On October 20, 2009 an excursion for overseas students and researchers accompanied by several SUMS staff, was held. We went to Shigaraki to visit the Miho Museum and enjoy the “Town of ceramics.”

The Miho Museum is nestled among the gentle mountains known as the Konan Alps. It was designed by the world-renowned architect, I.M.Pei, around the theme of “Togenkyo” (“Peach Blossom Spring”, a Shangri-la like land of immortals) from the famous Chinese tale. The museum harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding landscape. We appreciated its magnificent collections - antiquities from the civilizations of Egypt, West Asia, Greece, and ancient Rome in the south wing, and Japanese artworks related with Jakuchu Ito in the north wing.

In the town of Shigaraki, first we learned about the popular ceramic “TANUKI” (Japanese raccoons) and a “climbing kiln” which we were sitting by. Then we tried to make a ceramic work such as a coffee cup or a vase, using a hand-operated potter’s wheel in a friendly atmosphere. Everyone was excited by this experience with clay. Some participants who like Shigaraki ceramics with its earthy warm feeling bought some for souvenirs. While riding on the bus back to the university, we looked forward to the arrival of our ceramic works after they are fired in the kiln.