Haruko Harada 原田晴子

Born in 1973 in Hamakita, Shizuoka Prefecture, Haruko Harada graduated from the Kyoyogama Pottery School in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, in 1997. Afterward, she worked at a pottery studio and eventually established her own studio. Currently, she focuses on creating everyday-use tableware and participates in solo exhibitions and various craft fairs.

The Tokoname region is renowned in Japan for its teapot production and is a central hub for many ceramic artists. Harada's studio is located on the seaside in Tokoname, where she creates delightful pieces in a scenic setting.

Harada's work typically uses a mixture of clay from the Seto and Shigaraki regions. Compared to standard ceramic clay, this blend is denser and more durable. Her use of matte glazes allows her pieces to handle dark-colored and oily dishes, reflecting her intention to create tableware suited for everyday use.
Perhaps due to her experiences living abroad, Harada's designs diverge from traditional Japanese aesthetics, embracing a more "zakka" or modern Japanese design.

She often incorporates motifs such as butterflies, flowers, and birds into her pieces. The colors she chooses are soft and bright, and each form and style is unique, giving a sense of owning a truly one-of-a-kind item. The shapes are often more rounded, lacking sharp edges, which makes her work feel inviting and comforting to hold.

Harada's creations are widely praised as excellent entry-level pieces for those new to Japanese artisanal ceramics. Her practical designs and affordable prices make her works popular among many. Deep bowls and oval plates are ideal for dishes with sauces or vegetable salads, while round plates and small handled bowls make for a perfect start to the day. Her mugs often have a capacity of 250ml or more, making them ideal for lattes.