Workshop & Retreat
With Takeuchi Shingo
2026 April 21-25
Immerse Yourself in Japan’s Hidden Ceramic Capital
This workshop offers ceramic enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience the heart of Japan’s undiscovered ceramic capital — Tajimi. Over several days, you’ll gain exclusive insight into the region’s deep-rooted ceramic traditions, a culture that has flourished here for more than 1,300 years.
Each day combines hands-on practice and cultural discovery. Learn advanced hand-building techniques for sculptural forms under the guidance of internationally renowned ceramic artist Shingo Takeuchi, and explore the region’s rich ceramic heritage alongside a knowledgeable interpreter guide.
Visit a bespoke clay processor to trace the journey of clay from earth to material, discovering how its origins shape its texture, colour, and character. Conclude your experience with a tea ceremony in the Satoyama (mountain village), held in a self-built tea room—a serene moment that connects craft, nature, and mindfulness.
Highlights
Deep Dive into Clay Culture
Discover how a land rich in clay has shaped centuries of craftsmanship in Tajimi and the wider Mino Ceramic Valley. Explore the region’s deep connection between earth, culture, and community.From the Source
Learn directly from experienced clay producers about the unique properties and creative possibilities of locally designed clays.Hand-Building with Takeuchi Shingo
Join internationally recognized ceramic artist Takeuchi Shingo to learn distinctive hand-building techniques and approaches to form and texture.Tea Ceremony in the Satoyama
Experience a traditional tea ceremony in the serene mountain village, held in a self-built tea room that reflects harmony between nature, craft, and simplicity.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Welcome to Tajimi
3:00pm
Check-in
4:00pm
Visit Musuem
6:30pm
Welcome Dinner
DAY 2
Know the Land, Feel the Earth
9:00am
Visit Clay Mines of the Mino Valley
10:00am
Pick your local clay from the legendary clay blender and visit the clay processing site.
12:00pm
Lunch
1:30pm
Introduction to Hand Building with Takeuchi Shingo
6:30pm
Dinner
DAY 3
Exploring Forms and Spaces
9:00am
Building complex forms with Takeuchi Shingo
12:00pm
Lunch
1:30pm
Explore Oribe Street and the creative small business reactivating spaces.
6:30pm
Dinner
DAY 4
Finishing Techniques
9:00am
Finishing Techniques with Takeuchi Shingo
12:00pm
Lunch
1:30pm
Tea Ceremony Experience
6:30pm
Dinner
DAY 5
Sleep in
11:00am
Check out
11:30am
Say Our Good Byes
with
Shingo Takeuchi
Ceramic Artist/Educator
Shingo Takeuchi is a celebrated ceramic artist from Seto, Japan, with over 40 years of experience shaping a unique and highly recognisable style. Trained in traditional techniques yet driven by a deep respect for nature and a desire to push boundaries, his work blends intricate hand-built forms with subtle colour tones that highlight the natural beauty of clay through reduction-cooling techniques. Known for his dynamic forms and interwoven shapes, Takeuchi’s pieces balance tradition, craftsmanship, and a touch of futurism. He also creates distinctive tableware using iron-rich clay fired without glaze, giving each piece a calm, earthy character that evolves with use. With numerous awards and international exhibitions—from New York to Seoul, Milan, Sydney, and Taipei—Takeuchi brings unparalleled expertise to this workshop, offering participants rare insight into the techniques and philosophy that have defined his celebrated career.
In collaboration with
Ion Fukazawa
Guide/ Community Faciltor/ Ceramic Artist
Ion Fukazawa is a Ceramic artist Ion Fukazawa lives in Tajimi, Gifu and brings a unique bicultural perspective from his upbringing in Sydney and Tokyo. With a Bachelor of Design in Ceramics from UNSW Art & Design, Ion has created tableware for celebrated clients in Australia including Ester, Sixpenny, and Sony Australia. His journey led him to Japan’s Tajimi City Pottery Design & Technical Center (Ishoken) under Harumi Nakashima, where he deepened his practice in contemporary Japanese crafts.
Ion now showcases his work in exhibitions both in Japan and internationally, exploring the dialogue between natural processes and human touch. While tour guiding groups through the mountians of Gifu.
Details
286,000 Yen (tax included)
Deposit & Cancellation Policy
Food
Partner Accommodation
IKKEI GUESTHOUSE
A Japanese house has been renovated into a lodging facility with the theme of a scene in Mino. An inn where you can stay as if you were living in the history and culture of the Mino ware production area.
Kintsugi House Tajimi
Kintsugi House Tajimi is a two-storey private ‘machiya’ townhouse in Tajimi, Gifu, renovated in the spirit of ‘kintsugi’ (making new beauty in repair).
The Showa-period(post-war) property uncovers the layers of Tajimi’s rich ceramic history with objects tracing from the Jomon period, to tea ceremony ceramics, and contemporary ceramic art.