How a Japanese Town Keeps its 800 Year Pottery Tradition Alive

Tambayaki, or Tamba ware, is an 800 year old tradition that is still carried on today by about 60 kilns located around the Tachikui district.
What is often the case when hearing about these kinds of traditional practices, is that you find out it's a dying craft. So it's encouraging to hear that this group of potters have not only been able to keep the craft alive generation after generation, but they are still thriving to this day.
I made another video about the area, where I show you what a castle town is like nowadays • What a Japanese Castle...
Thanks to the city of Tamba Sasayama for sponsoring this video. The city of Tamba Sasayama has been certified as an official Japanese heritage site by the Agency for Cultural Affairs and as a UNESCO Creative City in the field of Crafts and Folk Arts. The city's prevalent rich history and culture have resulted in it being the location for several movies and period dramas. Special thanks as well to Kotoukan for showing us their collection.
For more information about Tamba Sasayama, please visit:
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- Tamba kotoukan www.tanbakotoukan.jp/
- Tambayaki tanbayaki.com/
- Tanba Style tanbayaki.net/
- Rokkoyo en.sixancientkilns.jp/
- Taiga kobo taigakobo.com/
- Gahougama www.gahougama.com/
- Toshihikogama toshihikogama.com/
- Tanbungama tanbungama.com/
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[@ElSendler]

Great video. As always. I like the last guy. "Yes I do pottery, but look excavator. Oh, btw my forklift goes up and down." I dont know why, but i like that kind of people

[@FGBFGB-vt7tc]

You probably enjoy that kind of people because they don't let what they do define who they are nor what they enjoy. There is magic and freshness in them for they are free inside =D .

[@yaminogame7805]

same lol, I mean why not show it off. He bought it, he's proud of it.

[@ad.6472]

Most people do not realise how much work it is to woodfire a pot! It is great to see potters still continuing the tradition in 2021.

[@baronvonbeandip]

This is something I think about alot. We have skills, ideas, and crafts that are disappearing all the time and we are replacing them with substandard things because it's convienient. If it continues, we'll all be the same substandard people. It's good to see that people are keeping traditions and distinctions alive.

[@YezzyHD]

I do agree with you , but I think saying that people are becoming substandard is a bit of an exaggeration. Time always moves on and new traditions rise and old ones die. People will still remember them, but cant stay in the past forever. These days even something like a good piece of code can be seen as an art/skill. And people these days still come up with new traditions. I do not think that the world is turning into one hivemind, you just have to open your eyes and look around.

[@Highlander1432]

I agree The old ways need to be preserved and recognized

[@deadby15]

Practically speaking, I think Basic Income would allow many "economically not viable" cultural traditions to survive.

[@Wakwaw796]

it's not just a tradition.. is useful for survival too.

[@kylemccourt663]

That is why I became a teacher. I teach pottery, sculpture, and film photography to high school kids. I am a very lucky person.

[@brandeni1785]

Wow. I visited that area back in 2003 during a pottery tour with my university’s pottery club. I remember those kilns.

[@dogperson4436]

Wow that's a long time ago.. How's life been to you??

[@RR-nh4we]

What do you call a kiln master who doesn't shave? Hairy potter

[@zhiend7779]

I'll take it

[@mr.mirror1213]

I'll take it

[@ichinichi3]

I'll take it

[@adventureawaits3860]

Damn

[@triarb5790]

What do you call a ghost with a kiln? Scary Potter

[@Jordan-inJapan]

I’ve been there! (its about 2 hours from where I live) and it really was a cool place. As for why this local tradition has managed to survive, I think Greg put it well when he said that they’ve managed to market their area ‘as a brand’. This approach has been very successful at helping rural areas around Japan survive economically and keep their traditions alive. It’s also one of the things I love about traveling around rural Japan.

[@einfachnurleo7099]

So how does it work? Do they have a lot of daily tourists that drive out to their town just to buy special pottery?

