Works fired in the kiln on the shore of Lake Tao Boan

Owner Mr. Takahashi was reunited with ceramics in Europe, where he spent four years searching for himself. It was in Europe, where he spent four years searching for himself, that he realized that pottery, which he had learned while in Sapporo, was what he really wanted to do. After returning to Japan, he spent some time in training before setting up his own pottery business, and around 1985, he opened the Hokuro Kiln on the shore of Lake Towan, where he has continued to operate ever since. The name of the store, Kitamichi Kiln, reflects his strong determination to make a living by making pottery here, as well as the Hokkaido where he was born and raised and the path he would take in life.

The pottery lined up in the store includes a variety of tableware, seasonal items, and animals, and it is interesting just to look at each piece. Mr. Takahashi says that he feels the depth of pottery in the fact that it is difficult to create exactly what he envisions, and he always tries to do his work carefully, as if he were standing at the starting line.

In addition to selling pottery, Kitajigama accepts orders for souvenirs and custom-made pieces, and offers pottery classes every Saturday. They also offer a one-day pottery class every Saturday, starting at 3,500 yen per person. You can try your hand at making a teacup using the basic technique of "Tehineri" (hand twisting).

Mr. Takahashi says he loves to talk with people, and his works can be purchased at roadside stations, but we encourage you to visit Kitaguro Kiln in person.