What a day. Started this misty, rainy day on a train headed to Bizen; it was nice to look out and see the mountains shrouded in fog, quite picturesque. We started by arriving at the anagama kiln site of Isezaki Jun (a Living National Treasure) and his son Koichiro. The kiln was in the final stages of being fired, with Koichiro and 5 other helpers stoking the side ports. Following this we were taken to the home and studio of Mr. Jun to drink matcha (powdered green tea) and see work and enjoy conversation. After this visit we headed off to see two other ceramic artists; first Fumio Kawabata and then Ryuichi Kakurezaki (a former apprentice for Mr. Jun). Interesting to be in a country were ceramics really matter.
It’s been a full day and is scheduled to end with Mr. Jun buying us all dinner here in Okayama, at an Italian restaurant strangely enough; should be a wonderful meal. Photos of the mist, Mr. Jun and Mr. Kakurezaki follow:
It's a wonderful experience learning about Japan from the "inside" out. Great learnings of their culture, lifestyles and values.
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