TSAI MENG CHIEH　

(Report 1) Hasami Town in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, is a 400-year-old production area of ​​everyday pottery. The history of Hasami ware began in the early 17th century (around 1600). At that time, good quality clay suitable for making ceramics was discovered in the Hasami area. Local potters began producing pottery and gradually mastered the techniques of making ceramics. At the same time, the production of Hasami ware increased, and it became an important economic pillar of the region.

　In its early development, Hasami ware received significant support from the Omura Domain (the local feudal lord at the time), who encouraged and funded local potters to produce ceramics for everyday use, catering to the needs of local residents and more distant markets. As a result, Hasami ware developed rapidly during the Edo period, becoming a widely used form of ceramics in everyday life throughout Japan.

One of Hasami ware's most famous products is the "Kurawanka bowl." This bowl is an inexpensive and durable dish that was supplied to ships traveling up and down the Yodo River in Osaka during the Edo period. Known for their practicality and durability, these bowls quickly became popular among the common people of Japan and became one of the important tools in the lives of ordinary people at the time. We visited a Hasami ware factory.

Hasami ware factory tour

President Kobayashi himself guided us inside the factory, which was a very exciting and unforgettable trip. The moment we stepped inside the factory, we were greeted by various machines we had never seen before, which were constantly in operation, and we could feel their vitality.

　Combined with these machines, the artisans carefully craft each piece with concentration and skill. I was truly touched by the spirit of the artisans as I watched them carefully paint the pottery and shape it into a vivid work of art.

　Every detail and step is filled with the efforts and wisdom of the craftsmen, whose hands are as if they are breathing life into the pottery, giving warmth to ordinary pottery. This process is not just a demonstration of technique, but also a testament to the continued preservation of tradition and the spirit of the craftsman.

Handmade oven-baked pizza

　During lunch, the children made their own pizzas. From kneading the dough to cutting the ingredients, they did everything by themselves. Since they had experience making pizzas in Taiwan, this activity was particularly familiar to them and they enjoyed each step. Once the pizzas were shaped and topped with a generous amount of ingredients, Professor Hatanaka helped them put them in the oven. In just three minutes, the raw dough was baked into a golden, crispy pizza. The moment they took the pizzas out of the oven, a fragrant aroma tickled their noses and whetted their appetite.

While enjoying the pizza we made, we had a great time interacting with Professor Hatanaka and sharing our love of food.

This experience not only satisfied my taste buds, but also pleased my heart. I realized how wonderful it is to be immersed in the process of making something with my own hands and experience the satisfaction it brings. This lunch was not just a meal, it was a special and unforgettable memory.

　My first experience with a hand-wheel in Japan was a fresh and fun experience for me. I had experienced pottery once before in Taiwan when I was in the first grade of elementary school, but I felt that the experience in Japan was a little different.

This time, I tried making a plate. The teacher told me that making a plate was the most difficult part, so I was a little nervous. This is because the plate needs to have a certain depth and curve while remaining flat. The teacher carefully explained each step. I was able to learn the finer points, such as how much pressure to use on the potter's wheel and how to move your hands when shaping the pottery.

Under the guidance of the teacher, I worked carefully and finally managed to complete a plate with a decent shape. When I saw the plate I had shaped with my own hands, I felt a sense of accomplishment and it felt like the clay had gained new life. Through this experience on the potter's wheel, I was able to once again feel the charm of pottery and the preciousness of the craftsman's spirit.

(Report 2)

Hasami History and Culture Exchange CenterEarly in the morning, we visited the Hasami History and Culture Exchange Center. This is a museum that was renovated from a traditional Japanese building, and we were excited to enter a place for the first time, and full of expectations. The interior of the building retains the charm of traditional Japanese architecture while also incorporating the exhibition functions of a modern museum, creating a unique atmosphere.

　According to Kobayashi, the museum building was originally Takahashi's home. It felt very special to be able to tour this building, full of history and stories. As the tour progressed, the detailed explanations by the professor, combined with the detailed explanations and exhibits posted on the walls of the museum, made me feel as if I had traveled back in time.

