Yamai Pottery's history began over 60 years ago when the former CEO, Shinichi Ito, became involved in manufacturing Shinto and Buddhist altars at Yamafumi Ceramics, a Mino ware manufacturer in Toki.
After Yamai Pottery's founding, the company began manufacturing sake flasks (tokkuri), earthenware jars, and soy sauce dispensers as its primary products. The soy sauce dispenser, in particular, was the first Mino ware to be commercialized and remains one of the company's most popular products.
Entering the 2020s, we have expanded our lineup to include plates, mugs, and tableware accessories. While maintaining traditional culture and manufacturing techniques, we continue to adapt to modern sensibilities.
History
• 1959: Shinichi Ito, father of our current CEO, Hisamitsu Ito, started helping out at the now-defunct factory of Yamafumi Ceramics in Gifu Prefecture's Toki City.
• 1966: Shinichi Ito went independent and started subcontracting molding (slip casting) to Yamafumi Ceramics.
• 1967: Yamai Pottery Co., Ltd. was established.
• 1970: In addition to subcontracting, the company introduced a heavy oil shuttle kiln and began integrated production from molding to the final process. The business was converted to the production of sake cups, teacups, and caster sets, for which demand was high.
• 1974: Production shifted to gas shuttle kilns to improve efficiency.
• 1989: The company was reorganized as Yamai Pottery Co., Ltd. and joined the Shimoishi Ceramic Industry Association. The company also began making unique products such as earthenware sake flasks (red clay tokkuri) instead of the usual porcelain.
• 1996: The company was awarded the Gifu Prefecture Excellent New Product Encouragement Prize at the Shimoishi Ceramics New Work Exhibition.
• 1998: The company received a certificate of commendation at the Shimoishi Ceramics New Work Exhibition.
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