Japan Trip #3 - Ehime
This time, we introduce the third artist from this summer's series of visits: Mr. Yoshito Takenishi. He is the creator of Joshua Blue, the inspiration behind WAZA Tokyo's Seto Blue and Shima White collections. Meeting Mr. Takenishi was a deeply meaningful moment for us, as his work was the very reason we founded WAZA Tokyo. This visit marked a reunion after five years.
Passing Seto Inland Sea
Generations of Craft: The Takenishi Legacy
Even though it was a holiday, his son, Yudai Takenishi, was hard at work, shaping and trimming the rims of bowls. The task of precisely shaving hundreds of bowls at the exact same angle and thickness requires rigorous training and advanced skill. The workshop is equipped with a number of well-used machines, each handmade by Mr. Takenishi’s father. Although these machines assist in parts of the process, the final finish is always completed by hand, as we saw Yudai diligently perfecting each piece. Watching him, Mr. Takenishi stood in the background with a proud smile, clearly delighted by his son’s growth as a craftsman. This workshop holds three generations' legacy, passing down skill and dedication.
Milestones and Faith, The Path of Takenishi
Over the past five years, Mr. Takenishi has experienced several major milestones. His work was presented to the Vatican, and a Joshua Blue mug was selected from Ehime for Starbucks Japan's Jimoto Project, where it was sold at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Japan. He also received numerous orders from hotels and restaurants, and during pottery festivals, his works often sold out as soon as the events began.
When we congratulated him on these achievements, Mr. Takenishi humbly expressed his gratitude and added, "But there are still challenges. For instance, I’m still figuring out where to take my work under my other brand, Yoshu." Although he has won multiple awards at ceramic exhibitions, it seems there are still places he wishes to reach. When we asked how he has overcome such struggles, the devout Christian replied, "It’s through prayer. The answers to my prayers aren’t always clear, but they eventually come, so I keep working diligently until they do."
Elegance in Every Piece: The Joshua Blue Series Expands
When he was younger, Mr. Takenishi sometimes wondered if he could support his family as a ceramic artist. Even amid moments of doubt, he continued to pray and work hard, eventually building the success he has today. Despite his struggles as an artist, he looks forward to creating more pieces that bring joy to those who encounter them.
At WAZA Tokyo, we carry four lines from the Joshua Blue series: Shima White, Seto Blue, Mizu-Oto, and Kage Ao. His works span a wide range, from tableware to clocks, lampshades, washbasins, and so on. One design in the Kage Ao line, adorned with gold, stands out. It is a large, vessel-like piece with a matte surface and intricate patterns, finished with Mr. Takenishi’s unique glaze, offering a distinct aesthetic compared to Joshua Blue. "Imagining how people will use these pieces after they take them home is truly delightful," he said.
