Design reform, Tobe ware

In 1956 (Shōwa 31), the celebrated potter Tomimoto Kenkichi (1886-1963: designated Important Intangible Cultural Property and awarded Order of Cultural Merit) visited Tobe to encourage a modernization in the design of Tobe ware. Tomimoto also introduced Fujimoto Yoshimichi (1919-1992: designated Important Intangible Cultural Property) to teach in Tobe. Because of this combined influence, Tobe potters strove to improve and refine their technique by forming research groups and holding exhibitions in order to introduce the concepts of the studio pottery movement. Many patterns and shapes of contemporary Tobe ware originated during this time.