THE lighting… though when I say that, what I’m really talking about today is illumination. In online retail, lighting is always considered to be of the utmost importance. This one factor can completely change the impression, or rather the color, of a piece. Of course, it also changes depending on the shooting location or by adding flowers to the scene, but in terms of changes to color and appearance, nothing compares to the impact of lighting. Naturally, we sellers want to present our items in the best possible light. However, if the colors differ from the actual object, it’s completely pointless. At our shop, our staff works day and night, constantly researching, "What can we do to improve this?" While the colors will vary depending on the customer's monitor settings, it is our sincere wish as a shop to make them as close to reality as possible. In fact, we have recently introduced things like background paper and lighting stands. We don't know the full extent of their effectiveness yet, but we intend to continue our research. Now, this is where the real topic begins. Everything I wrote just now was about the view on a monitor online, but this is by no means limited to the internet. The influence that lighting has on how we see things with our naked eyes is immeasurable. For those who are thinking, "I already know that!", please bear with me. Our shop uses standard, plain white fluorescent lights (the kind found in any home). In addition to that, we only use spotlights (dim, orange lights) in the window display area. Then, at closing time, a certain phenomenon occurs that inspired me to write this article. First, I turn off all the fluorescent lights from the control panel in the break room. The showroom is left with only the sunlight from the windows and the light from the spotlights. Then, I go outside, pull down the shutters, and lock up. The showroom becomes pitch black, save for the light from the window spotlights. This state is exactly what made me want to write this article. The works are beautifully illuminated, just like in a department store solo exhibition!! They look dreamlike, hazy, yet gathering the light onto themselves. Having grown up playing in that showroom, even I am surprised and sometimes find myself captivated by how beautiful it is. A change in lighting can completely alter the impression of a work as seen with the naked eye. For those of you thinking, "Then why do you keep using those shabby lights?", the truth is that under those conditions, it is very difficult to distinguish the colors or fine details of the works. If a customer receives a piece at home and thinks, "The color is different" or "Was this here before?", that would be a huge problem. Of course, we don't sell damaged goods, but we do handle items with "kase-goma" (matte finish/glaze loss) or "chirimen-jiwa" (crepe-like wrinkles) as features of the work. These exist as part of the "scenery" of the piece, but naturally, everyone has their own preferences. Since it’s impossible to ship items without the customer being able to discern those details, we keep the showroom as bright as possible so that every corner of the work can be seen. Well, the biggest reason is that we don't have the money to upgrade, but still (laughs). However, pottery that glows in the darkness is truly beautiful. Humanity has spent its existence fearing and dispelling the darkness, so the fact that the pottery created by our own hands glows by gathering light in that very darkness is, in a way, quite romantic, isn't it? If you have a room at home where you could try this, I highly recommend it. I’m sure you’ll discover a whole new side to your pieces. It’s been a long post, but thank you very much to everyone who read this far. Until next time.