Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was that, more than 50 years ago in Mashiko, my apprenticeship began right next door to Mr. Shoji Kamoda. For eight years I had the privilege of being close to him, and his work and friendship gave me tremendous inspiration.

Pay attention to materials.

I have always believed that simply doing the same thing as others is not enough. Even today, I continue to search for the clay that truly suits my own work.