COVERCHORD FEATURE
SHIGARAKI WARE · MATSUSHO
JAPAN TRADITIONAL CRAFTS WEEK 2025
We are pleased to present donabe by MATSUSHO, a Shigaraki pottery workshop.
As part of JAPAN TRADITIONAL CRAFTS WEEK 2025.
Takes place from Friday, October 17th to Thursday, October 30th, 2025.
JAPAN TRADITIONAL CRAFTS WEEK 2025 (JTCW 2025) will take place across 30 select shops in Tokyo, introducing traditional crafts from regions throughout Japan.
This year, COVERCHORD Nakameguro is proud to present Shigaraki ware from Koka City, Shiga Prefecture, by pottery workshop MATSUSHO.
A collection of donabe created under the motto “to support mindful moments in everyday life” will be on display and available for purchase.
During the event period, the same lineup will also be available at COVERCHORD Fukuoka and COVERCHORD Online.
In this feature, we visit MATSUSHO’s pottery workshop to see their making process up close, discovering the warmth of the clay and the spirit behind their craft.
SHIGARAKI WARE
MATSUSHO
History of Shigaraki Ware
Shigaraki ware originated in the mid-Kamakura period, making it one of Japan’s oldest pottery traditions.
For centuries, artisans have crafted vessels such as water jars, tea urns, braziers, and flowerpots to enrich everyday life.
Located in the mountains of the Kinki region, once the cultural center of ancient Japan, Shigaraki is blessed with rich, high-quality clay.
The area served as an important crossroads, and Emperor Shōmu built the Shigaraki Palace here, which was even considered as a potential site for the Great Buddha of Nara.
From the Muromachi to Azuchi–Momoyama periods, Shigaraki ware evolved alongside the rise of tea culture, leading to the production of tea utensils and everyday pottery during the Edo era.
In the Meiji period, glaze research advanced, and Shigaraki grew into a major center for hibachi production―by the 1950s, it supplied nearly 80% of Japan’s hibachi market.Today, Shigaraki ware continues to produce a wide variety of items―from tableware and tiles to garden pieces and the town’s iconic tanuki figures.
In 1975, it was designated a Traditional Craft of Japan, earning Shigaraki its reputation as the “Pottery Town.”The charm of Shigaraki ware lies in its coarse, earthy texture and excellent heat resistance.
The clay is used almost as it is dug, sometimes containing small stones or bits of wood that, once fired, become natural patterns unique to each piece.
Its sticky, rugged quality makes it ideal for larger forms, contributing to the creation of signature works such as tanuki figures and ceramic panels.
Two types of clay are used: Tokkoshidzuchi (refined clay) and Ishiiridzuchi (stone-mixed clay).
MATSUSHO’s donabe are intentionally crafted with Ishiiridzuchi, a clay that naturally contains stones.
Visiting the MATSUSHO Kiln
In Shigaraki, a town in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture, tanuki figures made of Shigaraki ware can be seen everywhere.
Surrounded by mountains and small clay hills, the town has a calm and natural charm.
At MATSUSHO’s workshop, you can feel the quiet strength of a place where earth, fire, and people come together.
MATSUSHO’s original white tanuki
MATSUSHO’s story began in 1965. In the early days, the kiln mainly made large, bold pieces like jars, hibachi braziers, and umbrella stands.
After building a new factory in the 2000s, MATSUSHO slowly shifted its focus to more practical pieces for daily life, such as donabe.
As lifestyles changed and chain restaurants grew, traditional sales channels started to shrink, so the brand began experimenting to better understand what people really needed.
Using the knowledge gained from working with major companies, MATSUSHO started making its own donabe.
The strong, solid forms developed through years of creating large pottery pieces still shape how the donabe are made today. Built for both durability and ease of use, they have become MATSUSHO’s signature items.
The clay is hand-pressed into a plaster mold using a potter’s wheel.
Various tools are used to shape the inside as needed.
After high school, Yasuo Okuda, the third-generation potter of MATSUSHO, decided to carry on the family craft while hoping to see more of the world.
He studied the basics at a ceramics training school and joined MATSUSHO at age 21.
Building on the skills passed down from his father and his own experience, Yasuo continues to explore ways to create Shigaraki ware that fits modern life.
From the shape of the handles to the ease of opening the lids, his careful attention to everyday usability reflects the spirit of MATSUSHO craftsmanship.
Yasuo Okuda, third-generation potter of MATSUSHO
On the second floor of the factory, skilled artisans work at their wheels, trimming lids, adding handles, and shaping each piece by hand.
Each step is done by a specialist, with every craftsman playing an important role.
MATSUSHO’s site includes the main factory, company housing, office, old workshop, and gallery.
About 15 people work here, each focusing on their own part of the process to maintain both quality and efficiency.
With years of experience, MATSUSHO is able to manage every step in-house, from design to firing.
First floor: clay kneading, glazing, and kiln firing
MATSUSHO’s donabe are simple in shape, designed without excess but full of warmth.
The natural clay texture, gentle glaze, and soft fire marks give each piece a calm, comforting feel.
Strong and heat resistant, they are perfect for daily use, from cooking rice to simmered dishes, bringing more enjoyment to everyday meals.
The MATSUSHO factory has three big kilns, each reflecting Shigaraki ware’s tradition of making large pieces.
Today, the situation around Shigaraki ware is not always stable. One of its key materials, petalite, is partly imported, and its supply and cost change with global conditions.
Working with natural materials is never easy, but MATSUSHO keeps finding new ways to move forward while respecting tradition.
“What matters most is creating from the user’s point of view,” says Okuda.
By staying close to the clay and to everyday life, MATSUSHO continues to make pieces that keep the spirit of Shigaraki alive in a unique way.
Takes place from Friday, October 17th to Thursday, October 30th, 2025.
JAPAN TRADITIONAL CRAFTS WEEK 2025
SHIGARAKI WARE · MATSUSHO
at COVERCHORD Nakameguro
“JAPAN TRADITIONAL CRAFTS WEEK 2025” will once again bring together creators, sellers, and users through traditional craftsmanship.
From Friday, October 17th to Thursday, October 30th, COVERCHORD Nakameguro will showcase donabe by Shigaraki pottery workshop MATSUSHO.
The same lineup will also be available at COVERCHORD Fukuoka and COVERCHORD Online during the event period.
Don’t miss this special 14-day event.
Event Period: Friday, October 17th – Thursday, October 30th, 2025
11:00 - 19:00
Venue: COVERCHORD Nakameguro
1F 1-23-14 Aobadai, Meguro, Tokyo
Instagram_@coverchord nakameguro
MATSUSHO
Website_kamamoto.co.jp
Instagram_@shouzaemongama
JAPAN TRADITIONAL CRAFTS WEEK
2025 Website_jtcw.jp
Instagram_@jtcw_official
DONABE FOR TWO – NATURAL ¥12,000
DONABE FOR FOUR– NATURAL ¥19,000
RICE COOKING DONABE 3-CUP – AMBER ¥15,000
RICE COOKING DONABE 3-CUP – NATURAL ¥15,000
DONABE FOR FOUR – AMBER ¥19,000
