It looks like a typhoon is heading toward Okayama Prefecture, which is known as the "Land of Sunshine."
Speaking of which, paulownia boxes are sensitive to moisture, so please be careful of any leaks.
Now, I’d like to write about the interview I had today with Takeshi Kaneshige.
It was my first interview, and I was nervous.
I’ve spoken with Takeshi many times before, but this time, I was the one who felt the tension.
I have transcribed our conversation below as closely as possible.
I will refer to myself as "Me" and Takeshi Kaneshige as "Takeshi."
I would like to sincerely thank Takeshi for kindly agreeing to my sudden request.
Me: "Hello, Takeshi. First of all, I'd like to ask why you chose the path of Bizen pottery?"
Takeshi: "Well, I grew up watching it, so I just naturally entered this path."
Me: "I see. Is it the environment, after all?"
Takeshi: "I’ve intended to do (Bizen pottery) ever since I was a child."
Me: "So, what is the appeal of Bizen pottery that you’ve admired since you were young?"
Takeshi: "Hmm, maybe the kiln firing? I think there’s something fascinating about fire."
Me: "On the other hand, what is the most difficult part of your work? For me, it’s the packaging (laughs)."
Takeshi: "Is that so? (laughs) I suppose it's when the finished, fired piece turns out to be far from what I imagined.
But in the end, even that is enjoyable, so I suppose there isn't really anything."
Me: "So you're always enjoying it. What kind of mindset do you have when you're enjoying your pottery making?"
Takeshi: "A clear mind... Well, once I sit at the potter's wheel, my body just moves on its own..."
Me: "(He really is a man of pottery...) Is that so? Does that have any influence from Michiaki Kaneshige?"
Takeshi: "I think so."
Me: "Among the words Michiaki left behind, are there any that are particularly memorable?"
Takeshi: "Hmm, perhaps, 'Think of the user when you create your work.'"
Me: "That sounds just like him. From your perspective, what kind of person was he?"
Takeshi: "How should I put it? (laughs) I suppose he was a man who worked meticulously and never allowed for compromise."
Me: "That’s just as I imagined. Do you have any goals for the future?"
Takeshi: "To create as many pieces as I can be satisfied with."
Me: "Pieces you can be satisfied with?"
Takeshi: "Exactly. To put it boldly, I want to create masterpieces that will last for generations (laughs)."
Me: "I'll make sure to include that (on the blog) (laughs)."
And with that, to be continued next time.
By the way, this photo is of Takeshi at that time.