Aside from the Koishiwara Ceramics and Culture Workshop, I saw some sites that I will never forget.

The torrential downpours that hit Northern Kyushu caused major damage to Hakimasue, Asakura-shi.
The Kokudo (National Highway) 211 takes you from the bus stop in Haki, Asakura-shi to Koishiwara. As you pass along the road, the damage caused to the surrounding fields and buildings by heavy rainfall is clear to see. Mr. Kajiwara from the Keishuu-Gama pottery studio showed us a photo of the impact that the weather had on his workplace. It was incredibly sad to see the studio so badly damaged. The sand and earth that fell from the mountain partially destroyed Mr. Kajiwara's house and workspace. But despite these challenging circumstances he strived to continue making pottery and restore his studio while living in temporary accommodation.

Here is Mr. Kajiwara from the Keishuu pottery studio (圭秀窯)
We were lucky enough to meet with the Koishiwara Toki Kyodo Kumiai (lit.: Koishiwara Pottery Joint Association) chairperson / Yanase Honkamamoto potter Shinichi Yanase to find-out more about how the area is getting on. He told us that 22 out of the 47 kilns in the Koishiwara area were damaged by the torrential rain that hit Norther Kyushu. He also described how the rhododendrons, which are known as the flower of the village and located behind his studio, were washed away by mud along with the azaleas that were planted in the area.

After reflecting on what happened, Mr. Yanase shared some thoughts as a representative of the pottery studios in Koishiwara. With power and conviction in his voice he said, "The local kilns and studios have a long history of creating Koishiwara ware. I do not want to see them disappear because of the disaster. A lot of people are doing their best to rebuild the local area. I hope to see visitors come to Koishiwara and have a great time!"

Here is the Koishiwara Toki Kyodo Kumiai chairperson Shinichi Yanase.
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Once the pottery has been placed in the kiln it can take a bit of time until it is fired, as things can get a bit congested. The process usually takes three weeks to a month. Even complete beginners will be able to create ceramic items, such as teacups, mugs, and dishes. It is well worth visiting Koishiwara and giving it a go!

Around a month and a half after our trip, the completed pottery arrived!
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