[10 Years Since Kumamoto Earthquake] 7 Kumamoto Ceramic Artists Hold Exhibition Expressing "Now" at Tsuruya Department Store in Kumamoto
To mark 10 years since the Kumamoto earthquake, seven Kumamoto-based ceramic artists are holding a group exhibition at Tsuruya Department Store from April 8 to 16, 2026. The exhibition, titled "Kumamoto's Flame and Earth Story," showcases diverse new works and shared themed pieces to express the current state of Kumamoto's ceramics. Visitors can interact directly with the artists and participate in a special giveaway.
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10 years since the Kumamoto earthquake. On that day, we learned the threat of nature. At the same time, receiving the blessings of that nature, we continue to face the earth in Kumamoto today, along with the memories of the disaster.
A group exhibition by 7 artists based in Kumamoto, "The 16th Kumamoto's Flame and Earth Story - 7 Ceramic Artists Exhibition," will be held at Tsuruya Department Store starting Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
At this exhibition, there will be days when the artists themselves are present in the gallery, allowing you to hear directly about their works.
This exhibition is recommended for those who want to incorporate their favorite vessels into a part of their lives, or those who want to interact with the artists.
In addition, assigned works (lidded vessels) by the 7 artists will also be displayed, and a venue-exclusive giveaway campaign will be held.
◼︎ Event Overview
The theme this time is "10 Years Since the Kumamoto Earthquake"
The group exhibition by 7 ceramic artists, "Kumamoto's Flame and Earth Story - 7 Ceramic Artists Exhibition," marks its 16th time being held. In addition to a variety of new works such as Kohiki, inlay, unglazed firing (Yakishime), and heat-resistant vessels, common assigned works (lidded vessels) will also be presented. It is an opportunity to experience the "now" of Kumamoto's ceramics all in one place (Free admission, no reservation required).
Exhibition Name: Kumamoto's Flame and Earth Story - 7 Ceramic Artists Exhibition -
Dates: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 - Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Closes at 4:00 PM on the final day)
Venue: Tsuruya Department Store Main Building 5th Floor, Season Message (6-1 Tetorihoncho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City 860-8586)
Admission: Free
Notes: Exhibited works can be purchased on the spot.
[Highlights of this exhibition]
・Diverse expressions by 7 ceramic artists based in Kumamoto
・Exhibition of common theme works (lidded vessels)
・Giveaway campaign where you can win a piece through a lottery
・Works expressed by the artists who have arrived at them after going through the earthquake disaster
◼︎ Background Story of Pottery Making
The Artist's Expression That Changed After the Earthquake - Hiroyuki Saito (Gengama)
Ceramic artist Hiroyuki Saito says that the Kumamoto earthquake "had a great influence on my own production and values." The background of his experiences at that time and how he arrived at his current production are also discussed in the video below.
In this exhibition, Mr. Saito's new works, which have arrived at the present after going through such experiences, will also be presented. Now that it is a milestone year, 10 years since the Kumamoto earthquake, please also pay attention to the works expressed through the vessels.
◼︎ Exhibiting Artists Introduction (7 people) *In no particular order
Hiroyuki Saito (Gengama)
Started ceramics in 2012, and inherited
"Gengama" from Gen Komori in 2014.
Exploring techniques on his own, he creates pottery
using his unique expression "Arasabi-gesho,"
which combines silver with an earthenware-like texture.
Under the banner of "lyrical ceramics," he projects
the beauty of "mono no aware" (the pathos of things) onto everyday vessels.
Hitoshi Tsugane (Mifunegama)
After completing the potter's wheel course at Arita College of Ceramics,
studied under his father, Sadaki, and Shinichi Honma of Iwate Prefecture.
He is particular about the "Yakishime" technique,
where works are fired using firewood in a kiln without glaze,
and the ash falling on the unglazed pottery creates a unique texture,
valuing the image of cutting out a part of the seasons or the earth.
Shimpei Ido (Hagimigama)
Fascinated by the "power of vessels" that pottery possesses, he entered the path of ceramics.
Produces with the concept of vessels that make food look great.
Studied under Taki Nakazato of Karatsu.
Established Hagimigama in Matsubase-machi, Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture in 2010.
Makiko Fukushima
Graduated from the Department of Crafts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.
After completing the master's course in ceramics at the Graduate School of Fine Arts,
Tokyo University of the Arts, she traveled and studied mainly in Asia.
Focusing on works applied with white slip (Keshodo),
she carefully produces shapes born from
the inspiration received from plants and the vitality of nature.
Shin Egami (Ryugengama)
After graduating from Arita College of Ceramics, started pottery
under his father at Ryugengama.
Using inlay, one of the techniques of Takada ware (Yatsushiro ware),
he presents his works mainly at public exhibitions to establish his own expression.
Certified as a traditional craft of Kumamoto Prefecture in 2012.
Certified as a regular member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 2018.
Asuka Kusuda (Tsukifunegama)
Entered the path of ceramics after studying architecture.
Admires Gustavo Perez's approach to pottery, communicating with clay
and drawing out its inner rhythm,
and is deeply influenced by his philosophy.
After diligent study, built Tsukifunegama in Tamana, Kumamoto Prefecture in 2022.
Under the theme of "taking empty space in hand," he creates vessels that stay close to everyday life.
Yuichi Yamaguchi (Issakigama)
Born as the second generation of a pottery in Nagasu-machi, Kumamoto Prefecture,
he pursues self-expression and vessels for everyday use
while using locally sourced raw materials.
He makes pottery daily with the aim of having people
feel comfort in the weight felt when holding the vessel,
the texture when touched, and the feel on the lips.
◼︎ About Nogi Co., Ltd.
Nogi Co., Ltd. is a corporation whose representative director is ceramic artist Hiroyuki Saito (Gengama), and develops artwork production, exhibition planning, and experience businesses centered around ceramics.
Based on the concept of "sowing the seeds of attachment," we value the idea that as vessels are passed into people's hands and used for a long time, they blend into their lives,
and eventually grow into entities that reflect the person's time and memories.
Believing that this accumulation of changes is the essential richness of manufacturing, we are expanding our activities through exhibitions, spatial projects, pottery classes, and painting experiences, centered around our production base, Gengama (Kita-ku, Kumamoto City).
・Official Instagram (Ceramic artist Hiroyuki Saito): https://www.instagram.com/_hiro_saito/
・Official Website (Gengama): https://genngama.com/
・Official Instagram (Gengama): https://www.instagram.com/genngama/
[Inquiries from the press regarding this matter]
Public Relations: Kojima
Email address: info@child-hood.jp