The Setomono Matsuri is the biggest ceramics event in Japan. Each year, approximately half a million visitors attend the festival. This festival is a chance for local artisans to sell their wares, turning a small, quiet city into a bustling locale for one weekend in September.
For centuries, Seto City has been known for its setomono (things made in Seto), a term that is now used to mean ceramics. The earliest evidence of pottery in Japan goes back to 10,000 BCE. However, advancements in techniques developed in China led Kato Shirozaemon, considered to be Japan’s “father of ceramics,” to journey there in the 1200s to learn about the methods and bring them back to Japan.
After six years abroad, he settled in what is now known as Seto City, and the techniques he brought back spread throughout the region. Photo by: PIXTA/ パームツリー The festival has been held annually since 1932. The Setomono Matsuri is a festival that began as a celebration to honor Tamikichi Kato, the father of modern Seto ceramics.
The festival has been held annually since 1932. Around 200 different merchants set up stalls along the Seto River. Prices vary depending on the pieces however, even the most affordable pieces look like works of art worthy of display.
Visit the festival’s information booth to get a festival map that’s available in English to help you navigate through the different stalls. Expect a variety of food stalls, musical performances and a fireworks display to culminate t.
