Rin
International
About Rin International
Satoko Yamada
-
Born in Nagoya City
-
Studied abroad in Spain and the United States and has long been involved in international exchange.
-
Former Counselor at the Aichi Prefecture International Exchange Association
-
Former Part-time Lecturer at Aichi Prefectural High Schools
-
Former Civilian Interpreter for the Aichi Prefectural Police Headquarters and Nagoya District Public Prosecutors Office.
-
Former Volunteer for the AFS Intercultural Programs Foundation (Okazaki Branch Director, Japan Association Public Relations Committee Member)
-
Former Director of the Kita-Nagoya City International Exchange Association
-
North Nagoya City Board of Education, Board of Education Member
-
Rin Kimono Classroom Organizer
【Appointment as Tobe Ware Ambassador: Announcement and Greetings】
Around 2012, when my husband, Masahiko Yamada, became the president of Shikishimapan and was appointed as a Tobe ware ambassador, I, as a lover of pottery, visited the Tobe Ware Traditional Industry Hall for the first time.
There, I was deeply drawn to the white porcelain works of Yashiko Shiragata of Hachizui Kiln. The simple yet harmonious blend of hard porcelain and soft curves made my mind feel clear and serene.
Guided by a local, I visited Shiragata sensei’s workshop and heard from him that he had arrived at the creation of simple vessels through his pursuit of wheel-throwing techniques.
I was also deeply moved to learn that Shiragata sensei, as a member of the first group of Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, was dispatched to the Philippines, where he came to desire a world without war through pottery instruction.
One of Shiragata sensei’s representative works is a globe without borders, which is displayed at the United Nations European Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Upon learning this, I was so impressed that I went to see it myself.
As for me, I have long been a volunteer with AFS, a high school student exchange organization that promotes peace. This has strengthened my belief in the importance of connections between people from diverse backgrounds.
Moreover, upon hearing that the soil used for Tobe ware has excellent properties, I visited a quarry and was surprised to find that it was the same quarry where my father-in-law had once conducted research for a ceramics company in Nagoya. This deepened my sense of connection to Tobe ware.
Until now, despite the fact that my husband has been busy with his main business, I have been able to continue my public relations activities for Tobe ware thanks to the warm support and understanding of the local people.
And now, thanks to the recommendation of local people, I have also been appointed as a Tobe ware ambassador.
I have heard that there are no other examples of a husband and wife serving as Tobe ware ambassadors, and I intend to fulfill this honorable role together with my husband and promote its appeal from the Tokai region.
Thank you for your continued support.
Satoko Yamada
Gallery Rin