Approximately 15% of the islands in Japan are in Nagasaki Prefecture, and industries that take advantage of the ria coastline are thriving. Nagasaki is known as a prefecture with many islands, but the only town that does not face the sea is Hasami-cho, Higashisonogi-gun, on the border with Saga Prefecture.

About 30 minutes by car from the center of Sasebo, Hasami Town is surrounded by lush mountains and has a history of over 400 years as a pottery town.
Hasami ware is characterized by the beauty of its translucent porcelain and its deep gosu color, and is popular for everyday use because it is durable and lightweight.

It is said that when Toyotomi Hideyoshi dispatched troops (the Bunroku-Keicho Wars), potters from Korea arrived in Japan, and this led to the beginning of a culture of porcelain in the Hizen region (Hasami ware, Arita ware, Imari ware, etc.), in addition to Japan's pottery culture.

However, it was only recently, 20 years ago, that "Hasami ware" was born.
To learn more about their long tradition and 20 years of challenges, we visited natural69, run by Matsuo Shoten, a specialized wholesaler of ceramics in the Hizen region with a 70-year history.

About 30 minutes by car from the center of Sasebo. Look for the large natural69 sign.

"It's a brand that values white porcelain with gosu color. We don't just use traditional designs, but also create new things using new patterns. I think people pick up our brand because it's new and cute, and unlike any other."

Mr. Senda introducing products at a store in Hasami Town

That's what Shuichi Senda, business division manager at natural69, said.
He started working at natural69 about a year ago through a connection, and says he has been fascinated by the commercial value of pottery.

Choosing Between Tradition and Challenge

Traditionally, Hasami pottery was a subcontractor responsible for the mass production of Arita ware.
Around 2000, the clarification of the designation of production areas, which was widely covered in the media, forced Hasami ware to choose whether to continue supporting the industry in its current position or to become independent as Hasami ware.

After thinking about what Hasami ware could do, he decided to compete with design.
However, the period of high economic growth was coming to an end, and Hasami Town, which was responsible for mass production, suffered a major blow.

natural69 polca series.The first original pottery

"When I heard the story of how our predecessors had made it to where we are today, it was all about taking on new challenges one by one... We have chosen to compete with originality, with design at the core."

Nowadays, the store is mainly purchased by women, and the products are not only popular at pottery fairs, but are also loved by people all over the country through the e-commerce site.

The flagship product is the Swatch series. It features a nostalgic design that is easy to incorporate into your daily life.

Finding excitement in everyday life

Currently, HOTEL RESOL SASEBO is offering Nagasaki specialty Goto udon noodles as a midnight snack to guests. They use the natural69 tableware introduced in this article.
You can enjoy your trip while experiencing the world of natural69, which pursues cuteness.

If you find the pottery exciting, you can purchase the products at the natural69 store or at the front desk of HOTEL RESOL SASEBO.

"Everyone has their own idea of what's cute. I think natural69 has the cuteness that fits into your everyday life and makes you excited. You can buy it online, but the stores are cheaper... it's fun to come to this town of pottery."

Not only can you reminisce about the taste of your travels, but you can also experience the excitement of the tableware, which may lead to new discoveries and more memories.

natural69

電話：0956-85-3427
住所：長崎県東彼杵郡波佐見町村木郷2311
アクセス：波佐見・有田インターより車で約5分 / ハウステンボスより車で約30分
HP：https://natural69-hasami.co.jp/
SNS：https://www.instagram.com/natural69_hasami/

*For details on business hours and holidays, please check the link above.