[@Jordan-inJapan]

People go to a place like that for the experience. There’s a certain look and feeling that those places have. In my family’s case it’s like, “what are we gonna do this weekend? Hey, why don’t we head out to that old pottery village?” Get there in the late morning, wander around a bit, get lunch at some cool little cafe or soba shop, wander some more, take pictures, do a little shopping, buy some souvenirs... a nice way to spend a Saturday.

[@TheKnightXavier]

Love seeing this small-scale artistry/craftsmanship! It is oh so human.

[@himtraldi]

I have a book from a local mead brewer. When he started out brewing mead himself, he found out that the newest book on mead brewing was from the 1600's he makes brewing courses for homebrewers

[@Jordan-inJapan]

This appeals to me at least as much as pottery. Sounds really cool!

[@joshuaboehner4652]

I'm a potter, I've thrown over 120,000 pieces of pottery, and still when I see hand made work I swoon. Other potters will understand this deep feeling.

[@effiebriest1278]

jep, I went to university to do liberal arts. Usually people hated on other students works even the teachers where mean to their students. But with potters the love for the craft, the material and the endless variety comes through.

[@nemuneko5155]

Japanese pottery is what made me want to become a potter!! I want to focus on Japanese pottery because I just love the ideology and thought put behind them

[@PostSasso]

No, you wanted to focus on Japanese poetry because a westerner doing Japanese stuff is kitschy and pretentious. Pottery, movies, woodwork, tea, whatever, you like to act all cultured. Start with the basics.

[@nemuneko5155]

@@PostSasso poetry is also pre cool! Also being told I'm a westerner by some rando online is hilarious (I'm asian as can be). Liking something as intricate and beautiful of any form of art should not be gatekeeped by others. You did not pass the vibe check today :)

[@SuperSneakySakura]

@@nemuneko5155 As a western guy who gets this a lot for speaking japanese and such, thank you Catherine. You have a beautiful day now. You have passed the vibe check.

[@GeologicalNerd]

Good on you! Keep your dream alive. Don't listen to jerks.

[@laziestoldman]

Greg: "Here's a video about traditional Japanese pottery." Masahiko-san: "So anyway here's my forklift."

[@nath4lee]

as someone who’ll be majoring in ceramics in uni very soon, i’m really thankful you took the time to produce this content 🙏🏻

[@Johnny2by4Mgo]

Just when i thought I was going to sleep. He pulls me back in

[@johngo3715]

Those potteries with the flower designs are gorgeous! Great video, Greg.

[@hallejohn]

Hey Greg, how are you? At 13:05 it is one of the key elements of your channel. To do what *you* love. Only then you can be passionate about it and get the best out of the material to show us. That's why I'm on your channel and spread word of it to my friends. As long as you are honest to yourself and to us. Have a nice weekend John from Germany

[@ad.6472]

As some one who does a bit of pottery , it is a very interesting topic to watch!

[@L0R3NtheS0URL3M0N]

I love, love, loved this video! I love the videos interviewing people and their lives. There is something so raw about it and it makes me emotional just watching it. Watching peoples raw emotions about their livelihoods... Really puts a smile on my face and tears to the eyes.

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

For people asking about links to potters, here's some for you! - Tamba kotoukan www.tanbakotoukan.jp/ - Tambayaki tanbayaki.com/ - Tanba Style tanbayaki.net/ - Rokkoyo en.sixancientkilns.jp/ - Taiga kobo taigakobo.com/ - Gahougama www.gahougama.com/ - Toshihikogama toshihikogama.com/ - Tanbungama tanbungama.com/ And here's the credits for pottery from the Tamba kotoukan collection: 0:53 大壺 Ootsubo, 14th c, Tamba kotoukan collection 0:56 せんべい壺 Senbei tsubo, 19th c, Tamba kotoukan collection 1:00 桶 Oke, 16th c, Tamba kotoukan collection 1:03 灰釉窯変四耳壺 Haiyu youhen shijiko, 17th c, Tamba kotoukan collection 1:06 灰釉窯変耳付花入れ Haiyu youhen mimitsuki hanaire, 17th c, Tamba kotoukan collection 1:30 墨流し六角徳利 suminagashirokkakutokkuri 白地笹文徳利 shirojisasamontokkuri,19th c, Tamba kotoukan collection 1:32 海老徳利 ebidokkuri, 19th c, Tamba kotoukan collection 1:35 廣口茶入れ hirokutichaire, 17th c, Tamba kotoukan collection 9:55 水差しmizusashi, 17th c, Tamba kotoukan collection 10:04 赤土部窯変大徳利 akadobeyouhenootokkuri, 17th c, Tamba kotoukan collection

