Experience the beauty of Bizen ware and the warmth of family at Shima Kobo - a memorable and gentle experience
We drove through the lush green town of Bizen and then drove down a mountain road to Shima Kobo. Behind the kiln there was a quiet and peaceful pond, and at the entrance to the workshop there was a cute frog.
We were greeted in a space that was nothing but healing by Daisuke, the young leader of Shima Kobo.
Daisuke welcomed me into his studio with a kind smile and calm demeanor, and I later discovered he is a humorous and outspoken man, but his demeanor is that of a potter.
Bizen ware is a wonderful piece of pottery in that no two pieces are the same, truly embodying the Japanese Zen spirit.
The inherent qualities of the clay, along with the color changes that occur during the firing process, known as kiln change, create a universe within the pottery. This is art born from nature, a product of chance.
The Shima Studio, where Bizen ware is produced, is a family of potters who live in a microcosmic world that they cannot fully control.
During his time as a salaryman, his father became fascinated with pottery, and soon learned about Karatsu ware and Arita ware, before discovering Bizen ware and moving to Bizen.
I wanted to have that determination myself.
His dynamism is evident in his work, which has won him many awards, including at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition.
Daisuke's style is simpler and more modern, and it's a wonderful style that makes us think, " I wish we had tableware like this in our daily lives!"
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Despite her gentle appearance, her mother is a wonderful character with a dignified spirit, and she is the kind of person you would want to talk to if you are confused about anything in life.
The three people's unique personalities are expressed in each Bizen ware.
They also have a pizza oven in their home, and they serve homemade pizza during the pottery classes they hold on an irregular basis!
I'd like to make a reservation and visit again next time.
I feel like things made by wonderful people are filled with good energy and make me happy.
Please check out Shima Kobo's Bizen ware!
Living with Clay and Fire: The Bizen Pottery World of the Shima Family
There's something incredibly humbling about meeting people who live in a world they can't fully control—where fire, earth, and time all have their say. That's exactly what we found at Shima Kobo , a family-run Bizen pottery studio nestled in the serene hills of Okayama.
The Shima family doesn't just make pottery—they live it.
A Father's Leap of Faith (Yukihiro Shima)
The story begins with the father of the family, Yukihiro Shima who once led a typical "Japanese salaryman" life. Somewhere along the way, he fell deeply in love with the world of pottery. He studied Karatsu Yaki and Arita Yaki before discovering Bizen Yaki, and with that came a life-changing decision: to leave behind the city and settle in the birthplace of Bizen pottery.
That kind of bold, decisive move—part inspiration, part surrender to passion—is something I deeply admire. He's now an award-winning artist, recognized by the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition and many others. You can feel the energy, force, and movement in his works. There's a dynamism that's impossible to ignore.
A Modern Touch: Daisuke-san's Style
Their son, Daisuke-san, brings a completely different but equally compelling energy. His works are modern, minimal, and elegant—pieces that you instantly want to use in your everyday life. His style quietly whispers, “This would look perfect in your home.”
You can explore his beautiful works on our AYA-TORI site . Highly recommended if you love ceramics that balance tradition with contemporary design.