Four day Hands-on workshop in Mashiko, Japan with Ken Matsuzaki and Akira Satake March 23-26, 2027 9am-4pm
Four day Hands-on workshop in Mashiko, Japan with Ken Matsuzaki and Akira Satake March 23-26, 2027 9am-4pm
A rare opportunity to learn in the heart of Mashiko
Join us for a 4-day hands-on pottery workshop in Mashiko—one of Japan’s most celebrated ceramic villages and the home of Shoji Hamada.
This workshop will take place at Ken Matsuzaki’s beautiful studio and home, surrounded by nature. We’ve chosen this timing to coincide with cherry blossom season, one of the most magical times to experience Japan.
(Please note: cherry blossom timing varies slightly each year.)
What You’ll Experience
Daily demonstrations by Ken Matsuzaki and Akira Satake
Hands-on making with Mino or/and Shigaraki clay
(Mostry hand build, you can experience Kick wheel too.)
Exploration of traditional and contemporary techniques
Insight into wood firing, glazing, and surface development
(No firing during this workshop)
A deeply personal and inspiring studio environment
Potters of all levels are welcome （人数いれた方がいいかも？）
Workshop Fee: $1,285 USD
Includes daily bento lunch, Clay and Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art invitation
Accommodation and transportation not included
You will be responsible for arranging your own transportation to the workshop location and for local accommodations during your stay.
If you have any questions about the Mashiko area (including Hotel and Transportation ) you’re welcome to contact Reiko Matsuzaki at reiko_matsuzaki@outlook.com (ここに個人情報入れて良いのか)
Yuushin Gama (遊心窯）
4090-2 Mashiko, Haga District, Tochigi 321-4217, Japan
Explore Mashiko
Mashiko is a historic pottery town known for its rich ceramic heritage, natural materials, and influential artists
During your stay, you can also visit:
Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art - All of our workshop participants are invited to visit with free admission!
Shoji Hamada Museum
Pottery tool shops and Mashiko Pottery Street (Jonaizaka area)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
To cancel a workshop registration and receive a refund, notify us at 60days before the start date of your workshop. If we are given the required 60 days notice we will refund your payment, minus a $200 cancellation fee and a $100 nonrefundable processing fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 60 days of the start of the workshop.
Workshop FAQーーー→ （要らないかも）
Ken Matsuzaki was born in Tokyo, Japan. He studied at Tamagawa University School of Fine Arts, Tokyo and received a degree in Ceramic Art. In 1972 he moved to Mashiko to pursue an apprentice to Tatsuzo Shimaoka. At the end of a five-year apprenticeship, Ken established his own studio and kiln near Tatsuzo Shimoka in Mashiko. His kiln came to be known by the name Yuushin Gama.
Due to his lineage- apprenticing to Shimaoka, who had apprenticed to Shoji Hamada, he has a deep connection and understanding of the Mingei tradition. Ken Matsuzaki's aesthetics tend to be quite modern with a focus on the Oribe style with Yohen, Shino, and Oribe glazing.
Collections: Cleveland Museum of Art, Israel Museum, Metrepolitan Museum of Art, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Peabody Essex Museum, Sackler Museum of Art, Tikotin Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum.London, Tochigi Prefctural Museum of Fine Arts, Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art
Akira Satake was born in Osaka, Japan. He moved to the U.S. in 1981 and spent two years in California before relocating to Brooklyn, NY. A professional musician, Akira spent his NY years running a music production company, Damfino Productions, and also produced world music recordings for his label, Alula Records. In 2003 Akira and his family moved to Swannanoa, NC where he set up Akira Satake Ceramics and devoted himself to his growing passion for making pottery. In 2013 he opened Gallery Mugen in Asheville’s River Arts District. A national weekly television series on PBS — A Craftman’s Legacy — has featured his life and work.
Akira is widely sought after as an instructor and lecturer and has been invited to teach and exhibit throughout the U.S. as well as in France, Italy, Belgium, Israel, Australia, Spain, Chile, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Bali.
Collections: The Mint Museum, The Phillips Collection, Asheville Museum. The Philadelphia Museum awarded him the National Award for Excellence in Contemporary Clay.