2024 Art Journey: Kyushu

Beyond its hot springs, breathtaking landscapes, and exquisite cuisine, Kyushu has long been celebrated as Japan's gateway to Asia and the world. Its volcanic landscape is symbolic of the island's rich history as a cultural melting pot, where Chinese, Korean, and Japanese influences fused to forge a wide range of distinctive Japanese ceramic traditions.

From November 15-17, Asia Society Japan cordially invites you on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Japan's artistic heritage in Kumamoto, Arita, and Karatsu. We are privileged to be accompanied by Dr. Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere, a foremost expert on Japanese ceramics, as we explore the rich history of intercultural exchange through the lens of Northwest Kyushu's renowned ceramics.

The history of Japanese ceramics has been shaped by four major waves of intercultural exchange. The first was during the Yayoi period when high-fired ceramics arrived in Northwestern Kyushu from Korea. The second, in the Heian period, saw the introduction of advanced technologies, including glazes. The third, during the Momoyama and early Edo period, coincided with Japan's reinvention under three military rulers and two Korean invasions. The fourth wave came in the early Meiji era, as Japan embraced new international markets and technologies under a new government. Dr. Rousmaniere will guide our understanding of this cultural evolution, particularly the final two phases, which are particularly apparent in the Northwest Kyushu area.

We will kick off the trip on Day 1, seeing our friend Chin Jukan XV's exhibition in Kumamoto, where he preserves his past while creating meticulously crafted stoneware which is an embodiment of this third wave.

On days 2 & 3, we will visit the legendary kilns of Arita and Karatsu, with the exclusive opportunity to witness firsthand the artistic traditions behind some of Japan's most celebrated works of art. Additionally, we will get a holistic understanding of the history of Ceramics in the region at the Japanese Ceramics Museum of Saga.

This trip is also an opportunity to experience the peak of the autumn foliage season at Takeo Onsen, as we will be staying at the esteemed Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel. Here, nature and artistic innovation seamlessly blend, as this onsen-ryokan features a teamLab exhibition within its historic pond-promenade garden.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime, can't-miss opportunity to not only dive deep into Kyushu's ceramic arts but also experience the natural and cultural wonders of Northwest Kyushu.