[@thetalkingshrimp5683]

Greg, you outdid yourself with this one. While displaying Japanese culture is nothing new for you, this one struck a chord with me. I was able to experience tradition that also has a current and practical application, plus i felt like i was there.

[@AgentFunk]

You are my favourite KZbinr that showcases different areas of Japan. Your videos are so easy to watch while also being extremely informative. I’m a big fan of Japanese pottery and had no idea of this area. I will definitely stopping here on my next trip to Japan post pandemic. Thanks for great content!

[@user-yi2mc1lu3w]

Wow the skills are incomparable, each one of them unique and rare. Their dedication is the essence of their products.

[@triciac1019]

This was sure a peaceful and inspiring video! I love the pottery, the food and admire how the Japanese keep their communities, work spaces and homes so clean and orderly!

[@guicosena]

I have to say that your videos are the most spectacular videos on KZbin. The image and audio quality, the sounds and brings the most interesting aspects of Japan. Thanks, and congrats! 😉

[@bonbonandpumpkin2463]

Such beautiful works ! Pottery is so sensory - and brings out beauty in a natural way. I like the way the restauranteur said he makes his food that suit the pieces of pottery that he’s given . ☺️

[@TapurokNatureFarm]

I've been watching this anime on pottery and then this video...just fascinating. We used to have this community of potters where I'm from but it's a dying trade now.

[@gspar2083]

It wasn't all bad that Covid brought to us. It gave us time to seek inner peace and reminded us to find beauty in familiar things.

[@ninapesner3434]

Gspar20: I so appreciate what you posted! Inner peace has alluded the world. Very sad. Inner peace/spirituality. Again thank you so much.

[@johncoffman5536]

🥰 hearing about the balance these artists are striking between the commercial and creative. thank you!

[@rayperez6322]

The pottery/art used from the castle city is exceptional.

[@christostatarakis5264]

And pottery is going to be one of my favorite morning my wife and I'd love to go to that town thank you very much for sharing I'm just Happy that you showed that place I'll be watching it repeatedly that the video I've saved it on my favorites! 🙏 🥰 It's a place to place to visit. My wife is Japanese I do go to Japan often but we don't do much traveling it's pretty much with family and friends relatives...... 🥰🏚️🏡🛖🚗🍵🍶👀

[@Panther-kid]

"Old pottery makes me feel happy and excited". That's the dream, to feel passion and derive joy from craft.

[@julien.2573]

There is a village a bit like this not so far from where I live in France. It's smaller but the spirit is the same, they also share a open kiln like this one :)

[@hindsightpov4218]

I always loved these simple style pottery that has an earthy feel to them.

[@flowerm8737]

12:49 These videos are always works of art themselves. But every so often there are moments of dad / husband humor too. The contrast makes them even funnier. I always look forward to more; thank you!

[@stephenbouchelle7706]

We have been to Japan once and hope to go again. This is definitely going on the itinerary as my wife is a potter and loves the rough and simple styles that some of the artists are making.

[@KonSimpl72]

Thanks for this, one more place to visit when it's eventually possible to do so.

[@rachellynnclark4099]

When I lived in Japan I visited the Onta pottery village in Oita prefecture. It was so cool, and reminds me a lot of this place. So cool!

[@oakwood94960]

Tamba Tachikui ware is one of the Six Ancient Kilns. It would be nice vist Bizen ware town in Imbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture when you have a chance. The Bizen Ware is also one of the Six Ancient Kilns and the oldest. The Bizen ware festival is held on the third Saturday and Sunday of October. At Kayabuki (thatched) Gallery Yozankyo, a young man from California is training as an apprentice.

