Inaho Ceramics began in 2023 on an online marketplace, selling over 2,200 pieces to customers worldwide, mainly in the U.S. and Europe. Based in Seto City, Japan’s “city of ceramics,” we’re now excited to open our own online shop to share the beauty and spirit of Seto ware with even more people. The name Inaho, meaning “ear of rice,” is inspired by ancient Japanese mythology and symbolizes abundance and heritage.

For over a millennium, Seto ware has been passed down through countless generations. Yet, as in many traditional pottery regions of Japan, the number of kilns has been decreasing due to a shortage of successors and the aging of artisans. Many works available today may, sadly, vanish within a few decades. Meanwhile, factory-made ceramics—produced cheaply and in large numbers—have become the mainstream even here in Japan.

What sets our collection apart is that nearly all of our pieces are created through the careful, patient work of artisans, each step done by hand. In every vessel, you can sense a warmth and individuality that mass production can never capture. This is the spirit of true craftsmanship, carried quietly but steadfastly through time.

At the same time, Seto continues to be a place of learning and renewal. Many young ceramic artists come here to study, using Seto ware as a foundation to express their own unique voices. Their works often appear at local pottery fairs and festivals, yet remain largely unknown beyond Japan. We are committed to introducing these fresh, creative works to the wider world, alongside the long-standing traditions of Seto ware.

Thanks to globalization, we are now able to share the beauty of Seto ceramics with people far beyond our borders—a great joy for us. Yet even here in Seto, a city that has quietly carried forward its craft for centuries, we can feel the waves of change in the world around us.

Amidst these shifting times, the artisans remain devoted—pouring their hearts into each and every piece. We would be truly grateful if their works could bring you a quiet moment of peace in the flow of everyday life.