Sept. 28 (Saturday), the vessels were finally done! Everyone was a bit nervous about unloading their works from the kiln, but everyone was glad to see that every single one of them had turned out great.
At the lunch party, using the dishes that had just been finished, everyone had kenchin-jiru (Japanese tofu and vegetable soup) and onigiri rice balls made of Hojo rice. In the lively atmosphere, the students were able to talk directly with the participants about the conditions right after the earthquake, their current life in Tsukuba, their anxieties and outlook of the future and other concerns that they had.
Many wonderful comments and about what they would like to make next were heard. Our next agenda then would probably be passing on this project so that it may be held again. (Akagi)

On Sept. 22, the vessels still warm from the bisque-firing were taken out of the kiln, and we applied the glaze with the participants.
The students showed them how to apply the glaze and, although in the beginning they were rather cautious with the glaze, as they got used to it, they became more creative, and used a different color for the rim or drew designs. It is the students that need to be inspired by their creativity!
There were 3 colors of glazes this time. At this point, they all looked the same color, but beautiful colors will appear after the glost firing. Everyone is very much looking forward to the unloading of the kiln on the 28th. (Akagi)

Sept. 19, the well-dried vessels have been carefully placed in the kiln and the bisque-firing has begun.
Next, looking forward to applying the glaze on the 22nd! (Akagi)

On Sept. 8, the 2nd meeting of the Yui Project was held at Tsukuba University. Cups and bowls were created by pressing the clay into the molds created at the previous session.
The task was a bit difficult, such as cutting the clay into equal-size sheets, carefully removing the clay from the mold and adjusting the shapes, but everyone worked hard and seriously.
People cheered when the clay was removed from the molds, discussed with their partners when deciding on the shape of the cups and bowls, and finally when the bases were attached to them, the work was done. Each tableware is unique, but each one turned out to be a wonderful piece of work as the opening of the vessel matched perfectly with one’ partner’s.
When the clay is thoroughly dry, the process will continue with the bisque-firing, glazing and glost firing.
On the 28th, the final product will come out of the kiln. We are looking forward to the meal where everyone will be eating off the dishes that they have created.
(Akagi)