The city and pottery style of Bizen hold a special place in my heart; in a sense, Bizen was my "first love" in the ceramic world. When I was first given a Bizen yunomi (tea cup) twenty years ago I had never held something so earthy and "alive" -- a vessel for use in daily life, to enhance drinking pleasure, and "deepen" my inner self. It taught me Japanese aesthetic terms such as wabi-sabi , jimi and shibui, and it led me to learn about Japan's ceramic history and culture. The small yunomi became like a mentor to me.

Others around Japan, and the world, must feel the same as I do for Bizen, as it's one of Japan's most vibrant and vital ceramics, with more collectors than any other style. The small city is a joy to visit and, more than any other ceramic town, easy to get around. A day spent walking the narrow roads will bring one in touch with ancient masterpieces, old kiln sites and the works of the hundreds of potters working in the area.

Bizen pottery is an unglazed, high-fired stoneware. Its decorative effects all come from the iron-rich clay, red pine ash and wrapped straw cords, which fire off and leave brilliant red streaks. It has a quiet and refined natural quality, found in no other Japanese ceramic center. Bizen's train station is called Imbe, and is located about 35 minutes from Okayama station on the Ako line. Be sure to pick up a map of the area at Imbe station (English translations are available). This will guide you to the many potters within walking distance, quite a number of whom have showrooms and do not require appointments.