#Japan #Tokyo #Suzu Pottery #Spiral Xmas #Art Resilience

The Suzu Pottery Support Project

The Suzu Pottery Support Project aims to empower artists affected by natural disasters in the Suzu city area of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. This project emerged following the region's experience of devastating earthquakes in 2022 and 2024, particularly the devastating Noto Peninsula earthquake, which left a lasting impact on local communities. As part of its contribution to recovery efforts, the project has been a beacon of hope since its inception, showcasing the region's unique ceramic artistry at significant exhibitions.

The third installment of this project will be featured at the 2025 Spiral Xmas Market, held in Tokyo's Minato district from December 19th to December 25th. Under the main exhibit titled 'Gentle Black and Gentle Blue,' spearheaded by WHYNOT.TOKYO, the exhibition will symbolize resilience and the profound connection between art and personal experience.

Objectives and Support Initiatives

The project has actively supported eight local artists in securing grant funding to continue their creative pursuits amid adversity. It has organized six exhibitions across Japan, facilitating collaborations between artists, supporters, and the public. This has created a new sense of community and engagement around Suzu pottery, with many artists gradually transitioning from temporary housing back to their studios.

The upcoming exhibition reflects on these artists’ journeys following the Noto Peninsula earthquake and aims to remind the visiting audience of the importance of memory in the face of time's passing. Works displayed will range from pieces made of local clay to contemporary interpretations of Suzu ceramics, exploring narratives of recovery and connection.

Featured Artists and New Works

Among the artists, acclaimed contemporary artist Towa Takaya will join prominent photographer Miki Hasui, who revisits the Noto region for new photographic works. The exhibition features nine artists, including participants from the Oku-Noto International Art Festival. Art works crafted from materials discovered in the aftermath of the earthquake will be prominently displayed, alongside creations by potters who have resumed their craft under challenging conditions. Notably, Takayuki Kizawa and others will present fresh pieces made in newly built kilns as a testament to their creativity and resilience.

As the anniversary of the earthquake approaches on January 1, 2026, this exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the ongoing impact of natural disasters while celebrating the enduring spirit of Suzu pottery. The stories encapsulated in these artworks resonate with the hopes and dreams of artists and the community they represent.

Title Meaning: Gentle Black and Gentle Blue

The title 'Gentle Black and Gentle Blue' captures the essence of Suzu pottery, inspired by the region's unique, soft black ceramics and the serene blue of the Sea of Japan. The exhibition aims to evoke the deep-rooted histories and shared memories surrounding the creation of these pieces, focusing on the new relational dynamics that have emerged after the earthquake.

Growth of the Exhibition

Since the inaugural exhibition at the Spiral, collaborations between Suzu pottery artists and contemporary creators have flourished. Utilizing the region's landscapes, history, and materials, new works have emerged, reflecting the evolving identity of Suzu pottery. The addition of participants from the Oku-Noto International Art Festival in 2024 has further diversified this creative dialogue, allowing the local traditions to be recontextualized as living art forms.

Exhibition Details

• - Exhibition Dates: December 19 (Friday) to December 25 (Thursday), 2025.

• - Opening Hours: December 19 - 5 PM to 7 PM; December 20 to 25 - 11 AM to 7 PM.

• - Venue: Spiral Garden, 1F Spiral, 5-6-23 Minami Aoyama, Minato, Tokyo.

• - Entry: Free

The project will donate a portion of the proceeds to continue supporting Suzu pottery artists, ensuring their resilience and creativity endure through such challenging times.

About Suzu Pottery

Suzu pottery has roots dating back to the Heian period and thrives on the collaborative spirits of the local makers who integrate their lives with the craft. This artistic tradition intertwines with nature, reflected in the unique characteristics of the clay sourced predominantly from the region. Its revival acknowledges both the history and cultural significance of Suzu, presenting each piece as a testament to the community's endurance and artistry.

Creativity is flourishing in this project, symbolizing hope and new beginnings, with the forthcoming exhibition serving as a platform for promoting the art of Suzu pottery and the stories it carries from disaster toward recovery.