Hayashi Shotaro (林正太郎)
Hayashi Shotaro was born in 1947 in Toki City, a region known for Mino ceramics. He first worked as a salaryman in Nagoya before returning home to study pottery under his brother. His talent developed quickly and he earned major recognition, including the highest award at the Gifu Prefectural Art Exhibition in 1968 and the Governor’s Award at the Asahi Ceramic Exhibition in 1971. Designated an official Beholder of Intangible Cultural Property of Mino Prefecture, his work is held in museum collections across Japan and abroad. He is celebrated for powerful forms, refined Shino techniques, and innovative approaches like the Manyosai glaze.
