Minoru Chibana, the owner of the kiln, was born in Yomitan Village.
After graduating from university, he trained at Omine Hosei Kiln with Kyoji Matsuda of Kitagama, and then became independent.
In 2002, Yokotaya Kiln was established in Yachimun no Sato.
It seems that it took six years to complete, starting from the place where the land that was a forest at that time was leveled with an excavator.
Even now, while inheriting the old tradition, works are made using glazes using Okinawan soil and natural ingredients.
Firewood cut from pine trees around the workshop is used as fuel, and is fired twice a year in a self-made climbing kiln.
The owner of the potter's wheel and the wife who paints the pottery together.
Like the people of Okinawa and the earth, these potteries are relaxed and familiar. It is a vessel made with great care in the hope that it will be close to the lives of those who pick it up and enrich their lives.
Currently, the second generation, Mr. Kiyoto, has joined us, and while inheriting traditional craftsmanship, we are spreading the charm of Yokotaya kiln with a young sense.
Over the past few years, I have visited Yachimun no Sato several times on family trips, and each time I stop by Yokotaya Kiln to buy a lot of pottery.
The sturdy packing using your mother's newspaper is wonderful, and I thought it would not break even if I threw it in a suitcase.
The first Yachimun I bought was from Yokotaya Kiln. I was fascinated by its bold patterns and colors, and after using it in my daily life, I admired its convenience. Now that I think about it, this was my first encounter with Mingei, and it might be the reason why I came to know what everyday pottery is like.
For that reason, the introduction of Yokotaya Kiln's vessels was a must for this STORE. I am very happy to be able to take part in the succession of Japanese craftsmanship, and to be able to tell you how wonderful it is!
Chibana-sama, thank you for your understanding!