10 Table Coordinators and 10 Kilns Collaborate in the "1st Arita MONO・NO・SU Table Coordination Contest 2026"

The Saga Prefecture Pottery Industry Cooperative (Arita Town, Saga Prefecture) will host the "1st Arita MONO・NO・SU Table Coordination Contest 2026" as a new initiative from the production area. The awards ceremony and reception will be held on August 28 (Fri), with public viewing from August 29 (Sat) to September 13 (Sun).

This contest is a new format where table coordinators and Arita kilns form one-on-one partnerships, and the table coordinators create and exhibit works using the kilns' products. Furthermore, it is possible to challenge new product development within specified conditions, with royalties paid based on sales for one year after release. This is not merely an exhibition but a practical contest to "create the future of Arita ware together with the production area."

Ten table coordinators selected in the preliminary round from eight prefectures nationwide and ten kilns are embarking on this new challenge.

Contest Homepage: https://table-coordinate-contest.aritayaki.or.jp/

*Participant and kiln names are listed.

Awards Ceremony to be Held [Media Request]

An awards ceremony and reception will be held for stakeholders and the press.

Date: August 28, 2026 (Fri)

Awards Ceremony: 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM (Doors open 1:00 PM) Reception: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Venue: Saga Prefecture Pottery Industry Cooperative MONO・NO・SU Ceramists' Gallery & Shop

In addition to being able to photograph the works before the public viewing, interviews with award winners, producers, and judges will be possible at the reception. We kindly request your coverage on the day, including comments immediately after receiving awards and production episodes.

Study Tour of Arita Conducted for All Contest Participants

For two days, June 19-20, ten coordinators who passed the preliminary screening visited Arita from across the country for a study tour exploring kilns and the history of ceramics.

On the first day, participants gathered at the "MONO・NO・SU" gallery & shop of the Saga Prefecture Pottery Industry Cooperative, the venue for the event, where an orientation was held to confirm the porcelain manufacturing process and basic table coordination rules. Afterward, they visited the Saga Prefectural Kyushu Ceramic Museum, learned about the history of Arita ware guided by Director Yukio Suzuta, and visited the Izumiyama Quarry where the raw porcelain stone was discovered and mined. On the second day, teams held individual meetings with their respective companies.

Participants will plan their coordination considering the diverse products owned by the kilns, as well as the development of new products. The works, completed through experiences unique to the production area after directly experiencing the creators' passion and techniques at Arita kilns and deepening their exchange, will be unveiled at this contest.

Learning history at the Kyushu Ceramic Museum Receiving an explanation of the porcelain manufacturing process Visiting the Izumiyama Quarry

Seminars by Participants and Judges Held Every Weekend

During the 16-day exhibition period from August 29 (Sat) to September 13 (Sun), a total of 10 seminars and workshops will be held on weekends, covering topics related to tableware, dining tables, and food, led by participating coordinators and judges.

Seminar/Workshop Reservations and Detailed Information: https://aritamononosu.peatix.com/

Producers and Judges

Planning Cooperation and Production

This contest is produced by Kiyomi Higashi, a spatial coordinator who has been involved in product development and brand strategy for production areas and companies nationwide through table coordination.

Ms. Higashi has long been engaged in activities connecting tableware and dining spaces from the perspective that "tableware is brought to life through use." In this contest, she aims to create new value for Arita ware while drawing out the appeal of both the participating coordinators and the kilns.

Producer Kiyomi Higashi

Judges

Chief Judge: Isao Imada (Representative Director, Office Imada Co., Ltd.)

Kiyomi Higashi (Director, InfiniTa Inc. Spatial Coordinator)

Yukio Suzuta (Director, Kyushu Ceramic Museum)

Yu Yamada (Representative Director and Buyer, method Inc.)

Organizer Overview

Name:

Arita MONO・NO・SU Table Coordination Contest Executive Committee

(Within the Saga Prefecture Pottery Industry Cooperative)

Executive Committee Chairperson: Ryota Tanaka

Arita MONO・NO・SU Table Coordination Contest Logo Mark

Saga Prefecture Pottery Industry Cooperative

Location: 1217 Sotao-cho, Arita-cho, Nishi-Matsuura-gun, Saga Prefecture

Chairman: Ryota Tanaka

Business Activities: Based on the spirit of mutual welfare and assistance among industry peers in the region

Joint Purchasing and Sales Business

Established: October 27, 1949

HP: https://www.aritayaki.or.jp/

MONO・NO・SU Logo Mark

Saga Prefecture Pottery Industry Cooperative MONO・NO・SU Ceramists' Gallery & Shop