Spring Clay Walks Part 2: Imari — Quiet Porcelain and Misty Mountains

One afternoon, Hiro san, the kind owner of the residency, took us on a drive to explore the nearby towns of Imari and Hasami. We began our day in Imari, a quiet little town nestled in the mountains.

Imari ware is known for its intricate designs and historical elegance, often resembling Chinese blue-and-white porcelain, sometimes adorned with colourful overglaze painting. Common motifs include flowers, landscapes, birds, and insects—finely detailed and beautifully composed.

The map of Imari

The streets of Imari were calm and peaceful. After visiting some ceramic shops, we wandered down a small stream behind the town, passing handmade ceramic signposts and playful tile installations along the way. I especially loved the ones inspired by local flowers—delicate brushwork, vivid yet subtle, capturing the spirit of Imari.

Throughout the town, old wood-fired kilns still stood, traces of long-standing ceramic traditions. The day was overcast, with mist weaving through the mountains. We laughed and said, “How is it still this cold in May?”

On our way back, I asked Hiro san something that had been on my mind:

In Saga, with hundreds of families having made ceramics for generations, how do they sustain themselves in these quiet, tourist-sparse towns? Do they grow their own vegetables and live self-sufficiently?

He explained that many of these towns are indeed facing economic decline. However, Hasami, the next town we were about to visit, had found a way to rebrand and market itself successfully to younger audiences across Japan. Perhaps reinvention is part of the answer.