Ichiro has trodden a unique path as a Bizen Artist. Born into a Bizen family, he chose to leave for several years: moving to Tokyo at the age of 18 to study sculpture at Tokyo University of the Arts, the top art school in Japan, where he gained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. “Learning sculpture gave me a new skill set and a different perspective on how to animate an object, which gave my work a different kind of dynamism.” In 2014, he studied art in the Netherlands to further broaden his horizons. Through these experiences, Ichiro rediscovered the value of Bizen Pottery: its elemental nature that enables artists to express their aesthetics and feelings fully. By leveraging his deep understandings and unique experiences, Ichiro strives to make the most of the beauty of Bizen Pottery.

Background

1981　Born in Bizen, Okayama

2006　Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture, Tokyo University of the Arts

2008　Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture, Tokyo University of the Arts

2009-2012　Research Associates at Tokyo University of the Arts

2014　Artist in Residence, Deshima AIR (Amsterdam, Netherland)