“UTSUWA KIRYO” started as a journey around food and pottery.
The first pottery, Tabi, is Karatsu ware from Saga Prefecture, which is said to be made by 80% of makers and 20% of users.
We traveled to the town of Karatsu to meet five writers.
This time we would like to introduce Rui Mitou's "Mito-gama".
“Santogama” “While confronting yourself and the nature around you,
I want to become a craftsman who creates things with his own hands.”
Rui Mifuji of "Mifuji Kiln" has transitioned from the hospitality industry to becoming a potter.
The reason why she, who is from Fukuoka, chose Karatsu ware is that from the materials to the production and sales,
Because you can handle everything yourself instead of having to divide your labor.
It has been more than ten years since I became an apprentice to Kiyomi Kawakami, a potter I admired, and became independent.
The company started out making tea utensils and sake utensils, but only recently has it started making utensils for eating.
“I want to connect my time with loved ones to a richer and more enjoyable time through food.”
Mr. Mito's utensils were created with this in mind.
What meaning does your work have in your short life?
I want to express what I feel because I am doing everything by myself.
A special feeling resides in each pottery.
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Rui Mitouji
Mito Rui
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Born in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture in 1978
2006 Graduated from Saga Prefectural Arita Ceramics University, potter's wheel course
Studied under Kiyomi Kawakami in Karatsu
2009 Built a kiln in Karatsu City and became independent.
