Hamada Shōji: A Pioneer of Mingei and the Soul of Mashiko Born in Kawasaki, Japan, in 1894, Hamada Shōji’s life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to traditional Japanese crafts. Initially studying at Tokyo Institute of Technology under the guidance of Itaya Hazan, he quickly distinguished himself as a visionary artist deeply influenced by the burgeoning *mingei* (folk art) movement. This fascination with the beauty and functionality of everyday objects created by anonymous artisans would shape not only his artistic practice but also the very landscape of Japanese pottery. Hamada’…