Event Programs

Factory Tour

【Open for visits at any time during the event】

We open our workshop—including the kiln area, pottery wheel studio, and painting studio—allowing you to explore the working environment of Choemon Kiln, which is not usually accessible to the public. You can observe artisans at work up close, and feel free to ask questions if anything you.

Visitors can also enjoy a quiz program set up throughout the factory. Solve the questions as you go and learn about the Kutani ware production process in a fun and engaging way.

*Please do not touch any machinery or equipment inside the factory. We cannot be held responsible for any accidents or incidents that may occur within the premises.

Special Exhibition & Talk Event

Special Exhibition: “The Work of Kamide Shigei”

【Free Admission】 Venue: Factory 1F Drying Room

To celebrate the renewal of this year’s Kiln Festival visual identity, we present a special exhibition showcasing the work of Kamide Shigei, the design team behind it. In contrast to the refined and structured aesthetic of Kamide Choemon Kiln, Kamide Shigei offers a more relaxed and generous impression. This exhibition focuses on Tsutsugaki, a traditional resist-dyeing technique that forms the foundation of their design approach.

Kamide Shigei
Founded in 2013 by Keigo Kamide, Kamide Shigei proposes a craft-based yet approachable aesthetic rooted in Kutani ware. In addition to planning, producing, and selling Kutani ware, the company engages in design production and the development of original products for various companies. Their work spans product and package design for brands such as Fukumitsuya, Sumiyoshi Taisha, Kaikado, Suzukake, and Pierre Hermé. Centered around their transfer-print brand “KUTANI SEAL,” they present new possibilities for craft in a contemporary context.　www.kamide-shigei.com

Talk Event

【Free Admission】Venue: In front of the Main Kiln (Factory 1F)

Welcome Talk Session ① May 3 (Sun) 12:00–13:00
Welcome Talk Session ② May 4 (Mon) 12:00–13:00

Join sixth-generation head Keigo Kamide for a special talk in front of the kiln. He will share insights into the creative process, daily work, and current thoughts—stories you can only hear here, delivered in the unique atmosphere of the kiln site.

Questions and mid-session participation are welcome.
Please note: this event will not be streamed online.

Kutani Ware Sales

Tamasaka Pieces

We offer special “Tamasaka” items at discounted prices—second-grade pieces that cannot be shipped as regular products due to slight distortions or iron spots that occur during firing in the kiln. We call them “Tamasaka” to express our appreciation for these imperfections as unique results of chance.

We will also hold a daily afternoon event, the “Afternoon Market,” featuring “Tamasaka Extra” pieces—Tamasaka items enhanced with special overglaze decoration by our artisans. One-of-a-kind and rare finds will be available, changing each day.
(Numbered tickets distributed from 13:00 / Sales begin at 13:30 each day)

Kiln Festival Limited Items

We will offer a selection of limited-edition pieces specially created for the Kiln Festival. These items will also be available online (online sales begin after the festival ends).
Our popular standard items will, of course, also be available.

Stamp Rally & Festival Novelties

Collect stamps by purchasing Kutani ware or using vendor booths within the venue. Once you collect four stamps, you can participate in a prize lottery!

Enjoy a chance to win special prizes and original stickers.

In addition, customers who spend a total of ¥12,000 or more (tax included) on Kutani ware (including Kutani Seal items), either at the venue or in the online shop, will receive a special commemorative gift. (Limited to one gift per person)

Choemon Nyumon

【Reservation Required / First-Come, First-Served】

Experience authentic Kutani ware through hands-on workshops led by skilled artisans.

Advance reservation required (first-come, first-served).
Please note that reservations are not accepted by phone.
Children of elementary school age and younger may participate in most programs; however, the pottery wheel workshop is limited to junior high school students and above. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a guardian.
Japanese language only.

Finished works will be shipped at a later date; therefore, participation is limited to residents of Japan.

1. Overglaze Painting Workshop

Experience the vibrant overglaze decoration known as “Kutani Gosai” (the five colors of Kutani ware).

Dates: May 2, 3, 4, 5
Sessions: ① 10:30– / ② 14:30–
Capacity: 5 participants per session
Duration: approx. 100 minutes
Fee: ¥5,500

Choose from: cat sake cup, flower-shaped plate (large), soba cup, beckoning cat, 6-inch zodiac horse plate (coloring), or 6-inch Hyakka carved plate
(Beckoning cat: +¥1,000 tax included)

2. Underglaze Blue Workshop

Try underglaze painting using the deep indigo blue characteristic of Choemon Kiln.

Dates: May 2, 3, 4, 5
Session: ① 12:30–
Capacity: 6 participants per day
Duration: approx. 90 minutes
Fee: ¥6,600

Choose from: teacup, 5-inch flat plate, small rectangular plate, or 6-inch Hyakka carved plate

3. Pottery Wheel Workshop

Create your own form by using a traditional pottery wheel.

Dates: May 2, 3, 4
Sessions: ① 10:30– / ② 12:30– / ③ 14:30–
Capacity: 2 participants per session
Duration: approx. 100 minutes
Fee: ¥6,600

You may create a piece up to the size of a rice bowl
The finished piece will be plain white; optional decoration by an artisan (“Fuefuki” or “Jufukuro”) is available later (+¥1,500)
For junior high school students and above
Cracks or iron spots may occur during firing

4. Mold Press Workshop

Create a zodiac-themed water dropper using a press mold.

Dates: May 2, 3, 4, 5
Sessions: ① 10:30– / ② 14:30– (No ② session on May 5)
Capacity: 2 participants per session
Duration: approx. 100 minutes
Fee: ¥5,500

A “water dropper” is a small tool used in calligraphy when preparing ink
Choose one design from previously released zodiac water droppers
Optional painting by an artisan available later (+¥1,500)
Cracks or iron spots may occur during firing

5. Slip Casting Workshop

Experience slip casting by pouring clay into a plaster mold.

Dates: May 2, 3, 4, 5
Sessions: ① 10:30– / ② 14:30– (No ② session on May 5)
Capacity: 2 participants per day
Duration: approx. 100 minutes
Fee: ¥6,600

Create a pair of small beckoning cats (left and right)
You may customize the design freely
If left unaltered, artisans can later apply clear glaze to the eyes, ears, and collar and ship the finished piece
Cracks or iron spots may occur during firing