (especially artist working on digital medium), whose creativity pushes the boundaries of what art can be. My goal is to mix modern aesthetics into the timeless medium of porcelain and other traditional crafts. By doing so, I hope to honour the craftsmanship I grew up with while introducing it to new audiences in fresh ways.

To digital and contemporary artists: I want to collaborate with you. Imagine your creative visions translated into the textures, shapes, and forms of handcrafted porcelain or other traditional Japanese materials. Together, we can create objects that bridge the gap between the past and the future, tradition and innovation. Your ideas combined with Japanese craftsmanship can lead to something extraordinary - art that is not only visually stunning but deeply meaningful.

Whether you’re a digital artist working with generative design or a creator looking for new mediums, I hope to connect with you. Let’s work together to create pieces that tell stories, blend cultures, and redefine what modern craftsmanship can be.

Arita and Hasami Porcelain

I want to share with you the story of two important porcelain traditions that are part of my heritage: Arita porcelain and Hasami porcelain. Both crafts have deep roots in the history of Japan, born from the same region in Saga Prefecture, and yet they each carry their own unique character and charm.

Arita porcelain, has over 400 years of history. It is known for its refined beauty and intricate designs. It is often delicate yet strong, with patterns painted in soft hues like cobalt blue, capturing the essence of Japanese artistry. From the shaping of the clay to the final firing in traditional kilns, Arita porcelain is about honouring tradition while constantly finding ways to innovate.

On the other hand, Hasami porcelain has a more understated elegance. It is crafted with simplicity and functionality in mind, often designed for everyday use. While Arita is known for its intricate patterns, Hasami porcelain is celebrated for its clean lines, smooth textures, and timeless forms. It is the kind of porcelain that fits into modern life, bridging the gap between the traditional and the contemporary. Like Arita, Hasami porcelain is born from a respect for craft and the land, using the same local kaolin clay that gives it its unique quality.

What I love most about these two traditions is how they complement each other. Arita porcelain embodies artistry and expression, while Hasami porcelain reflects balance and practicality. Together, they tell a complete story of Japanese porcelain—a story of craftsmanship that has been refined over centuries but continues to evolve.

Whether it’s the intricate beauty of Arita or the quiet simplicity of Hasami, these porcelains reflect a way of life. They invite us to slow down, to connect with the care and thought that went into their making, and to bring a piece of Japanese heritage into our own lives.