The past few decades have witnessed the growth of a potters’ enclave amidst the scrubby sub-tropical brush of the Yomitan Peninsula. Around forty-five potters showcase their wares and demonstrate techniques in workshops. Fish seem to be the most common motif adorning the colorful creations. There are also a considerable number of stoic ceramic shisa, Okinawa’s famous lion dogs, guarding the stores and your home. In the middle of the village, an old-style noborigama (climbing) kiln graces a small incline. The red-tiled structure is a communal kiln, shared by many of Yachimun no Sato’s artisans. Several times a year, it’s fired up to heat a batch of joyachi, glazed pieces that comprise the majority of the village’s income. There are also a number of private kilns scattered around the area, but be respectful of the roped-off sections. Most are off-limits to casual visitors.
Tsuboya Pottery Village
The Pottery of Jirō Kinjō
The masterpieces, inspired by fishes, of Jiro Kinjo, a skilled potter of Okinawa.
I capolavori, ispirati dai pesci, di Jiro Kinjo, un abile vasaio di Okinawa.