History of Tokoname Pottery and the Black Sparrow

Tokoname is one of the six oldest kilns in Japan. Tokoname ware has a history of about 1,000 years, dating back to the end of the Heian period. The high-quality clay for Tokoname ware is said to have been deposited in Lake Tokai, a huge lake that existed between Aichi, Mie, and Gifu 6.5 to 1 million years ago.

In the late Edo period (1603-1867), climbing kilns appeared and earthen pipes and red clay tea utensils were produced. In the Meiji and Taisho periods, Tokoname grew to become a major production center of earthenware pipes and tiles, and it was in Tokoname that LIXIL (INAX) was founded.

In the early Showa period (1926-1989), when the kilns were concentrated in Tokoname, there were as many as 400 chimneys in the city, and it is a famous story that “Tokoname’s sparrows are black” because of the smoke rising from the chimneys.

A walking path with new discoveries every time you visit.

Course A is a 1.6-kilometer stroll through the alleys starting from the Ceramics Hall. The area is dotted with Tokoname pottery studios, as well as general merchandise stores and restaurants that deal in artists’ works, and in recent years, the number of unique cafes has been increasing.
The famous Dokezaka (earthenware pipe) slope has a unique atmosphere, with the walls along the street lined with shochu bottles and the ground paved with rings of clay pots used for firing the earthenware pipes.
There is also a climbing kiln with 10 chimneys and a kiln square exhibition and workshop hall that introduces and sells the works of artists from all over Japan, and there is no shortage of other attractions.
The Yakimono Walkway, which is photogenic in every way, continues to evolve day by day.

Cats watching over the city

Tokoname is Japan’s largest producer of beckoning cats. The road from Meitetsu Tokoname Station to the Tokoname Ceramic Museum is called “Tokoname Manekineko Dori,” where you can meet 39 unique beckoning cats. The 39 cats were created by 39 young artists, and if you take a picture with the cat whose blessing you are seeking, your wish may come true….
There is also a giant maneki neko “Tokonyan” at the top of the wall overlooking the city, which can be seen lit up at night.
It was lit up in blue to show appreciation for the medical workers in the Corona disaster and in orange on World Alzheimer’s Day. Be sure to keep an eye out for the “Tokonyan” that watches over people’s activities!

Walking Paths in Animated Films

“A Whisker Away” is an animated film produced by Studio Colorido and is now available on the video distribution service Netflix. It is a slightly sad and heartwarming story that blends nostalgic town atmosphere and fantasy.
The beautiful and colorful animated scenery of the walkway and the animated characters voiced by Mirai Shida, Natsuki Hanae, Koichi Yamadera, and other splendid voice actors will keep you excited.
You can visit the walkway after seeing the film, or you can see it after you visit the film.

 

Reference HP

Tokoname Ceramic Forest: https://www.tokoname-tounomori.jp/

Tokoname City Official Tourist Site: https://www.tokoname-kankou.net/en/

Noborigama Plaza Exhibition Studio Hall: https://kobokan.jimdofree.com/

The official website of the movie “A Whisker Away”: https://nakineko-movie.com/

 

This page was translated at DeepL.