Seto City, Aichi

Tableware in Japan is still largely ceramic, and often called Setomono. "Seto" refers to Seto city in Aichi Prefecture, which is renowned historically as a pottery production center. Canadian John Gathright explores Seto and its pottery culture. He visits a ceramicist who creates objects using traditional methods passed down by an ancestor that traveled to China and brought back pottery techniques to Japan about 800 years ago. John is introduced to the pottery production process and enjoys a meal called gomo, which was a source of energy for potters working long days in the searing heat of the kilns. Meanwhile, he also discovers innovation: state-of-the-art speakers made with the same clay and traditional methods to produce ceramics, and recycled Seto tableware. He also visits a studio where non-Japanese can stay a month to experience the culture and pottery of Seto. Don't miss our feature Setomono culture and Seto potters.