Mashiko

Mashiko is a town in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, located in the Kantō region. It is renowned for Mashiko ware, a form of folk pottery produced by numerous kilns and studios across the town. The modern Mashiko pottery movement began in the early 20th century when Shoji Hamada, a leading figure in the Mingei movement, settled there and helped revive traditional techniques. Hamada’s work and philosophy emphasized simple forms, natural glaze finishes, and the use of local clay, and he was later designated a Living National Treasure. Today, dozens of potteries operate in Mashiko, ranging from small studios to larger workshops, sustaining the town as a center for ceramics craft and education.

Cultural institutions include the Mashiko Sankokan Museum, which preserves Hamada's works and documents the history of Mashiko pottery, and the Hamada House complex. The area also hosts an annual ceramic art event and guided studio tours that attract visitors seeking pottery and craft experiences. In addition to ceramics, Mashiko offers rural scenery, traditional houses, and local festivals that highlight the town’s craft heritage.

Governance-wise, Mashiko is a town with a mayor-council government within Tochigi Prefecture. Its economy relies on ceramics, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing, with tourism closely tied to its pottery heritage. Mashiko’s identity centers on its long-running pottery tradition, the artist-driven studio network, and its role as a living hub of Japanese ceramic art.