Daiyaki (Iwate Prefecture): A Comprehensive Explanation of Hanamaki’s Traditional Porcelain with Over 120 Years of History and the Charm of Rice-Bran Celadon Glaze
Daiyaki (だいやき), with a history of over 120 years in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, is known as a rare porcelain production site in the Tohoku region. This traditional craft, fired near Dai Hot Spring in the Hanamaki Hot Spring area, is characterized by its beautiful pale green color created by a unique “rice-bran celadon glaze” (ぬかせいじゆう) made from rice bran as its raw material.
This article provides a detailed explanation of Daiyaki, Iwate’s traditional ceramic ware, covering everything from its history and manufacturing methods to places where you can purchase it and experience it, as well as its new initiatives in the modern era.
Daiyaki: Traditional Porcelain from Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture
Daiyaki is porcelain produced around Dai Hot Spring in the Hanamaki Hot Spring area of Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture. In the Tohoku region, where pottery is the mainstream, kilns producing porcelain are extremely rare, and Daiyaki represents an important tradition of regional craftsmanship.
Main Characteristics of Daiyaki
The most distinctive feature is the pale green color created by using a glaze called rice-bran celadon glaze (ぬかせいじゆう), made from rice bran produced in Hanamaki. This unique color tone combines warmth and refinement and is favored as a vessel for everyday use.
- Material: High-quality ceramic stone from Manjusan Mountain in the local Hanamaki area
- Manufacturing method: Rare porcelain production method in the Tohoku region
- Design: Practical, thick vessels incorporating folk craft aesthetics
- Durability: Robust construction to withstand the harsh Tohoku climate
While being porcelain, Daiyaki has successfully achieved both sophisticated elegance and everyday familiarity by incorporating folk craft design, making it a vessel cherished for long-term use.
The History of Daiyaki: Tradition Passed Down Since the Meiji Era
Founding and the First Generation: Kanbei Sugimura
The history of Daiyaki began in 1895 (Meiji 28). The founder, Kanbei Sugimura, was born and raised at Dai Hot Spring in Hanamaki, and opened a porcelain kiln using the Yunozawa kiln (Kosegawa kiln) that had previously operated in this area.
Kanbei Sugimura discovered high-quality ceramic clay (ceramic stone) from Manjusan Mountain, the hot spring area, and began producing porcelain—a rare practice in the Tohoku region—using this material. He invested considerable effort in creating robust yet elegant products that could withstand the harsh Tohoku climate, and through trial and error perfected Daiyaki.
Development from the Meiji Through Taisho and Showa Periods
Daiyaki, born in the mid-Meiji period, gradually took root in the region as porcelain with locally distinctive folk craft aesthetics. Initially centered on white porcelain, it gradually shifted toward folk craft design, integrating itself into the daily lives of local people as a practical vessel.
Its location near Hanamaki Hot Spring, a tourist destination, contributed to its popularity as a souvenir for hot spring visitors, and the name Daiyaki spread throughout and beyond Iwate Prefecture.
Continuity to the Present: A Kiln Passed Down to the Fifth Generation
More than 126 years after its founding (as of 2021), Daiyaki continues to be passed down through generations of the Sugimura family. Currently, Minetaka Sugimura, the fifth-generation heir, carries on the kiln tradition, making new efforts to adapt to modern lifestyles while preserving tradition.
Through maintaining traditional techniques and design while developing new products suited to the times and strengthening regional partnerships, Daiyaki continues to radiate new charm.
The Manufacturing Method and Characteristic Techniques of Daiyaki
Ceramic Stone from Manjusan Mountain: A Rare Porcelain Material in Tohoku
The greatest characteristic of Daiyaki is that it is porcelain, which is rare in the Tohoku region. While pottery production is the mainstream in the Tohoku region, Daiyaki enables porcelain production through the use of high-quality ceramic stone from Manjusan Mountain in Hanamaki.
Porcelain has the following characteristics compared to pottery:
- High hardness: Fired at high temperatures (around 1300 degrees Celsius), resulting in dense and hard material
- Low water absorption: Does not absorb water, making it hygienic
- Translucency: Becomes light-transmitting when made thin
- High-pitched sound: Makes a clear, high-pitched tone when tapped
These properties make Daiyaki highly valued as a durable vessel capable of withstanding the cold Iwate climate for extended use.
Rice-Bran Celadon Glaze: A Unique Color Born from Rice Bran
The signature technique of Daiyaki is the rice-bran celadon glaze (ぬかせいじゆう). This glaze uses rice bran from Hanamaki as its raw material, producing a beautiful pale green color after firing.
