Kaikai Kiki Gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibition of new works by ceramic artist Ryuichi Haga, titled “Ryuichi Haga Ceramics Exhibition”, opening on July 4, 2025.
After completing the Graduate Program in Sculpture at Musashino Art University, Ryuichi Haga established his studio in the idyllic rural landscape of Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture, being introduced to the area by a friend. He has been creating his work there for the past 12 years. Our encounter with Haga’s works began with his solo exhibition at the ceramic gallery Utsuwa Note in 2021. We visited his Mashiko studio several times to discuss the solo exhibition.
This exhibition marks Haga’s first solo presentation at Kaikai Kiki Gallery.
In the past, he has primarily created tableware, sake cups, art objects, and medium-sized jars. Once this exhibition was confirmed, however, he designed a new kiln to fire larger pieces. After many rounds of trial and error, he successfully produced a massive pot measuring nearly 1 meter in height and weighing over 160 kg.
This attempt to push the physical scale of his work was a first for Haga—he described the process as difficult but enjoyable. Before firing, the pot was even larger and heavier, making it nearly impossible to move alone and requiring ingenuity throughout the production stages. He also paid careful attention to the harsh winter conditions of Mashiko, where temperatures can drop to -8°C, and to the compatibility of the materials used. Ultimately, of all the types of clay he handles in his studio, only one could fully withstand the production process of the large pot.
The exhibition will feature over 300 works, including not only the unprecedentedly large pot, but also medium-sized pots, tea bowls, sake cups, and more. We invite you to experience firsthand the traces of this ambitious challenge.
Incidentally, Haga is also known as one of the key members, along with fellow ceramicist Naoki Wada, of Tsuchitomo, a movement that was active over several years, which regarded clay as both the medium and subject of ceramic art. He also participated in the “Tsuchitomo no Hakaba” exhibition at Kaikai Kiki Gallery in August 2023.
Message from the Artist
I always use the materials I have on hand and get creative with my pottery.
This time, I challenged myself to create something larger than anything I’ve made before.
Ryuichi Haga
Ryuichi Haga
Born in 1984.
2010 Graduated from the Graduate School of Art and Design (Sculpture Course), Musashino Art University
2013 Moved to Mashiko, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture, and opened a kiln
Ryuichi Haga Solo Exhibition “Ryuichi Haga Ceramic Exhibition”
Dates: July 4 (Fri) – July 12 (Sat), 2025
Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Closed: Sundays, Mondays and Public Holidays
Venue: Kaikai Kiki Gallery
B1F, Motoazabu Crest Bldg., 2-3-30 Motoazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0046, Japan
Opening Reception:
July 4th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
