ABOUT STUDIO SOIL
Where it all began — with clay.
Studio Soil is a small pottery studio in Tokyo.
Whether you're a beginner or experienced,
enjoy creating at your own pace.
HOW IT STARTED
My First Encounter with Clay
When I first began studying at Central Saint Martins in London, I had the opportunity to explore different forms of creative expression, from fashion and graphic design to fine art.
Yet none of them quite felt quite right for me.
Towards the end of my first year, I had my first encounter with clay/
For the first time, I experienced the joy of seeing something I had imagined in my mind take shape through my own hands.
Even the smallest adjustments could be made freely with my own hands. And if something didn't turn out as I had imagined, I could simply begin again.
What I created with my hands would remain as something tangible — something that would last.
I was completely captivated by that sense of freedom and joy.
I wanted to lose track of time, to keep working with clay r as long as I could.
It was the first time I had discovered something I could truly lose myself in.
From that moment on, I went on to specialise in ceramics, eventually teaching pottery in Japan.
WHY STUDIO SOIL
Why I Started Studio Soil
I’ve always been someone who likes to take things at my own pace, taking my time with whatever I do.
When I began teaching pottery, I sometimes felt restricted by the limited time and fixed steps involved in completing a piece.
If you’re going to spend time working with clay, I believe it should be an opportunity to slow down, explore freely, and enjoy the process without feeling rushed.
I wanted to create a place where people could experiment, make mistakes, start again, and simply enjoy the time spent creating something with their own hands.
I wanted more people to experience the same sense of freedom and joy I felt when I first touched clay — the feeling of becoming completely absorbed in creating something with my own hands.
With that in mind, I created Studio Soil — a pottery studio that reflects everything I believe a creative space should be.
A place where there is no need to rush, where you can take your time and truly connect with the clay.
The shapes that emerge from your hands, the colours you choose, the subtle marks and imperfections — I believe each of these carries something uniquely yours.
What matters most to me when teaching pottery is respecting what each person wants to create.
Of course, I offer guidance, techniques and practical advice to help bring their ideas to life.
But even when something looks as though it might go wrong, I try not to step in too quickly and finish it for them.
After all, with clay, even if something goes wrong, you can always start again.
And sometimes, what we see as a mistake may be something truly beautiful in someone else’s eyes.
I believe there is something special about creating with our own hands — something that cannot be measured by technical skill alone, nor replaced by monetary value.
A piece you have made yourself can become something deeply personal, almost like a child of your own — something you naturally grow to cherish and care for.
That is why I value the time spent creating something that is uniquely yours.
THE NAME "SOIL"
The Meaning Behind the Name "Soil"
The word “soil” refers to the earth beneath our feet — a place where life begins, grows and flourishes. It is also where we can always return, a connection to our roots.
I chose the name Studio Soil with the hope of creating a place where, much like the soil itself, something new can take shape and grow, and where people can reconnect with who they truly are.
When you work with clay, taking the time to create something with your own hands, the journey doesn’t end when the piece is finished.
They become part of our everyday lives — sitting on our dining tables, being used and cherished, slowly changing in character as time goes by.
Over time, they become more than just objects, finding their own special place in our lives.
My hope is that Studio Soil will be a place where pieces like these come to life.
OUR VISION
The Future of Studio Soil
I want Studio Soil to be a welcoming place where even those trying pottery for the very first time can feel at ease and discover the simple joy of working with clay.
A place you might find yourself wanting to visit, even after a difficult day, or when you’re feeling a little low.
As you work with the clay and become absorbed in what you’re creating, I hope you’ll find your mind gradually settling, your thoughts becoming clearer, and a sense of calm returning.
If Studio Soil can offer even a little of that peace, it would mean a great deal to me.
I also hope Studio Soil will become a place where new connections are made, bringing together people who share a love of pottery.
A place where you can enjoy quiet moments alone with the clay, or the simple pleasure of creating something alongside others. Both are equally welcome here.
Above all, I hope Studio Soil will continue to be a gentle presence in people’s everyday lives — somewhere they can always return to, slow down, and feel completely themselves.
POTTERY EXPERIENCE
A Little Time with Clay, A Moment for Yourself
Step away from the busyness of everyday life and take a little time to create something with your own hands.
Whether it's your first time working with clay or your'e visiting on your own, you're always welcome at Studio Soil.
CREATE. EXPLORE. BE YOURSELF.