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Program Overview

Arita porcelain residency at Kouraku Kiln

Since 2013, our residency aims to provide a dynamic platform where international artists and designers are invited to learn, create, and explore amidst the rich cultural and historical backdrop of Arita, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. We have welcomed artists from around the globe, offering an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourselves in the 400 years of Japanese porcelain history.

Program Information

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The Program

The residency studio is situated on the vast Kouraku Kiln property next to the main factory building. The residency is dedicated solely to the art and craftsmanship of Japanese porcelain. Whether you are beginning your journey into ceramics or are a professional, our program can be tailored to support any skills and inspire your creativity.

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Duration & Fees

The fees are based on a 4 week stay, which starts at *330,000¥. It can be adapted to different lengths of stay. From a minimum of 4 weeks and up to 3 months. *maybe adjust after 1st of April 2025

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Facilities and housing

The residency accommodation is just a 5-minute walk from the factory and studio.

Residents get a private bedroom with shared bathroom, kitchen, living room and coin laundry.
24/7 access to the studio equipped with potter's wheels, modeling table, slab roller, shelving, 40kg of porcelain clay, and all essential tools.
The program covers the firing and glazing costs for the first 40kg of clay.
Staff is available to help non-Japanese speakers.
A bike is provided for easy travel around Arita.

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Porcelain and much more

We also offer guided tours of the town's historical sights, museums and famous kilns as part of the basic 4 week fee. As ceramic is intricately related to Japanese culture, you can add various activities related to Japanese pottery culture. These are pay as you go and vary depending on season and holidays.

You can participate in Ikebana (flower arranging), experience an Edo-senke tea ceremony, or spend a day harvesting tea in Nagasaki prefecture at a small family farm, among other cultural experiences. Availability of these activities vary based on the time of year and weather conditions.