Reimagining traditional patterns as a kind of “puzzle” — the light, playful sensibility of GENUEMON-GAMA’s Taro Ichino. Turning the “I like that!” moments of everyday life into form.

Putting the user first in every way — reworking tradition with a playful spirit

Displayed throughout the gallery are forms in glossy colors, featuring traditional patterns reimagined with a modern touch. Their vivid hues and charming, almost decorative presence are sure to delight anyone who loves cute and stylish things.

The works created by Taro Ichino, sixth-generation head of GENUEMON-GAMA, use Tamba clay and glazes yet carry a distinctly modern and approachable feel.

Taro places great importance on the perspective of the user, flexibly incorporating their feedback into his creations.

“About 90% of the people who purchase my work are women. So I ask family members and close customers for their opinions, and I always prioritize ease of use — things like weight and size.”

The same goes for design. One of Taro’s signature pieces, the “Puzzle Pattern,” a unique reinterpretation of the traditional ichimatsu check pattern, was inspired by a casual suggestion from a customer: “Why not make it like a puzzle pattern?”

“I don’t cling too tightly to my own ideas. So whenever I come across something I think is good, I incorporate it.”

When asked about the pale blue pieces that have recently joined his lineup, he laughs like a child and says, “It’s my longing for the sea.”

While he uses traditional Tamba clay and materials, his design ideas sometimes come from things he notices while browsing the internet, which he then sketches freely. Positioned within the long history of Tamba ware, Taro embraces the voices of everyday users and enjoys experimenting visually. This light, balanced approach gives his work its distinctive character.

Taking over the family business naturally — learning perseverance through training 

One of Taro’s most vivid childhood memories is watching his grandfather and father manage and fire the climbing kiln. At the time, GENUEMON-GAMA mainly produced items such as flowerpots. Firing all nine dome-shaped chambers, known as “fukuro,” required a team of three or four people. The kiln was fired about twice a year. After three days and nights of continuous hard work, the firing would end with a celebratory feast to reward everyone’s efforts.

“We’d eat delicious food that we normally wouldn’t get to have, all together, chatting and laughing. It felt like a big ‘good job.’ I really looked forward to that.”

His decision to pursue ceramics also came naturally. Although pottery had always been present in his life, he had never seriously worked with clay before — he was starting entirely from scratch.

After studying at Osaka University of Arts Junior College, he spent a year at a ceramics training school in Seto, Aichi, learning the fundamentals. He then trained for three and a half years under Takumi Kuroiwa in Tajimi, Gifu. From making plates and throwing on the wheel to slab work and glazing — even walking the dog and cleaning — he worked alongside a small team, learning every aspect of the craft.

“By watching what my teacher made, I learned delicate techniques and the importance of perseverance through real practice.”

After completing his training and returning home, he initially wanted to create rustic, nature-inspired pieces fired in the climbing kiln. But as he observed users’ reactions, he gradually adjusted his style to suit the times.

While his main focus is now on forms that modernize traditional patterns, he still fires the climbing kiln once a year.

Supporting his favorite idols — a source of energy

When asked what he is passionate about outside of work, Taro answers without hesitation: “Momoclo (Momoiro Clover Z)!” 

He became a fan after meeting the group through his ceramics work, and now he and his family travel together to attend their concerts.

“Cheering for my favorite idols and shouting at the top of my lungs is the best release! I can forget about everyday life, recharge, and then return to work with renewed energy.”

The reason his forms feel so approachable and naturally fit into daily life may be because Taro himself always stays grounded, valuing the perspective of an everyday user above all else.

Please tell us how you recommend spending time in Tamba Tachikui

“The beauty of the mountains here is incredible. If you climb to the top, you can even see Awaji Island and Shodoshima. And then there’s the unique stone-wall scenery — you won’t find many places with so many stone walls like this. I hope people will stroll through the narrow lanes and enjoy these views.”