MaryMar's trip to Japan: Part 1

You’ve probably heard the old adage: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Well, when friends give you money, go to Japan! Last year, I celebrated my 50th birthday. I decided to mark the occasion with an elaborate party complete with incredible food, live music, and, of course, delicious drinks. I had told my husband that my dream was to travel and learn pottery in Japan for my 50th, but I knew that hosting a big celebration and taking a major trip wouldn’t be financially feasible.

So, I chose to throw the party and postpone the trip for a later date. I know it might sound a bit extravagant, but those who know me understand. I love a good party, and turning 50 felt like the perfect reason to celebrate…especially after setting the bar high at my 40th!

During the party, my wonderful husband surprised me by getting on the mic and presenting an unforgettable gift. My dear friends had all contributed toward a trip to Japan. I was completely overwhelmed and beyond excited. And now, the time has come.

Spending the day in Nagoya before heading to Tokoname

The Journey Begins

Last night I departed from SFO en route to Japan, where I’ll spend the next 20 days fully immersed in Japanese ceramic culture, something I’ve dreamed of for years. I’m traveling solo at the moment but will soon meet up with a small group of potters in Tokoname. We’ll be working together in a rustic clay studio, where I’ll spend a few days making pottery in Tokoname and sleeping on a mat above the studio alongside my new friends.

The Plan: Learn Pottery in Japan

Tokoname is one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns and has a pottery tradition dating back over 900 years. It’s renowned for its rich iron clay and distinctive shudei (reddish) teapots, as well as large ceramic vessels and architectural tiles. The town’s historical streets are still lined with old climbing kilns and potters' workshops, making it a living museum of ceramic heritage.

I’ll also be exploring Kyoto, which holds a central place in Japanese ceramic history. Kyoto’s deep tradition of artistry and innovation has long influenced ceramic practices throughout Japan.

After visiting Kyoto and Osaka, I’ll return to Tokoname to fire my work in the on-site Anagama (wood-fired kiln). The anagama (literally meaning “cave kiln”) is an ancient kiln design introduced to Japan from Korea around the 5th century. These single-chamber, tunnel-like kilns are built into hillsides and fueled with wood for several days to reach high temperatures. Ash from the burning wood settles on the pottery, creating natural, unpredictable glaze effects that reflect the synergy of fire, earth, and human effort. Firing an anagama is a physically demanding, communal process that embodies the essence of traditional ceramics. I haven’t had the opportunity to fire one in over 15 years. 

Once the firing is complete and we’ve unloaded and cleaned up, I’ll head to Tokyo for the final few days of my trip before returning home to San Francisco.

Stay Tuned

I am looking forward to this reset more than words can express. As a small business owner and a mother, I rarely have the chance to step outside my daily routine for an extended period. It’s an opportunity to step away from daily life and immerse myself in a place where I can learn pottery in Japan’s most storied clay towns. I hope to find inspiration, calm, and rejuvenation on what promises to be an incredible journey through Japan. I'mm humbled by the opportunity and deeply grateful to my friends for making it possible.

I can’t wait to get my hands in Japanese clay, to learn pottery in japan, and see what unfolds. My goal is to create small pieces that I can easily bring home to share with all of you. For me, pottery is deeply rooted in community, and I look forward to inviting some of you into my studio to experience these pieces whether over miso, tea, or sake (maybe all three!).

If you’re interested in following along on this adventure, please follow me on Instagram. I’ll do my best to post frequent updates and share the journey with you.

"You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." — Maya Angelou