[@carlosalvarez4641]

One of your best videos… wait, almost all of your videos are one of your best videos! This was an awsome way to see those japanese traditions we all like to learn about.

[@lariene1294]

I wish i had such a beautiful culture ❤

[@10lauset]

Utilitarian yet individual art pieces. Pleasing to the soul. Lovely. Thanks. Cheers

[@Hana_145]

Such a great and inspiring video, I loved seeing how they recognized the importance of letting artist create art they want to make

[@dwc123fitlady]

Another fascinating video! Enjoy following along with your curiosities! Well done explaining the traditions of various potters, how the generations work together & how they sell their work. Gold star!

[@barry3565]

I love ceramic arts. My son went to Okinawa and learned Okinawa pottery. Next time when we visit Japan, both of us will visit and see Tanba-yaki. Thanks for showing!

[@kapachan1]

This video was beautiful. I loved the storytelling and how you included the forklift info and little details about the people. Great job!

[@HeliNoir]

I want to go there someday! There's something poetic about what Suzuki-san does @ 12:26 Just shows how skilled and creative he can get when he makes food based on the pottery he's given. I hope these potters continue to thrive and get to keep the tradition, craftsmanship, and artistry going for future generations.

[@Gameboon]

We got here from your video on Japanese hand-dyed towels. I have to say, you always pick such interesting topics to explore.

[@SpartanFarron]

When I was in Japan, I was hoping to find a pottery piece like a cup or tray to bring home. Although many of them are beautiful, I didn't find one that suited me (because I'm too pick) and regret not compromising before I ran out of time. Next time I'm there, it'll be a priority to find something. Thanks for making this video!

[@sirBrouwer]

A option is to actually ask them to make one on commission. You don't have to compromise. It might take some time to do so but you will get the best option made just for you.

[@SpartanFarron]

@@sirBrouwer As nice as that sounds, I would deeply saddened if I break it at some point. Not that I'm clumsy, but the slight risk of losing something special would prevent me from using it often. The only other option is to buy multiples as back ups.

[@sirBrouwer]

@@SpartanFarron That can be a option. make it a small set. Or it could be something you just have as a piece of art. Might even be nicer as they can give it even more detail and be a bit less concern for practicality. And if it ever breaks. (more reason to go back again)

[@SpartanFarron]

@@glenncambray626 You injected yourself into a 2 month old comment to complain about nothing. Give yourself a break.

[@season8challenger23]

Your videos where you travel to lesser known areas (in the eyes of foreigners) produces fantastic content, keep up the good work!

[@jdm2626]

I love watching people doing things like this. It sometimes feels like these traditions and skills are slowly fading away.

[@chapman8369]

The way you presented the pottery in video is beautiful

[@pragya360]

Simply WOW! What a wonderful vid! In middle-income country like India it's extremely difficult to keep the blue pottery (variety of Indian ceramics) however, government and non-profits are trying different strategies for the same. Some models of entrepreneurship and formation of membership based organisations for preserving the art forms.

[@GamingFoodie]

Wish more content on KZbin was like this. Thank you for highlighting the beautiful these people do and showing us things most of us would never be able to see.

[@gdore15]

This is great. I also visited a father and son duo there. If I remember correctly, the son was doing lamp or something like that as his special thing. Is is nice to see that even if they keep the tradition, they have space to innovate and express their own style.

[@robotslug]

Your art compliments theirs beautifully. Your video is one of the most aesthetically pleasing that I have had the pleasure of viewing on my new LG CX Oled. The colors really blew me away.

[@chang1865]

I remember visit a foundry in my local hometown looking to commission some brass castings, during their factory tour they showed us a long kiln like the Korean kiln used to be run by the owner's great grandfather as a pottery factory. It was about a 100 meters long and in near perfect condition. I was amazed they didn't show it to others more. It's a piece of history hidden away in a warehouse. The owner didn't want to get rid of it because it's their family heirloom and history.

[@kelseypasqual9897]

Wow, what beautiful pieces and history. Strongly wishing to increase my Japanese pottery collection...