Characteristics of rice-bran celadon glaze:
- Natural color tone: A natural pale green derived from rice bran, not from chemical dyes
- Warm texture: Despite being porcelain, it conveys a soft impression
- Changes with age: The vessel gains depth of flavor the more it is used
- Regional character: Use of Hanamaki rice bran expresses regional identity
This unique glaze has become the identity of Daiyaki, creating a charm found in no other production area.
Folk Craft Aesthetics: A Fusion of Practicality and Beauty
While initially centering on white porcelain, Daiyaki gradually incorporated folk craft aesthetics in its design. Influenced by the folk craft movement, production shifted toward thicker vessels emphasizing practicality.
Characteristics of folk craft-style Daiyaki:
- Thick construction: Durability sufficient for everyday use
- Unadorned beauty: Simple, warm design
- Warmth of handwork: Individuality created through handmade production
- Harmony with life: Design that naturally blends into daily living
This folk craft aesthetic successfully reconciles the refinement inherent in porcelain with the approachability of everyday tableware.
Places Where You Can Purchase and Experience Daiyaki
Daiyaki Kiln (Yumoto, Hanamaki City)
At the Daiyaki kiln, the headquarters of the production, you can not only purchase works but also participate in pottery experiences and workshop tours (advance notice required).
Basic Information
- Location: 〒025-0304 2-9-2 Yumoto, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture
- Access: Within the Hanamaki Hot Spring area, near Dai Hot Spring
- Experience offerings: Pottery experience, workshop tours (advance reservation required)
- Available products: Tableware, tea ceremony ware, flower vessels, folk crafts, and more
Visiting the kiln allows you to observe the Daiyaki production process firsthand and directly experience the skill and passion of the artisans. You also have the rare opportunity to hear about Daiyaki’s history and manufacturing methods directly from Minetaka Sugimura, the fifth-generation heir.
Souvenir Shops Around Hanamaki Hot Spring Area
There are multiple hot spring facilities in the Hanamaki Hot Spring area, and Daiyaki can be purchased at their gift shops and nearby souvenir stores. Daiyaki vessels are popular as souvenirs and gifts for hot spring travelers.
Online Purchase
In recent years, it has become possible to purchase Daiyaki through the internet. Products developed through collaboration with regional revitalization cooperation volunteers can sometimes be obtained online.
New Initiatives for Daiyaki in the Modern Era
Collaboration with Regional Revitalization Cooperation Volunteers: “najimi”
In January 2021, Daiyaki embarked on a new challenge. Minetaka Sugimura, the fifth-generation heir, collaborated with regional revitalization cooperation volunteers to develop and begin selling “najimi,” a free cup designed for modern living.
This product leverages traditional Daiyaki techniques while pursuing design and usability suited to contemporary lifestyles. As its name “najimi” (familiarity) suggests, it aims to be a vessel that naturally integrates into everyday life.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
Such initiatives offer one solution to challenges facing traditional crafts, including a shortage of successors and declining demand. By preserving traditional techniques and materials while developing products that meet the needs of contemporary consumers, Daiyaki has successfully attracted new customer groups.
Regional Partnerships
Daiyaki occupies an important position as a cultural resource for Hanamaki City and Iwate Prefecture tourism. Taking advantage of its location in the Hanamaki Hot Spring area, a tourist destination, it serves as an experience program venue for tourists and as a base for regional cultural dissemination.
Collaboration with regional revitalization cooperation volunteers goes beyond product development alone, also contributing to communicating the appeal of traditional crafts to younger generations and promoting regional revitalization.
Daiyaki and Hanamaki Hot Spring Area: Deep Connections with Regional Culture
Fired Ware Culture Fostered in a Hot Spring Region
Hanamaki Hot Spring Area, where Daiyaki was born, is one of Iwate Prefecture’s representative hot spring destinations. With multiple hot springs including Dai Hot Spring, this region has long bustled with hot spring therapy visitors and tourists.
The hot spring location contributed significantly to Daiyaki’s development:
- Sales channels to tourists: Demand emerged for souvenirs for hot spring visitors
- Cultural exchange: Interactions with people from various regions visiting generated new ideas
- Utilization of regional resources: Discovery and application of Manjusan’s ceramic stone, a local resource
Cultural Background of Hanamaki
Hanamaki City is also known as the hometown of poet and fairy tale author Kenji Miyazawa, and the region has a rich cultural foundation. This cultural background was an important element in Daiyaki’s development as a craft combining artistry with practicality.
The Appeal of Daiyaki: Why It Has Been Loved for So Long
Practicality as an Everyday Vessel
One reason Daiyaki has continued for over 120 years is its high practicality. Daiyaki vessels combine the robustness of porcelain with the ease of use found in folk craft design, allowing them to be used continuously in everyday dining.
