Shinohara Takashi (篠原敬) and Noto Peninsula Earthquake

SHIHA TEAPOT SHOP has delivered the beautiful works of Suzuyaki artist Takashi Shinohara to customers around the world.
This article records the revival of Mr. Shinohara’s kiln, which was damaged by three devastating earthquakes, shared here for people all over the world.

Preserving the Flame of Suzuyaki: Disaster and Reconstruction

This article records the events from 2023 onward　(After second earthquake ).

In May 2023, a second earthquake struck, and Shinohara Takashi’s kiln was damaged. It took a long time to repair, and the kiln was finally completed.

However, on January 1, 2024, a massive earthquake struck Suzu again, causing the newly rebuilt kiln to collapse.

Undeterred, Shinohara Takashi is rising once again to preserve the tradition of Suzuyaki.

About SUZUYAKI

Suzuyaki, originally produced in the place of Suzu City at tip of Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture from the mid-12th to the 15th century. However Suzuyaki suddenly disappeared in the late 15th century. Forgotten for years, it was revived about 40 years ago in 1979 by the effort of pottery artists and researchers of the time. In order to pass on this resurrected Suzuyaki to the next generation, Shinohara is determined to stand up again.

Video of Medieval Suzu ware (YouTube)

Works of Shinohara Takashi / About Suzuyaki (Suzu Ware)

■ What is Suzuyaki? (Shinohara Takashi’s works are listed in this page)

■ Shinohara Takashi Works (Detail photos of each work of Shinohara Takashi’s)

■ Shinohara Takashi Page (Online Shop)

■ Suzuyaki Works (YouTube)

Summary of Damage and Recovery

The following diagram outlines the progress of restoration efforts since the initial earthquake.
Although the kiln remains damaged, Mr. Shinohara continues to persevere with patience and determination.
It is likely that the full recovery of Suzuyaki ware will take some more time.
In October 2025, Mr. Shinohara’s kiln was completed, and in December 2025, the first firing took place after 2 years and 8 months.
However, even now, some artists continue to live in temporary housing, not yet back to normal life.

[1st Earthquake] 2022 June 19

Shinohara Takashi’s kiln was damaged and he took two months to repair the kiln.

[2nd Earthquake] 2023 May 5 

Shinohara Takashi’s was collapsed and he decided to rebuild the kiln from scratch.

YouTube News  Shinohara Takashi Kiln

2023 June – Aug, Reconstruction of the kiln

YouTube News Reconstruction Work

2023 Sep-Nov, Rebuilding of the kiln

2023 Nov, Kiln reconstruction completed

[3rd Earthquake] 2024 Jan 1

A massive earthquake devastated the newly rebuilt kiln.

News Articles on Suzuyaki (Suzu ware) After the 2024 Earthquake

JAPAN TIMES – Noto Peninsula Earthquake
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/noto-peninsula-earthquake

◆ Jan 17, 2024 Suzuyaki artist’s ordeal of standing up three times to protect Suzu pottery, though “I came here with little by little with hope
English Auto Translation Version
https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/946564 (Japanese/Original)

◆ Jan 19, 2024 Even for the Third Time, Vow to Rise Again, Suzuyaki Shinohara who had damage in 2022 and 2023
English Auto Translation Version
https://www.hokkoku.co.jp/articles/-/1293915 (Japanese/Original)

Shinohara Takashi decided to rise again.

Quotes from the article: 4:25 p.m. The hands of the wall clock in the workshop remained the same as they were immediately after the earthquake. The bricks of the kiln crumbled miserably.

However, “We cannot let Suzu-yaki, which was restored by our predecessors, be lost.” Shinohara Takashi is trying to move the time forward that has stopped by the quake.

◆ Jan 26, 2024 Fighting a Series of Earthquakes, “I’m Motivated”: Kilns and Works Destroyed for the Third Consecutive Year – Traditional Craftsman, Suzu Pottery Artisans
English Auto Translation Version
https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2024012500765 (Japanese/Original)

◆ Jan 29,2024  Suzu Ware Studio “Cannot Quit,” Determined to Rebuild
English Auto Translation Version
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20240129/k10014339431000.html (Japanese/Orignal)
Summary: Mr. Shinohara’s kiln, which was damaged by the earthquakes of last year and the year before, was rebuilt with the help of volunteers and was scheduled to begin operations again in January 2024.