　This visit was not just a historical glimpse, but also a valuable cultural immersion experience. Through this special museum, we were able to gain a deeper understanding of the traditions and techniques of Hasami ware, as well as a deeper appreciation of the rich culture that is rooted in this land.

Food Replica Creation — Mini Parfait

　Whenever I see those food samples at the entrance of a restaurant, I always wonder, "How on earth are these made?" They look so realistic that I really wanted to try making them myself. This time, I finally had the chance to try it, but it was much more difficult than I thought.

What I learned from my first attempt was that it not only requires dexterity, but also patience and attention to detail. Every step, from shaping the piece to mixing the colors, was extremely delicate and important. Under the careful guidance of the teacher, I was able to successfully complete my piece.

　When I compared my creations to the various food samples on display in the store, I couldn't help but be amazed at how intricate they were. Each creation looked just like real food, which was very impressive.

　Through this experience of making food replicas, I gained a greater understanding of the depth of this technology and a deeper respect for the skill and creativity of the craftsmen. The realistic food replicas are not just works of art, but the embodiment of the artisan's heart, and I was truly impressed by the advanced technology behind them. This experience left me with an even stronger respect for this traditional craft.

Transfer sticker pottery experience — Make your own original vessel

　It was my first time to use transfer stickers to decorate a dish, and it was very refreshing and fun. There were so many sticker designs to choose from that I had a hard time deciding which one to use. Next, I cut the sticker to an appropriate size, soaked it in water and waited for it to soften. As the sticker gradually softened, it was ready to stick on the dish.

　Then, use a special tool to carefully push out the air underneath the seal, and finally gently wipe off any water droplets on the surface to ensure the seal adheres firmly to the container.

Compared to other decorating methods like painting, which require more painting skills, this decal method is much easier and perfect for people like me who are not very good at painting. However, being easy does not mean it is without its challenges, and each step needs to be done carefully to get a clean and perfect finish.

After the piece is completed, it is fired in a kiln again to firmly fix the design to the pottery. Through this transfer sticker experience, not only did I learn a new technique for ceramic decoration, but I also experienced the joy and sense of accomplishment of the production process. It was a simple yet creative method, and it was a valuable experience that deepened my new understanding of the world of ceramics.

Hunting for treasure in ancient riverbeds: from pottery shards to necklaces

After lunch, we walked to the riverside to prepare to search for traces of ancient history. On the way, we found small crabs moving about energetically, which made the trip even more fun. As we went deeper into the river, we all began to find various pieces of old pottery. Each one seemed to tell the story of history from hundreds or even thousands of years ago.

　When we returned to the shore, Professor Nakano enthusiastically explained the origins of each piece of pottery. He told us what era they belonged to and what their backgrounds were. I couldn't help but feel amazed and impressed that these pottery shards had been preserved in the river for so long. It was as if these shards were telling us stories of times long past.

　After collecting all the old pottery fragments, we returned to Takayama and started making the necklaces. With direct guidance from President Kobayashi, he showed us how to transform these historical fragments into unique ornaments. The process was much more difficult than we imagined, especially learning how to tie the strings on the necklace was a new experience for us. It was a constant challenge, but in the end, we were able to successfully complete our very own necklaces.

　This experience was not only a chance to learn new techniques, but also a valuable opportunity to experience the endless possibilities of combining history and creativity.

(Report 3) Ceramics casting experience

Today, I went to Nakaoyama early in the morning and participated in a unique activity that can only be experienced in Hasami. First, Professor Fujita gave us a detailed explanation of the history of this craft. Although there were some parts that I did not fully understand, his enthusiastic explanation made me excited for the upcoming production process.

　The activity started with the participants carving their favorite patterns into the plaster mold. This task requires great concentration, and the strength of each stroke greatly affects the texture of the final product. Next, they poured the slip into the plaster mold, waited for the outside of the slip to gradually harden, and then poured off the excess. This process required patience, but the sense of accomplishment was exceptional when the plaster mold was removed and the shape of the cup was revealed.

