Okinawan pottery that fits into your daily life. 6 unique "Yachimun" pottery studios
Okinawan pottery, known as "Yachimun," is popular for its plump thickness, rustic texture, and practicality. It is perfect for Okinawan cuisine, as well as Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes. Here, we introduce 6 recommended pottery studios to visit when you are in Okinawa. These studios feature unique pieces from workshops that continue to create traditional vessels to artists who are challenging themselves with new styles. For those who love cooking and pottery, why not purchase some Yachimun as a souvenir for yourself?
1Toki Kobo Ichi
Pottery that pursues the "aesthetic beauty" of the Ryukyu Dynasty era
A pottery studio run by a Kyoto-born ceramic artist who says, "I want to incorporate as much of Okinawa's nature, history, and the lives of the people who live there into a single piece as possible, and convey that." They create pottery daily with an awareness of the "dignified beauty of form" created during the Ryukyu Kingdom era and the "egg-shell white" that they were shocked to see in a museum during their student days.
The "mintama" (Okinawan dialect for "eyeball") series, which arranges the Wakuta-yaki style—which has a longer history than the Tsuboya-yaki made about 400 years ago—into modern designs, uses primary colors that stand out in Okinawa. The blue and white porcelain, where cobalt painting shines on white slip, has a simple and refined appearance. The potter, who creates vessels while thinking about the dishes that will be served on them, says, "Of course, I use them myself." These simple yet impactful vessels also evoke a sense of vitality. The works can be purchased at the gallery on the second floor of the studio.
[Retailers] Studio 2nd floor gallery, Ryukyu Mingei Center
Local
Supporter
Koji Iki, the head of Pottery Studio Ichi, which has many fans outside the prefecture, is a man full of energy.
- Toki Kobo Ichi
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925-2 Nagahama, Yomitan-son, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP 
Approx. 65 minutes by car from Naha Airport (using toll roads)
9:00–18:00
Irregular holidays on Sundays
098-958-1612
Available
2Iguchi Kobo
From champuru to pasta. A simple, versatile piece of tableware that can be used for a wide range of dishes.
A pottery studio located in a residential area of Yomitan Village. They offer a wide variety of items featuring vibrant cobalt blue glaze. While many people associate Yachimun pottery with a thick, rounded appearance, the pieces from Iguchi Kobo are simple and delicate. When you pick up their plates, makai (bowls/rice bowls), or serving bowls, you will be surprised by how light they are, which explains why they are so frequently used at the dining table.
The artist creates these pieces with the hope that "the tableware that blends into your life will enhance your daily cooking and bring vitality to your everyday." Their plain white, black, and beige tableware, as well as their patterned pieces using cobalt blue glaze, are popular for "enhancing the dishes served on them." You can purchase them at the studio shop every Saturday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, so please be sure to visit.
[Retailers] D&DEPARTMENT OKINAWA and others
Local
Supporter
These simple and lightweight vessels make you want to use them every day. They are the kind of tableware you will want to buy in bulk.
- Iguchi Kobo
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- 93-372 Furugen, Yomitan-son, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 70 minutes by car from Naha Airport (using toll roads)
- 098-989-5391
- Available
3nagaremo
Simple tableware that can be used daily just like everyday goods.
A pottery studio established in 2019. The studio's name comes from "naga-mo" (drifting seaweed) that floats nonchalantly in the sea. The artist strives for a simple finish so that "the food served on them will look its best."
They say it can take a year to create their original glazes, and the unique, calm blue is truly memorable. The white cups, drawn using the traditional "itchin" technique, have a soft, feminine image. The soup cups from the Nut series, which are rounded and fit comfortably in the hand, can be used for more than just soup; serving salads or simmered dishes in them might create a slightly different atmosphere for your dining table than usual.
[Retailers] mano, Fujii Iryoten, and others
Local
Supporter
With their feminine, soft colors and forms, I feel like these vessels will make me feel gentle every time I use them.
