Kokuji-yaki is a traditional form of pottery that originated in 1813 (Bunka 10) in the village of Amidana, located in what is now Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture. The pottery was founded by Soma Kazo (相馬嘉蔵), a potter from the Soma region in what is now Fukushima Prefecture. He was invited to the area by the Nanbu clan, the ruling samurai family of the region, who sought to promote local industry and self-sufficiency. Kazo brought with him the technical expertise and kiln-building knowledge needed to establish a full-scale ceramic operation. He was assisted by Jinroku, a local craftsman from Kuji, who played an important role in adapting Soma's techniques to the local clay and climate.

Kokuji-yaki quickly gained recognition for its practicality, durability, and beauty, reflecting both regional materials and folk craft aesthetics. One of its most distinguishing features was the use of kuro-ame (black candy) glaze, a deep, rich iron-brown to black glaze that gave the ware a rustic and elegant appearance. The pottery was typically high-fired stoneware, and items produced included storage jars, tea utensils, bowls, plates, and everyday containers. Its shapes were simple, functional,and designed for daily use by farmers and townspeople, with a strong sense of the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic.

During the late Edo period and early Meiji period, Kokuji-yaki flourished as a vital local industry, supported by the region’s abundant natural resources such as high-quality clay, firewood, and skilled labor. However, by the early 20th century, like many traditional crafts, Kokuji-yaki experienced a sharp decline due to modernization, industrialization, and the influx of cheap mass-produced ceramics. The kilns closed, and production nearly disappeared.

In the post-war period, efforts were made to revive Kokuji-yaki as part of a broader cultural preservation movement in Japan. In the 1970s, the tradition was brought back by local artisans and cultural leaders, who researched historical techniques and reestablished kilns. Today, modern potters continue to produce Kokuji-yaki using traditional methods, often experimenting with glazes and forms while being careful to not alter the true spirit of its original craft. The pottery is now recognized not just as functional ware, but as an important part of Iwate’s cultural heritage and the larger folk craft movement in Japan.

Kokuji Pottery Garden

Here is a place that has been used to create Iwate ceramics for a long period of time. Today, people are allowed to visit and participate in pottery classes where one can make their own original cups!

Address

31-29-1 Kokuji-cho, Kuji-shi 028-0071 

Phone Number

0194-52-3880 

Fax Number

0194-52-3880 

Business Hours/Usage Hours

9:00-18:00 (Reception for pottery class is from 10:00-15:00) 

Closed on January 1st

Price

For a reserved pottery class, 500g of clay costs 1,000 yen (reservation required)

Website

https://iwatetabi.jp/en/spots/94640/ 

"As a foreigner from America, I never got to experience Japanese styles of ceramics in the past. I have had experiences with working with clay and forming ceramics in America which inspired me to learn more about ceramics in the Iwate prefecture specifically kokuji-yaki. I enjoyed it greatly to see all of the similarities and differences between American and Japanese ceramics, but I wish I was able to experience it firsthand and not only by research."