“They have been telling us we should work with designers”. Hiroshi Otsu’s brow furrows as he contemplates the outlook for Japan’s traditional makers. The head of the pottery union in Kasama, Otsu’s family business is one of the most historic pottery houses in the town. Recognised by the government as a “dento kogeishi” (a traditional craftsperson) of particular quality, his own work stands out within the family showroom. In another corner is a collection of 19th century Kasama-ware including functional suribachi mortars, and bowls for cookery. Dull base colours enlivened by drips of azure glaze. This is lineage on which the Otsu family business is built, but there have been many challenges down the years. It is fortunate therefore, that the traditional potters in Kasama have a flexible outlook. Open to outsiders, Otsu and his union are keen first to maintain and encourage ceramic culture in Kasama. His own work is founded of the skill of a craftsman. Kyusu teapots made with quick preci