The Saga Prefecture Ceramics Industry Cooperative, based in Arita Town, has announced the first-ever Arita MONO・NO・SU Table Coordinate Contest 2026, with applications for table coordinators set to open on April 1, 2026 (Wednesday). The venue is MONO・NO・SU (Monono-su), the cooperative's showroom — a name meaning "nest of craftsmanship" — from which a new chapter in Arita ware's creative story is beginning.
Key Feature: A 1-on-1 Partnership Between Coordinator and Kiln
What sets this contest apart is its format: each participating table coordinator teams up individually with an Arita kiln to create and display a work using that kiln's products. Within certain conditions, participants can also take on the challenge of developing new products. If a product is commercialized, royalties are paid for one year. Rather than a simple showcase, this is a hands-on contest aimed at shaping the future of Arita ware alongside the production region.
Exhibition Theme: "Life with Arita Ware ~ Savoring Autumn"
With over 400 years of history, Arita ware brings both depth and contemporary relevance to the table. Participants are invited to express this freely through an autumnal table setting. The contest serves as a launchpad for newcomers and an opportunity for seasoned professionals to engage in meaningful dialogue with the production community.
Participating Kilns (10 Companies)
Kaji-ken Seijisha / Kinuemon Toen / Keizan-gama / Seito-en / Sehei-gama / Sokyuu Seitosho / Tasei-gama / Tokuyuki-gama / Bunzan Seito / Yamahei-gama
Ten diverse kilns representing the production region are joining the contest. An on-site tour (planned for June) will also be held, giving participants the chance to speak directly with the craftspeople who make the pieces.
Judges
- Chairperson: Isao Imada (Representative Director, Office Imada Co., Ltd.)
- Kiyomi Higashi (Director, Infinita Co., Ltd.; Food Space Coordinator)
- Yukio Suzuta (Director, Kyushu Ceramic Cultural Museum)
- Yu Yamada (Representative Director, Method Co., Ltd.; Buyer)
Planning Cooperation / Producer
Kiyomi Higashi (Director, Infinita Co., Ltd.; Food Space Coordinator)
Schedule and Application Details
Contest Schedule
- Setup: Thursday, August 27, 2026
- Judging & Award Ceremony: Friday, August 28, 2026
- Exhibition & Sales Period: August 28 (Friday) to September 13 (Sunday), 2026
Application Overview
- Application Period: April 1 (Wednesday) to May 5 (Tuesday), 2026
- Open to all ages, genders, and skill levels (amateur and professional)
- First-round entry fee: ¥5,000 (tax included)
- Top 10 candidates selected by document screening and matched with kilns
For application guidelines and documents:
https://table-coordinate-contest.aritayaki.or.jp/
Aims of the Contest
- Building a co-creation model between the production region and creators
- Discovering and nurturing emerging talent
- Contemporary reinterpretation of Arita ware and creation of new sales channels
- Strengthening the promotion of regional culture
