FAQ

Unlike a pottery class, there are no restrictions, and you don't need the enormous initial investment of a home studio. It's an environment where you can pursue your own expression at your own pace.The most distinctive feature is not so much the "environment," but the "people." The shared pottery studio brings together people who are passionate about pottery and those who are serious about getting their work out into the world. There is an iconic line in volume 4 of the manga "Space Brothers" that says , "I was here all along," and just like that moment, this is a place where people who have been working on pottery alone can find companions, inspire each other, and grow together.Comparison itemsPottery classHome workshopShared Pottery StudioClaySynUsage timeSpecific days and times are required (e.g., once a week, 90 minutes).Available anytimeOpen from morning until late at night, 365 days a year.Use it according to your lifestyle.Freedom of productionCurriculum and classroom constraints make it difficult to express oneself in a unique way.Complete freedomFreedom within the bounds of safety and mannerscostThe monthly fees and course fees are expensive considering the amount of time used.A huge initial investment is required, including the purchase of kilns and equipment, and electrical work.Monthly subscriptionMotivation and StimulationThere are also beginner-friendly workshops, which makes it difficult to concentrate on the actual creation process.Being isolated and alone leads to loneliness. There is little information and little stimulation.Having like-minded companions allows us to exchange information and inspire each other.

It originates from Clay Station in Bangalore , a pottery studio I frequented when I was stationed in Bangalore, India, about 10 years ago.By chance, when I found this property, I discovered that Sakuragicho is "Japan's first railway station." Feeling this strange connection, I consulted with the founder about using the name, and he readily agreed.His reply contained the thoughts he had put into the word "station."​​​The idea of a “station” where creative people gather, learn, experiment, and begin their journeys is exactly the spirit with which we started Claystation in Bangalore many years ago.​​He apparently established his pottery studio with the hope that it would be "a place where creative people gather, learn, experiment, and then embark on their own paths," using the word "station" to represent his wish.​​​This is exactly what I want to do in this shared pottery studio.

I will share real-life examples from Bangalore, India and Paris, France, where I actually used the service.Open Studio Member in Bangalore, IndiaIn addition to one-day workshops and multi-day courses, which are also available in Japan, there is a system called Open Studio Member, which is equivalent to a shared pottery studio.You can go and use the studio whenever it's open. However, you won't be given a key, so you can't use it when the studio is closed.The usage fee is charged based on the number of days used. Clay is also charged by the amount used (kg), and firing is charged per piece based on the number and size of the works.What's typical of India is that everything is very informal and self-declared. For example, when buying clay, you cut it yourself from a 10kg block, weigh it, and then declare and pay for it all at once later.Although I didn't use it myself, in addition to the Open Studio, there was also a system where you could exclusively use a corner of the large pottery studio (about 4.5 tatami mats in size). You would be given your own potter's wheel and workspace in a brick-enclosed space, which you could use freely at any time.Residency programs in Paris, FrancePottery classes were extremely popular in Paris, with numerous studios throughout the city. Some studios had waiting lists of 20 people or even 8 months (as of 2024).Similar to Japan and India, they offer one-day workshops and courses.Atelier-libre and Residence are equivalent to shared pottery studios.Atelier-libwashYou purchase a time package in advance (8-hour pack, 15-hour pack, etc.) and can use the studio anytime it's available. No advance reservation is required. You pay based on the time you use.The fee often includes clay, glaze, firing costs, and dedicated shelf space.ResidenceYou receive a key to the studio and can use the facilities freely 24 hours a day.A fixed monthly fee applies. However, firing costs will be billed separately.A glimpse of the Paris studio

We sincerely apologize, but our shared pottery studio is not a pottery class where instructors provide guidance. It is intended for those who can complete the entire process from preparing the clay to glazing on their own. For those with no experience or beginners, we will introduce you to a nearby pottery class. Please apply again after you have learned the basics there.