“After the earthquake, I felt depressed and couldn’t clean the damaged studio. After the last earthquake, I thought about closing the studio, but this time I am thinking, This can’t be the end, we must not let the fire of the Suzuyaki production method die out, and I cannot stop.” he said. 

◆ March 1, 2024　Documentary News – After the earthquakes: Shinohara Takashi’s life, studio, thoughts for the present and future

• May 31, 2024: The construction of a temporary workshop for Suzuyaki begins, marking a first step toward recovery. Read more.
• July 21, 2024: A temporary workshop designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban offers a glimpse of hope for Suzuyaki’s reconstruction. Read more.
• Sep 1, 2024: Traditional industries in Noto, including Suzuyaki, continue to struggle eight months after the earthquake. Recovery remains slow and difficult. Read more.
• Oct 21, 2024: Suzuyaki’s revival begins with the first kiln firing since the disaster, carried out by the artist group “Soenkai” in a shared public kiln. Read more.

Message from Shinohara Takashi – February 2025

Please see the article by clicking the photo below.

Rebuilding the Future After the Earthquake – Message from the Heart

Kiln Rebuilding in Progress ‐ July 2025

July 2025, Shiha Teapot Shop visited the Mr. Shinohara’s Studio.

Kiln Rebuilding Completed, Fired Again ‐ Dec 2025

Dec 2025, Shinohara Takashi Firing Again, 2 Years and 8 Months After the Earthquake

Takashi Shinohara fired his rebuilt kiln for the first time after it was destroyed by earthquakes on Jan 1, 2024. With support from domestic and international backers, the revival symbolizes the recovery of Suzu’s traditional pottery.
https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/1185062

Beautiful Tea Ware Rises Again: The Revival of Suzuyaki －Jan 2026

Shinohara Takashi’s works have once again emerged—forms that, as the artist himself states, express his inner thoughts . Remarkable depth, leaving one utterly spellbound.

Support and Donation for Suzu City and SUZU Pottery Artist

Information on Financial Support and Donations for Suzu Artist Association and Mr. Shinohara Takashi.

Your consideration and warm support to them will be great hope for them.

■　For Suzu Ware Artists’ Association (珠洲焼創炎会 Souenkai)

How to : Direct Bank Transfer
1. Bank Information (From Japan)

北國銀行　(ほっこくぎんこう) 珠洲支店（スズしてん）　 (普) 28551 名義　能登半島地震義援金　珠洲焼創炎会　 （ノトハントウジシンギエンキン　スズヤキソウエンカイ）

Name of  Bank:THE HOKKOKU BANK,LTD. Name of Branch: Suzu Branch  Account Number: 28551 Beneficiary’s Name: ノトハントウジシンギエンキン　スズヤキソウエンカイ

2. Bank Information (From Oversea)

Please refer above “Bank Information (From Japan)” and if you need help for donation, please contact us. We will ask Souenkai.

Name of  Bank:THE HOKKOKU BANK,LTD. SWIFT Code: HKOKJPJT Name of Branch: Suzu Branch  Account Number: Beneficiary’s Name: Beneficiary’s Address:

■　For Mr.Shinohara Takashi

How to : Direct Bank Transfer

1. Bank Information (From Japan)

北陸銀行 珠洲支店（スズしてん） (普) 4076402 名義　篠原敬（シノハラ タカシ）

Name of  Bank:The Hokuriku Bank, Ltd. Name of Branch: Suzu Branch  Account Number: 4076402 Beneficiary’s Name: Shinohara Takashi

2. Bank Information (From Oversea)

Name of  Bank:The Hokuriku Bank, Ltd. SWIFT Code: RIKBJPJT Name of Branch: Suzu Branch  Account Number: 324-4076402 Beneficiary’s Name: Shinohara Takashi Beneficiary’s Address:　41-2 SUTTA WAKAYAMA-MACHI SUZU-SHI ISHIKAWA 927-1233 JAPAN

Thank you very much for your support and interest.

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