New Year's Greetings to all Ceramic Scene readers! In Japan there are innumerable artistic groups that allow their members to exchange ideas or research, sponsor lectures or workshops and to acknowledge outstanding work in their respective fields. The Japan Ceramic Society (Nihon Toji Kyokai) is one such group, of which I am privileged to be a member. It has many branches throughout Japan that host monthly meetings where members, whether potters or collectors, share their passion and knowledge with one another.

The JCS has been awarding its prestigious prize (Nihon Toji Kyokai Sho) to outstanding potters since 1954, when the first ceremony put the spotlight on the works of avant-garde ceramist Junkichi Kumakura; Uichi Shimizu, a Living National Treasure for iron glazes; and Mineo Okabe, the controversial Seto potter who is the only person ever to refuse the award.

A total of 66 distinguished ceramic artists have received the award and 17 have been given the ultraprestigious Gold Prize from the JCS. The awards that the JCS presents carry much weight, and winners invariably add the honor to their toreki ("ceramic resume"). The judges include museum curators, established gallery owners and ceramic art critics.