The city of Tajimi is famed for its Mino ware pottery and as the birthplace of Himeno Toyokawa"s mother. Regarded as a legend in ceramics, her mother died suddenly when Himeno was only four years old. Yet her influence endures through the dozens of distinctive mugs that decorate the Toyokawa family"s new restaurant in Tajimi.
After her father"s Tokyo firm collapsed, Himeno recently returned to the city. On her first day of high school she carried a few of her mother"s mugs, hoping to make friends. Mika Kukuri, an eccentric student in Himeno"s class, immediately showed interest and soon introduced her to Tooko Aoki, the president of the Pottery Club. Learning more about her mother"s role in the club and the art itself, Himeno asked her father for permission to join; he gladly granted it.
Together with Mika and her childhood friend Naoko Naruse, Himeno joined the Pottery Club to carry on her mother"s cherished work and discover her own love for the craft. The club"s vibrant community and shared workshops inspired her deeply today.