　The pieces still contain moisture and must be handled with care. We were not able to take home the finished pieces today, as they are only truly complete after firing. However, through this experience, we gained a deeper appreciation for the unique charm of Hasami pottery and the delicate manufacturing process. By experiencing and practicing this traditional craft, we not only learned new techniques but also gained a deeper respect for the art of ceramics.

　After making the ceramic molds, we immediately moved on to the glaze creation experience. The material we used this time was mainly Amakusa pottery stone, which is suitable for mass production and boasts stable quality, making it the perfect base for our works.

　Under the guidance of the teacher, the students learned how to select and mix glazes of various colors, and then skillfully applied them to the surface of the pieces. The process of applying glazes requires skill as well as creativity, and each stroke of the glaze greatly affects the color and texture of the finished product. Through this experience, the students gained a deeper realization that pottery is not just an expression of technique, but also an artistic expression.

　Through the process of creating the glazes, I was able to feel the delicacy and diversity of ceramic making, and I came to cherish even more each piece, which is filled with the artisan's efforts and wisdom. I am excited to see what unique brilliance and vitality the pieces will show after firing.

　The teacher lined up the beckoning cat-like models in front of us one by one, and the students began to paint them in their own way, using their imagination. Each model had a unique color combination and pattern design, fully expressing their individuality and style. Looking at the unique works lined up in front of me, I felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in my heart.

　After that, we played a traditional little game that looks easy but is actually quite challenging. The rules of this game are very simple: you throw a wooden stick into the wooden frame in front of you. At first, everyone thought it was easy, but when we actually tried it, we realized that it was more difficult than we thought to get the angle and strength of the throw right.After many attempts, we gradually got the hang of it, but success also depended on a little bit of luck. Every time the stick missed its target and fell to the ground, everyone laughed or exclaimed in surprise, which added a lot of fun to the activity.

　Handmade soba experience In the afternoon, under the guidance of President Kobayashi, we experienced the entire process of making soba. From kneading the dough to cutting the noodles, each step was a challenge. Watching President Kobayashi demonstrate the process with ease, I felt a deep respect for him. It seemed as if the president could do anything, and he seemed to be an expert at making pottery and making soba.

　Soba noodles, made from buckwheat flour, can be traced back to the Jomon period (14,000-300 BC). The soba noodles we eat today first appeared in the Edo period at the beginning of the 17th century, and are said to have first been made in Nagano Prefecture.

　The main ingredient of soba is buckwheat flour, and the ratio of buckwheat flour to wheat flour is adjusted to achieve the texture of soba. Soba made with 100% buckwheat flour is called "Juwari Soba" and is not sticky or chewy, but has a very rich aroma. The commonly seen "Nihachi Soba" is made by mixing 80% buckwheat flour and 20% wheat flour, and the wheat flour helps the noodles stick together, resulting in a chewy and elastic texture.

　Unlike pizza dough, soba dough is very elastic, so it requires a lot of strength to knead. The dough in your hands gradually becomes more elastic, but it also becomes more difficult to handle. When cutting the noodles, delicate knife skills are required to ensure they are of uniform thickness. Once everything is ready, the cut noodles are placed in boiling water and the soba is cooked in just one minute. When the noodles you made yourself are served in a bowl, they taste especially delicious, with a lingering flavor.

　At the end of our exchange activities with the local people, we returned to Takayama and had a deep exchange with the teachers who had been guiding us for the past three days. During this valuable time, we were not only able to once again experience the unique charm of Hasami, but also learned a lot about the history and production techniques of pottery. All of the teachers were enthusiastic to share their knowledge and experience, and we gained a deeper understanding of the culture and crafts of this area.

　This exchange was a valuable and knowledgeable journey. Through honest dialogue with the teachers, I was able to feel their passion and unwavering commitment to Hasami pottery, and gain a deeper understanding of the stories and spirit embedded in this craft.

　Through this activity, we not only improved our skills but also gained a deeper respect for Hasami pottery. Every detail and story has become a precious memory for us, making this experience special and fulfilling.

Nagasaki Junior College　TSAI MENG CHIEH