熊本 英窯( はなぶさがま) — Local services in Kumamoto

It was not an apprentice, but the master himself who gave instructions, which was quite surprising. When I heard "craftsman," I had an image of someone quite difficult to approach, but he turned out to be very friendly and enjoyable.

It was a pottery wheel experience, and I was able to fully participate in it. I even had my fair share of mistakes, which we had a good laugh about. Of course, he provided guidance afterward and helped shape the final product (he even considered my preferences, going above and beyond). It was a thoroughly enriching and fun time.

Afterward, he showed me his gallery. I was amazed to discover such a talented individual here in Kumamoto. I was truly touched by his dedication to making traditional ceramic art more accessible and close to...

We were honoured to be able to attend this class with Mr Hideo Maeda along with his wife (Kisume) and student/employee (Misato)! They were all amazing and worked so hard. We didn't speak much Japanese / don't speak Japanese but we able to communicate well with them. We had a few laughs and enjoyed making the pieces with them. Hideo Maeda's work is amazing, he is a master and an inspiration. He is following his dream which is inspirational. We will definitely keep working at our pottery when we get back home. We will also take back a message of working hard at whatever you want to achieve no matter where you are in life or what age. Thank you dear sensei again for welcoming us and teaching us. It will be a very memorable experience for...

I had an excellent experience with Maeda sensei. Although it was my first time making pottery, he provided patient guidance to help me make a tea bowl in the shape I wanted. Afterwards we had a great conversation about tea, and he showed me the amazing work in his gallery. Maeda sensei is internationally renowned and has won several prestigious awards. I’m very happy to have found out about this experience on the Kumamoto prefecture...