VISIT TOTTORI CITY

Have you heard of Japanese word mingei, meaning folk craft? It is a word derived from the idea that true beauty lies not in works of art created by artists, but in the everyday objects that people have long been using in their daily lives. The word mingei was coined about 100 years ago, and among the folk art movements that have spread throughout Japan since then, Tottori’s folk craft culture has developed in a particularly unique way.

It all began with a doctor in Tottori City named Shoya Yoshida. Inspired by his meeting with Soetsu Yanagi, the founder of the folk craft movement, he began pursuing everyday items that place the emphasis on achieving both functionality and beauty.

Yoshida supported many pottery studios and advocated a form of “new folk craft” that incorporates new sensibilities. His activities extended beyond the design of tableware and crafts, encompassing the preservation of Tottori Sand Dunes’ landscape and proposals for a richer lifestyle through folk craft.

Even as you walk through the streets of Tottori today, you will see folk craft vessels, general sundries, architecture, and streetscapes that reflect Yoshida's philosophy.

In your journey through Tottori, uncover a favorite piece that will accompany you in your daily life.

Tottori folk craft is characterized by its modern and sophisticated designs, and its attraction lies in its perfect match with contemporary lifestyles.

There are no set molds or strict rules in Tottori folk craft. What matters most is functionality created with the user in mind, and designs that reflect the maker’s ideas and philosophy. An example is the sense of warmth in an item that is close to our everyday lives, such as a vessel that makes you feel that you want to enjoy your meal in it.

The charm of Tottori folk craft lies in how it blends naturally into daily life and enriches your spirit every time you use it.

As you journey through Tottori, find a favorite piece that resonates with your heart.

The beauty of folk craft lies not only in its decorative qualities, but also in its true value as a functional object. This section features some shops where you can discover the folk craft aesthetic by holding folk craft tableware in your hands and feeling their warmth while you eat.

If you are going to use something every day, you want it to choose something that feels good to use. If you choose something you really like, it is sure to add vibrant colors to your days. Here are some shops where you can purchase folk crafts that will enrich your everyday life.

Tottori is a city where folk craft is firmly rooted in the streetscape. If you take a walk and visit places associated with Shoya Yoshida and other artists, you can experience the spirit of folk craft that embodies the beauty residing within the lives of the people.

Tottori folk craft is not bound by specific firing methods or techniques, and each pottery kiln values its individuality. Some kilns continue to preserve traditional techniques, while others create modern and contemporary works with a youthful sensibility. There are also kilns that pursue a practical “beauty of utility."
One of the greatest joys in taking a trip to Tottori is visiting these diverse Tottori folk craft pottery kilns. Reservations are required for studio tours, so we recommend checking in advance.

Why not create your own travel memories at a hands-on workshop such as paper making or pottery? By experiencing the joy of creating something with your own hands, gain a deeper appreciation for the maker’s skills and spirit, and the pleasure of using your creation. Crafting is a wonderful experience that anyone can enjoy, so do give it a try!

Yoshida Shōya was born in Tottori City in 1898. He came from a family of doctors and became a doctor himself, but during his student days, he was deeply influenced by the Japanese cultural movement known as the Shirakabaha (“White Birch Society”). He became close friends with Soetsu Yanagi, the leader of Shirakabaha and founder of the folk craft movement, and stepped into the world of folk craft.
(Shirakabaha was a literary group that counted Soetsu Yanagi, Naoya Shiga, and Saneatsu Mushanokoji among its members. The movement sought to explore a new direction for Japanese culture.)

In 1931, Yoshida opened a clinic in his hometown of Tottori. He became captivated by Gorohachi pottery tea bowls and visited the local Ushinotoyaki pottery kiln, where he guided the artisans in creating new designs while respecting tradition. The result was works that became known as Japan’s “new folk crafts.” Thereafter, he continued to nurture artisans in various fields other than pottery, including woodworking, metalworking, bamboo crafting, dyeing, and papermaking.

Yoshida believed that it is important for artisans to be able to sustain their livelihoods. Based on this idea, he established the Takumi Kogei shop in Tottori and opened a branch in Ginza, Tokyo, the following year. He also founded Takumi Kappo Ten, where diners can enjoy local cuisine served on folk art craft tableware, and Tottori Folk Crafts Museum, which showcases the beauty of practical objects. He created an integrated system that covered all the processes from design to production, distribution, sales, and consumption.

The annex of the Tottori Folk Crafts Museum, Amida-do, is a hermitage built by Yoshida, overlooking the beautiful scenery of Lake Koyama. It has been visited by ceramic artists Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada, among others.
The people of Tottori continue to cherish Yoshida's teachings, and young artists are preserving tradition while challenging themselves with modern new creations, carrying Tottori folk craft forward and into the future.

*The former Yoshida Clinic is not usually open to the public.