Land of the Rising Sun

For some time i have been reading about Japan — its pottery, its gardens, its landscapes and the way objects were made and used.

The more I learned, the more I wanted to see some of these things myself.

In October 2026, I started my journey through Japan, following a route that takes me from Tokyo to Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, Nara and ending in Tokoname, one of Japan’s great centres of bonsai pottery.

I am exploring places where Japan’s history, craft and landscape remain deeply connected — from the temples and gardens of Kyoto and Nara, to the shrines of Miyajima and the historic streets of Osaka. I explore the world of bonsai, including a hands-on styling workshop at Shunkaen Bonsai Museum, and travel to Tokoname, one of Japan’s great pottery centres, where I will spend time with Ikko Wantanabe in his renowned kiln.

But the journey is also about taking part, not simply looking. I am practising Japanese calligraphy, watching a maiko performance, experiencing matcha tasting, visiting a sake museum and discovering Japanese food in many forms, from traditional multi-course dinners to street food, alongside sake and Japanese beer.

Along the way I have encountered temples, shrines and traditional gardens — places where craft, nature, ceremony and space seem to exist together.

The journey is introducing me to new places, people, pottery and landscapes. I am gaining a deeper understanding of harmony, simplicity, silence and space.

“What I have observed might change my pottery for ever”.