Discover the beauty of Bizen ware and the warmth of family at Shima Kobo - a gentle, unforgettable experience

Driving through the lush green town of Bizen, we followed a road deep into the mountains until we reached Shima Kobo. Behind the kiln was a quiet, peaceful pond, and at the entrance to the studio sat a charming frog. In this utterly tranquil space, we were greeted by Daisuke-san, the young heir to Shima Kobo.
With a gentle smile and a calm demeanor, Daisuke-san welcomed us into the studio. Later, we’d discover his humorous, witty side, but his presence was unmistakably that of a potter.

Bizen ware is a magnificent form of pottery that embodies the spirit of Japanese ZEN, with no two pieces ever being exactly alike.
The natural qualities of the clay, combined with the color changes that appear during the firing process—known as "kiln variation" (窯変, yōhen)—create a universe within each piece of pottery. It is an art born from nature, a product of serendipity.

The potters at Shima Kobo, a family of artisans, live in this microcosmic world where they cannot fully control every outcome when creating Bizen ware.

We heard that the father, during his salaryman days, became captivated by pottery, studied Karatsu ware and Arita ware, then discovered Bizen ware, and finally moved to the Bizen region.
I wish I had that kind of decisiveness...
He has received numerous awards, including from the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, and his dynamism is evident in his works.

Daisuke-san's style is simpler and more contemporary, exactly the kind of wonderful aesthetic that makes AYA-TORI think, "I wish I had this kind of tableware in my daily life!"
Please do check out his work on the site.

The mother, contrary to her gentle appearance, possesses a dignified and spirited character, making her the kind of person you'd want to consult if you ever felt lost in life.

The unique personalities of all three are expressed in their respective Bizen ware pieces.

They even have a pizza oven at home, and when they hold their irregular pottery classes, they reportedly serve homemade pizza! I'd love to make a reservation and visit again soon!

I feel that things made by wonderful people are imbued with good energy and bring happiness. Everyone, please do 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.