- Durable and long-lasting: The hardness of porcelain makes it resistant to chipping and usable for many years
- Easy maintenance: Low water absorption means stains are unlikely to adhere and washing is simple
- Microwave and dishwasher compatible: Accommodates modern lifestyles (product-dependent)
- Appropriate weight: Thick construction provides stability and ease of use
Coexistence of Beauty and Warmth
The pale green of rice-bran celadon glaze conveys warmth despite being porcelain, a unique color tone. This color coordinates easily with both Japanese and Western cuisine and has the effect of enhancing food.
Regionality and Narrative Quality
Using Daiyaki connects you to the history and culture of Hanamaki as a region. Daiyaki is embedded with the story of the place: Hanamaki rice bran, ceramic stone from Manjusan Mountain, and the name Dai Hot Spring.
This regionality and narrative quality gives Daiyaki value beyond being mere tableware, creating special affection in those who use it.
Access Information for Visiting Daiyaki
Transportation Access
By Train
- From JR Tohoku Shinkansen “Shin-Hanamaki Station,” approximately 20 minutes by taxi or bus
- From JR Kamaishi Line “Hanamaki Station,” approximately 15 minutes by taxi or bus
By Car
- Approximately 15 minutes from the “Hanamaki IC” on the Tohoku Expressway
- Approximately 20 minutes from Hanamaki Airport
Nearby Tourist Attractions
When visiting the Daiyaki kiln, you can also enjoy other tourist attractions in the Hanamaki Hot Spring area:
- Hanamaki Hot Spring: Multiple hot spring facilities with day-use bathing available
- Kenji Miyazawa Memorial Hall: Memorial hall for the great poet and fairy tale author Hanamaki produced
- Hanamaki City Museum: Learn about the region’s history and culture
- Kamabuchi Waterfall: A scenic spot rich in nature
A travel plan combining Daiyaki viewing and experience with enjoying Hanamaki’s nature and culture is recommended.
Precautions When Purchasing and Experiencing Daiyaki
Regarding Workshop Tours and Pottery Experiences
If you wish to tour the workshop or participate in pottery experiences at the Daiyaki kiln, advance contact is essential. Depending on the artisans’ work schedules and kiln operating conditions, there may be times when it is difficult to accommodate visitors. It is recommended to contact them several days before your planned visit.
Points for Selecting Products
When purchasing Daiyaki vessels, check the following points:
- Intended use: The vessels you choose will differ depending on whether they are for everyday use or special occasions
- Size and feel: Handle the vessels to confirm their size and weight
- Individual variation in color: Due to handmade production, each piece has subtly different coloring
- Care instructions: Confirm care methods at the time of purchase
Vessel Care and Tips for Longevity
Care methods for enjoying Daiyaki long-term:
- Pre-use preparation: Simmering new vessels in rice-washing water makes them less prone to staining
- Cleaning after use: Wash as soon as possible after use and dry thoroughly
- Storage method: When stacking for storage, placing cloth or paper between pieces prevents damage
- Avoid rapid temperature changes: Pay attention to temperature changes, such as pre-warming vessels before pouring hot water
Daiyaki and Iwate’s Traditional Crafts
Positioning Within Iwate’s Craft Culture
Iwate Prefecture is home to many traditional crafts, including Nanbu cast iron, Hiraizumi lacquerware, and Johoji lacquerware. Among these, Daiyaki has established a unique position as a rare porcelain production site in the Tohoku region.
Differences from Other Iwate Ceramics
While there are other ceramic production sites within Iwate Prefecture, Daiyaki’s characteristics are:
- Being porcelain: Among mainly pottery, porcelain is rare
- Use of rice-bran celadon glaze: A unique glaze using rice bran
- Connection to hot springs: The distinctive character of its location in Hanamaki Hot Spring Area
Through these characteristics, Daiyaki radiates a unique presence among Iwate’s traditional crafts.
Conclusion: The Future of Daiyaki and What We Can Do
Since its founding in Meiji 28, Daiyaki has preserved ceramic culture in Hanamaki for over 120 years. As rare porcelain in Tohoku with its beautiful pale green color created by rice-bran celadon glaze made from Hanamaki rice bran, it possesses a charm uniquely its own.
The attitude of Daiyaki under fifth-generation heir Minetaka Sugimura, as seen in collaborations with regional revitalization cooperation volunteers, continuously undertaking new challenges while preserving tradition, offers important insights into the future of traditional crafts.
What we can do is actually use regional traditional crafts like Daiyaki and pass on their appeal to the next generation. When visiting Hanamaki, be sure to visit the Daiyaki kiln and experience firsthand the skill and passion of the artisans. By using Daiyaki vessels at your everyday dining table, you can feel the history and culture of Hanamaki up close.
Daiyaki is not merely a vessel but a crystallization of culture, embedding the memory of the place of Hanamaki and the skill of artisans continuing over 120 years. For this tradition to continue into the future, it is important that each of us understands and supports the value of traditional crafts.
