Ceramics is a scientific experiment! From Tsuruhashi, melting the earth to create the one-and-only Tamayama-yaki.

A Super Ceramics Workshop That Fosters Connections Among Participants

Tamayama’s pottery classes come in two formats. The first is the “Super Ceramics Workshop,” where students use the same high-quality clay and glazes Tamayama himself employs, allowing them to create tableware of exceptional craftsmanship. The second is the “Super On-Site Ceramics Workshop.” Unlike traditional pottery classes, where participants shape clay, wait for the firing process, and receive their completed pieces later, this workshop offers the unique experience of enjoying the creations immediately after making them. In past events, participants have celebrated by toasting with cups they crafted or enjoyed ramen in bowls they made. Another memorable event involved crafting flowerpots as part of Parco’s greening project, where attendees brought home both their handmade pots and seedlings. These distinctive activities set the workshops apart from typical pottery classes.

“We live in an era of mass production and disposal, but I want participants to cherish what they create,” says Tamayama. “Handmade tableware fosters a sense of attachment, and if it’s well-crafted, it can be used for years. In my workshops, we use the same materials I work with—clay and glazes that are not beginner-friendly. Some may find them challenging to handle, but I don’t want this to be a mere pottery experience. I aim for participants to create tableware with a level of perfection that inspires them to use it for a long time, even if it’s difficult.”

Participants in the Super Ceramics Workshop approach their creations with dedication. This seriousness fosters meaningful connections among them, making the experience even more rewarding. Tamayama envisions the workshops as a space where people can build relationships, share the joy of meeting again, and proudly showcase their works to one another.

The Encounter with a Master That Sparked the Journey into Ceramics

Tamayama was born in Tsuruhashi, Osaka. Reflecting on his childhood, he shares the following:
“During my early years, I wasn’t given many toys, so I played by cutting branches in the park and sharpening them like pencils or collecting sticks from ice cream and sausages. Looking back, I think I might have been interested in making things even back then.”

In his middle and high school years, he was a member of the tennis club while also engaging in band activities, often spending time in America-mura. It was a time when charismatic hairstylists were all the rage, and Tamayama, inspired by them, tried cutting and perming his friends’ hair. However, an event would later prompt him to reconsider his career path.

“During my high school career counseling session, I thought, ‘It wouldn’t be interesting to just become a hairstylist,’ so in the summer of my second year, I decided to take a four-day trip to Tokyo on a basic bicycle. During that journey, I remembered how much I had loved creating things since I was young. That’s when I decided to enroll in Osaka University of Arts Junior College to learn the fundamentals of craftsmanship. However, I wasn’t in the art club and had never done sketching before, so when I started, I felt like I was at the lowest level compared to the other students. Honestly, I struggled with drawing and writing essays, and I wasn’t nearly as good as everyone else. But during my portfolio review for the transfer exam to Osaka University of Arts, one of the professors told me, ‘Your work is interesting.’ That one comment made me so happy—it felt like all my efforts had been acknowledged.”

That professor was none other than Mutsuo Yanagihara, a renowned master ceramist. In fact, Tamayama was the only one to pass the transfer exam for the third year at the university, thanks to Professor Yanagihara’s strong recommendation. Later, Tamayama obtained a teaching license during his studies and solidified his decision to pursue a career in ceramics.

Entrusted with Running a Ceramics Workshop Upon University Graduation

Upon graduating from university, Tamayama was entrusted with managing a ceramics workshop. Typically, becoming a ceramist requires significant initial investment to acquire kilns and tools. So how was this opportunity possible?

“Someone who happened to visit the university to view our work offered to let me use their workshop freely, saying, ‘I’ll entrust you with the workshop.’ The location was fantastic, and I gratefully accepted the offer. Among my university peers who aspired to become ceramists, only about five, to my knowledge, are still pursuing the craft. Many gave up while saving money for their setup,” Tamayama explains.

Tamayama has no formal mentor and continues to learn ceramics on his own. During his student years, he made it a daily habit to visit solo exhibitions and galleries, particularly exhibitions in Kyoto and Osaka, which he never missed. He drew inspiration from the pieces he saw, processed them through his own lens, and reflected those ideas in his work. It has been 15 years since he established his atelier in 2008, but he admits that it is only in the past three years that he has felt confident in calling himself a ceramist.

Ceramics as a Scientific Experiment

When it comes to ceramics, Shigaraki-yaki from Shiga Prefecture and Imari-yaki from Saga Prefecture are well-known. Many studios limit the types of clay and glazes they use, but one of Tama atelier’s unique charms lies in its use of diverse materials and colors without adhering to a single method of production.

“I think ceramics is a series of scientific experiments. Inside the kiln, the temperature reaches 1,200 degrees Celsius, just like the Earth’s magma. The heat causes the clay and glazes to melt and transform. It’s like melting the Earth and reshaping it anew. By varying the temperature, clay, and glazes, millions of combinations become possible. Through repeated experiments, I’ve learned which materials work well together. Even now, I still get excited when opening the kiln. That’s why, unfortunately, mass production isn’t feasible for me.”

By not being bound to predefined forms, the one-and-only “Tamayama-yaki” is born. When custom orders come in, Tamayama conducts thorough interviews to understand the client’s desired vision, repeating experiments to create tableware that meets their expectations.

“For example, for a restaurant, I’ll ask about the seating space, table arrangement, and the type of cuisine served. I then propose what I can do as a ceramics professional and work collaboratively with the client to create something we’re both satisfied with. Customers appreciate the versatility in my work. Once, I was so moved when served a meal on one of my creations that I cried.”

While many people are familiar with the word ceramics, few truly understand its value. Tamayama aims to deliver his works to those who have never encountered authentic tableware. “Even just looking at the underside of a plate during a meal can be a start. I want to elevate the value of ceramics and the culture surrounding it, rather than simply following trends or mass production,” he explains.

I want to expand overseas together with my local Tsuruhashi community.

Tamayama has always valued connections with people throughout his career. Maintaining a healthy sense of distance, he has worked alongside skilled professionals and is now considering expanding from Japan to overseas markets, particularly in the United States and Europe.

“My dream is to someday hold a solo exhibition in Brooklyn, New York, and hear people say, ‘Amazing!’ I want to share Japanese culture with the world and help others understand Japan’s techniques and spirit through ceramics. Do you know the Japanese anime Dragon Ball? There’s something in it called a ‘Spirit Bomb,’ which is created by gathering small contributions of energy from individuals. Similarly, I want to gather small efforts from many people and turn them into a big force. I hope to bring works infused with Japanese culture and craftsmanship abroad and create an explosive impact.”

Tamayama is also passionate about nurturing the next generation. Just as he once received support, he wants to provide a space where young aspiring artists can freely use an atelier and grow.

“During my university days, someone who saw my work gave me the opportunity to use an atelier as a job. I believe I owe who I am today to those people. While I aim to expand internationally, Tsuruhashi will always be the most important place to me. I want to do something exciting with my Tsuruhashi community. It’s because of Tsuruhashi that I feel secure enough to spread my wings overseas.”

Tamayama’s appreciation for human connections seems to be deeply reflected in his work and activities. Whether continuing his endeavors or tackling new challenges, the support of his community is indispensable. To conclude, here is a message from Tamayama in his own words:

“Life will always have its struggles, no matter what you do. That’s why you should pursue what you love, what you want to do, and what feels meaningful. Explore various paths, put in your own efforts, cherish the encounters you have, and turn your work into a mission rather than a mere responsibility. As Crayon Shin-chan says, ‘Life has its ups and downs, but you’ll keep climbing higher.’”