[@klgherkin]

This was so wonderful, thank you for sharing! I especially love the the collaboration between the potter and the chef. I'd love to visit that restaurant!

[@edwardfletcher7790]

I love this style of video promoting cultural heritage, watching Japanese craftsman at work, thank you! PS: Beautiful camerawork too, you're a very lucky man to have such a wonderfully rewarding occupation !

[@Phooen]

This pottery is really fantastic ! I love the diversity of styles gathered in the same area ! Thank you for the video :)

[@harrisonstoliker4932]

Thanks for sharing the links to the people and artists featured in your video. It's amazing stuff.

[@martemacdougall1985]

My Uncle was an Artist/Architect and became friends with a Japanese Bishop who mastered in Calligraphy. The Bishop studied under Tessai, a treasure in Japanese culture. My Uncle purchased many beautiful pots during his travels, and my favorites were created by Hamada. Have you seen his artwork? Would love a video on Hamada if you can? Thank you for a wonderful video...loved the climbing kiln footage. Any videos on Raku pottery would be great as well. ❤️🎎👘⛩️🍣♥️ The Bishops name was Kojo Sakamoto and my Uncles name was B.C.Binning.

[@FelixGalvanArt]

Loved this one! It reminded me of the time I went to a sort of flea market in the outskirts of Saitama prefecture and found some beautiful looking pottery that I bought for my host family as a gift! They really are beautifully crafted :) keep these up!

[@MarisabelBadillo]

I would love more videos like this--exploring local artisanry.

[@viniciussferreira]

Thank you for always producing amazing content! Greetings from a Brazilian living in Montana!

[@robenglish416]

Yes, it’s the rural Japan I always wanted to see, since I read human geography at university! My friend Totoro helped too ( I was over 40 when I saw it with my daughter)!

[@tanjak72]

Beautiful! The art is amazing. I wish I could live there. It seems to be so peaceful.

[@Jsmith1611]

Your recent videos are really some of the best content about Japan. Super like.

[@rastijoelis7683]

I wish i could define enough how i enjoy watching your videos about your life in japan.Somehow it gives me serenity and peacefull mind. Thank you for all the great videos.

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

Well done and good to see. There is a very vibrant pottery scene here in the American Southwest, with a highly diverse group of craftspeople producing a wide range of artistic and utilitarian designs. Fun! 😎

[@jonjessen]

You should visit this place again. It was so interesting to watch

[@DerekBlais]

This may have been my fav video you've produced. I like them all, but I really enjoyed this one. I hope to see more like this.

[@etherdog]

My wife is a potter and we both enjoyed this vid tremendously! Thanks for the links to the artisans you featured as we have pinned them on our Japan map for our upcoming visit.

[@ShivangiPrasad]

I wish I could go there and learn some pottery myself! Great work, absolutely loved the video!

[@nunodeazevedo]

Your videos are improving video by video, thank you for them. 🙏 Always great lil stories.

[@davidnicholson6680]

Absolutely beautiful artworks here. Thanks for sharing.

[@pranavunkule9450]

Your Cinematography is just gorgeous. please start filming in 8k in the near future.

[@fresusjeak]

I appreciate your approach to video making for yourself and for others.

[@harry9412]

You are doing great job introducing all possible information about Japan....just love your good work. High appreciation. Keep up the good work. Pottery video really learnt and enjoyed soo much. Thank you.

[@PandaPandakun]

When I see there's a new "Life Where I'm From" video, I have to wait. Wait till after we've had our dinner in the evening, we're both holding a nice hot cup of tea, and we've got our blanket keeping us toasty as we sit on the sofa. It's really something to look forward to in lockdown, UK. Will be back later!

[@QuiChiYang2]

This is a spectacular video. I like their communal life style. They have created a niche ecology-economy for themselves & service the world with practical works of art.

