Event Programs
“Bears at the Kiln” Exhibition
【Free Admission】 Venue: Factory 1F Drying Room
A collection of hand-carved wooden bears from Hokkaido, assembled by Tokyo903, will be coming to Kutani Choemon.
The tradition of woodcarving bears in Yakumo, Hokkaido, began when Prince Yoshichika of the Owari Tokugawa family introduced Swiss peasant art to Japan. Although Yakumo bears share certain distinctive characteristics, each bears the unmistakable individuality of its maker.
Tokyo903 was formed out of a desire to introduce more people to these hand-carved Yakumo bears, each one carefully carved by hand, one at a time.
Talk Event:
What Is Happening to Bears Today?
【Free Admission】 Venue: In front of the Main Kiln (Factory 1F)
Saturday, October 17, from 2:00 PM
In recent years, bears have increasingly been spotted in Ishikawa Prefecture, bringing their presence closer to our everyday lives. But what exactly is happening in their world?
We welcome Professor Toru Ohi of Ishikawa Prefectural University, who has spent many years researching the ecology of Asiatic black bears and the conservation and management of wildlife. He will speak about the ecology of bears, the history of their relationship with humans, and the circumstances behind the recent increase in bear sightings.
Rather than simply fearing bears, we would like to take this opportunity to think together about these animals and the issues surrounding them—issues that have become increasingly close to home.
Toru Ohi
Specially Appointed Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ishikawa Prefectural University
Born in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. After graduating from Takaoka High School, he studied at Kyoto University, earning his degree from the Faculty of Science and completing his doctoral studies in the Graduate School of Science (Ph.D.). He has served as Director of the Wildlife Research Division at the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Professor at the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Tokyo, and Professor at Ishikawa Prefectural University. He has held his current position since 2023.
His fields of expertise include animal ecology and wildlife conservation and management. His major publications include Kemono-tachi no Mori (The Forest of Wild Beasts) and Tsukinowaguma to Mori no Seibutsugaku (The Biology of Asiatic Black Bears and the Forest), both published by Tokai University Press.
Factory Tour
【Open for visits at any time during the event】
Open the kiln, pottery wheel, and painting areas to visitors.
Step inside the normally unseen working spaces of Kutani Choemon, including the kiln area, pottery wheel area, and painting studio. See our artisans at work up close and feel free to ask them questions. The workshop will be open for tours throughout the festival.
*Please do not touch any machinery, tools, materials, or other items inside the workshop. Kamide Choemon cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, or other issues that may occur inside the workshop.
*For your safety, please follow all instructions given by our staff. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Discover the Art of Handcraft
【Available Throughout the Festival / Free】
Throughout the workshop, you will find hands-on stations where you can touch clay, try turning a pottery wheel, and even decorate a large plate. This is a fun program, especially for children, offering a chance to discover the world of craftsmanship through the workshop of Kutani Choemon.
Limited Editions
for the Rokuro & Kuma Matsuri
A limited collection specially created for the Rokuro and Bear Matsuri
A selection of beautiful, functional pieces made by the potters of Kutani Choemon will be available exclusively for the Rokuro and Bear Matsuri, including plates, small bowls, mugs, and flower vases.
Discover a collection of new vessels made with ash glaze using ash from chestnut trees, as well as pieces finished with our own house-made glazes. We will also have a wide selection of bear-themed pieces created especially for the Bear Matsuri.
Enjoy these playful and charming vessels, each inspired by the spirit of the bear.
Of course, our regular collection and other limited-edition pieces will also be available.
Pottery Wheel × DJ
Once again this year, a DJ will set up alongside the potters and play records in the pottery wheel studio.
Let yourself be carried away by the music as it fills the space around the turning wheels.
Clay Pulling Contest
【Advance Registration Required / Lottery】
A competition for adults aged 15 and over to see who can pull a column of clay the highest using a pottery wheel.
The competition proceeds through a series of rounds: the men's qualifying round, followed by the women's qualifying round, and finally a championship round in which the finalists compete together.
The winner will receive a specially made medal.
*Japanese language only.
Date & Time: Sunday, October 18, 2:30–4:00 PM
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Open to all participants, regardless of gender
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Capacity: 6 participants
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Eligibility: High school students and above who have no prior pottery experience
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Those who have previously participated in the Kamide Choemon introductory pottery experience may participate, but anyone who is able to perform “tsuchikoroshi” (wedging clay on the wheel) is not eligible.
◎ Advance registration required
( Registration opens at 12:00 PM on Sep.18 and closes at 12:00 PM on Oct.9 )
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Please note that registration by phone is not accepted.
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If there are more applicants than available places, participants will be selected by lottery.
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For full details and important information, please see the registration page.
