A New Chapter for studio wani

Over the past few years, we had two employees and were planning to grow studio wani into a handmade brand — slowly expanding step by step.

But after many experiences and changes, we are now back to just the two of us.

But at some point, we realized we were heading in the wrong direction.

The line between mass production and individual craftsmanship had become too thin. We found ourselves in a niche that was neither one nor the other.

Finally, we understood that it didn’t make sense to simplify our work so that anyone could make it.

What makes each piece unique is our own skill and sense — something that can’t be reproduced.

From now on, we want to create more personal and unique works rather than pieces that could be made by others.

That also means we are no longer working as a duo, but as two independent ceramic artists.

Even though we work well together, the pots we want to make are quite different.

So instead of trying to align with each other or a shared brand, we’ll each move forward in our own direction.

From the wheel to the kiln, we’ll make every piece ourselves.

That might slow us down — but the results will be more satisfying.

We also realized that we don’t want to produce large quantities of pottery.

We want to give full attention to every single piece — to make pots that can be cherished for a very long time.

At the same time, we still want to make a living through our craft.

That’s why we decided to dedicate part of our time to teaching and connecting with people from around the world — sharing what we’ve learned and building a community around ceramics.

That’s how CROC was born.

CROC (Craft Residency of Ceramics Japan) is a three-week residency program where participants from around the world stay at our studio in Hasami to learn traditional Japanese techniques such as wheel-throwing and porcelain painting, while exploring the local ceramic culture.

Through this program, we hope to share our understanding of ceramic traditions and, through exchange with artists from different backgrounds, continue to learn and grow ourselves.

To everyone who has supported us so far, and to all who continue to cheer us on —

we want to express our deepest gratitude.

Please stay with us as we begin this new chapter of our journey.

studio wani

Mirjam Watajima

Kenichiro Watajima

#お知らせ #kenichirowatajima #mirjamwatajima #studiowani #crocjapan