- nagaremo
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Products are not sold at the workshop. Prices vary by retailer.
4Kitagama
A communal kiln by four leading Yachimun artists from Okinawa.
For those who love pottery, "Yachimun no Sato," a village home to 19 workshops, is a must-visit. Located at the very back of this village, this kiln was established in 1992 by four ceramic artists. One artist creates pottery with a powerful style and beautiful presence; another uses Persian blue glaze to produce exotic works inspired by Okinawa, Asia, and Africa; a third incorporates new techniques and patterns while preserving tradition to create pottery that fits modern life; and the fourth has a wide range of works, from powerful to delicate. Each has their own workshop on the same premises, creating yachimun that shine with their distinct personalities.
The works of these four artists, fired about four times a year in a 13-chamber climbing kiln, can be purchased at the Kitagama shop.
[Retailers] Kitagama Shop
Local
Supporter
The Kitagama shop is a must-see for pottery lovers, as you can purchase works by four great artists at reasonable prices!
- Kitagama (Shop)
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- 2653-1 Zakimi, Yomitan-son, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 65 minutes by car from Naha Airport (using toll roads)
- 9:30–13:00, 14:00–17:30
- Mondays (please call to confirm)
- 098-958-6488
- Available
5eibou
Yachimun x Ryukyu glass. Unique tableware that allows you to enjoy its changes.
A kiln we recommend for those who "don't want their items to be the same as others." The artist here creates unique pieces, such as cups and saucers and bowls in pastel colors—rare for yachimun—and "Ryukyu Glass Tamari Square Plates," which feature Ryukyu glass embedded in the center of a square plate. The pottery using Ryukyu glass looks magical, with its brilliance and color changing depending on how the light hits it.
Ryukyu glass is said to be difficult to pair with glazes, so the artist carefully finishes each piece by fine-tuning the amounts. "I want people to feel a little bit of joy while using them in their daily lives," says the artist. They strive to create items that resonate with the user, incorporating feedback from customers into their work.
[Retailers] Maranata, Yuntan, Hotel Nikko Alivila, and others
Local
Supporter
The combination of Ryukyu glass and yachimun is quite novel! Since it is rare, it might also be appreciated as an Okinawa souvenir.
- eibou
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- Zakimi, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture
- 080-6486-6571
- We do not sell at the workshop. Prices vary by retailer.
6Kobo Futagodou
Tableware in vitamin colors created by twin sisters that will instantly brighten up your dining table.
A pottery studio run by twin sisters from Osaka. Their colorful and adorable tableware is so striking that it will make you want to cheer. They incorporate the "colorful nature of Okinawa" and "the beauty of tropical flowers, birds, wind, and the moon" that they encounter in their daily lives into their work, aiming to create "Yachimun that can hold its own against the vivid colors and contrasts of Okinawa."
The older sister handles the molding, while the younger sister is in charge of the painting. Their tableware, mugs, and free cups, which are sure to brighten your mood every time you use them, are not only great for serving food but also wonderful as accessory trays or interior decorations. These visually delightful Yachimun pieces that brighten up your time at home are worth collecting in different colors and designs.
[Retailers] mofgmona no zakka, etc.
Local
Supporter
These pop and colorful vessels, which brighten your mood just by looking at them, are very popular among women. They would make a great gift for a female friend.
- Kobo Futagodou
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- 662 Owan, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- 090-5976-6557
- Products are not sold at the workshop. Prices vary by retailer.
For those who prefer shops to easily compare various works
MAP
- Nearby Hoshino Resorts facilities
Local supporter in charge of this article
- Aoi NakamuraMulti-talented girl
HOSHINOYA Okinawa
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A luxury resort along one of Okinawa's finest coastlines. From every oceanfront room, you can enjoy an exclusive, breathtaking view that stretches all the way to the horizon.
Access About 1 hour by taxi from Naha Airport
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