Since its renovation in 2020, Nagato Yumoto Onsen in Yamaguchi Prefecture has been working to create a town where visitors can experience the unique atmosphere of a hot spring resort. This fall, there will be eight artists from all five Fukawa kilns exhibiting their artwork in the event “Utsuwa no Aki (Pottery in Fall),” taking place at Nagato Yumoto Onsen resort. This event runs from October 3 to November 3, 2025, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the rich culture of Hagi ware that is alive in the hot spring resort, Sonose. Now in its sixth edition, this years’ event embraces “Hana Meguri (Flower Tour),” featuring a variety of programs designed to let visitors enjoy the colorful flowers and the charm of Hagi ware while walking around the town.

As a special program, a collaborative exhibition on the theme of “Light” will be held from October 11 to 13 at Sonose Public Hall (near the entrance to the Sonose Fukawa Kiln, Fukawa Yumoto, Nagato City). In this exhibition, flower artist Takayuki Tanaka will create floral arrangements for works by eight Fukawa-Hagi artists, including Shinbei Sakakura XVI and Takao Tahara, drawing on his impressions of the local atmosphere of Nagato Yumoto and Sonose, as well as the unique character of each artwork. The venue will transform into a captivating space of flowers and pottery. This year also marks the launch for new initiatives at the recently established community center “Machi no Bandai” in the heart of Nagato Yumoto Onsen. Visitors will find presentations highlighting the charm of Fukawa-Hagi and guides on how best to enjoy the event. In addition, potted succulent plants arranged in Fukawa-Hagi pots, a collaboration between local florist Yamamura Hokaen and Fukawa-Hagi artists will be on display and available for purchase.

Continuing from last year, one of the highlights of the event will be a program where visitors can enjoy tea and sake served in a variety of Hagi ware. We warmly recommend you return this year to meet the potters who carry on the tradition of Fukawa-Hagi and connect with the local community of the hot spring resort.

◾️ Five Fukawa-Hagi klins and exhibited artists
Sakakura Shinbei-gama Kiln (Shinbei Sakakura XVI, Ikkei Sakakura)
Sakakura Zenemon-gama Kiln (Zenemon Sakakura X)
Sakata Deika-gama Kiln (Sumiharu Sakata)
Shinjo Sukeemon-gama Kiln (Sadatsugu Shinjo XIV, Akihiro Shinjo)
Tahara Tohbe-gama Kiln (Tohbe Tahara XIII, Takao Tahara)

◾️Related information
“Utsuwa no Aki vol.6”
Dates: October 3 to November 3, 2025
*A special exhibition at the main venue, “Onto” is scheduled from October 3 to 14, 2025
Venue: Nagato Yumoto Onsen (Nagato-city, Yamaguchi Prefecture)
Official website: https://fukawahagi.jp/utsuwanoaki2024/

*Event dates and details are subject to change. Advance reservations may be required. Please check the official website for latest information.