[@kitt3526]

I love this video! I love seeing locals artists being showcased

[@baileynorth352]

I do so enjoy your videos. I think that your interest is what makes them so entertaining. You manage to convey interest in a very neutral and humble manner that does not overshadow your content but also expresses the joy that you have in exploring. You seem to know what questions to answer when informing about each subject. I think that your own curiosity reflects that of your audience well. I once met an amazing watercolor artist that learned from experience that when she painted subjects that she enjoyed, her work sold better than when she tried to paint subject matter that she thought would sell. It sounds like this is what is encouraged in this village and what you have learned about your videos as well. We invoke an attraction to that which we are attracted to. Thank you so much for these.

[@hanshe4474]

All the pottery looks so beautiful! I loved to see the different takes on the craft. I really liked how Nishibata-san painted these pretty designs on her work. The two generations in each family may do it differently, but they still make masterpieces. And yes Greg, we always love watching your vids. Thanks.

[@spotteddogmemphis]

You need to do an episode on Japanese clothing, especially denim. I’d love to see you, take us around Okayama. ✌🏼

[@mightymitzi]

Lovely video, thank you. 💖🌟 My mother, originally from Hiroshima, really wanted to come back to Japan with me, to see pottery places like this. She was an artist, oil painter, and also practised and taught Chanoyu in Australia.And she really really wanted to visit Sasayama Castle Oshoin, village.. But she became ill and passed away 2015. I miss her so much.💔😢💗

[@daniellecrook967]

Absolutely loved this video, wonderful to see people getting to do what they love.

[@potatopertato]

This is nice. I wish i could learn pottery

[@ray13317]

Me too, but all I learnt was Potty ):

[@Felix-ve9hs]

you can, it just takes *a lot* of time

[@alistairblaire6001]

Polymer clay is available in craft stores and can be baked in a toaster oven (but should be separate from one used for your food). It doesn't feel anything like real clay but it's still nice to make things with your hands. Sometimes it feels like my brain turns off and my hands move by themselves.

[@htcdedited2425]

harry potter

[@wich1]

You can, just search for a pottery class in your area, once you learn basics you can start experimenting with techniques, designs, glazes, clays, etc.

This is incredible. So, so beautiful. Love it!

[@araceliedwards9323]

Enjoyed this beautiful video immensely! Thank you 🙏

[@carlocarosi7075]

It's amazing how varied the styles of pottery are, but all are beautiful. Great stuff as always Greg!

[@subhansanaky]

incredible video as always Greg-San. after watching this i hope many Young Generation after them like the son next son and the next offspring still continue this Process. because there are so many when I watch documentaries about works from ancient times like this. most of it is lost because it is not something that is passed down in writing. but passed down in a way when Generation worked. processing with the younger generation, and in this process they will inherit it, like the process of forging the samurai sword, the Katana. Traditional cuisine. many works and art from japan lost in time because it's stop in one generation, and not passed down. i really hope you be making a lot inspire videos like this one. (Sorry for my english. Still learning)

[@painlac]

this first shot is so beautiful !!

[@onlyinjapan]

Another beautifully shot and story told. Tamba Sasayama is on my map - well done, Greg!

[@d2ez695]

Great video - so nice to see such a peaceful and creative community. thank you for filming and sharing this 🙏

[@adelinerachalski5410]

I love that video (and pottery so it was the perfect match ;-) )! It is quite nice to see that each family and each artist from the same family is using its own style to create unique pieces. And quite cool to see the ascending kiln technique :O Thanks for doing these videos that allow us to travel, even if we cannot do it ourselves! Keep up the good work Greg!

[@jsviva5152]

If only I was in Japan so I can also experince what it's like to do pottery in Japan

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

What an amazing place. Just gorgeous. At around 7:30 - the beautiful little pieces, the one that she picked up and especially the one with the white mice 🐁 painted all over it. So beautiful. Thanks again for creating and sharing this beautiful video with me. I so appreciate all that you do creating and sharing these. Thanks again 🐿🙂

[@robertelliott1886]

Great video! Thanks for sharing these special stories with us.

[@justinsirnw]

I'd like to visit this town so bad! Thank you so much for the video!

[@BellaDiGrazie]

How beautiful ❤😊 thanks so much