In the early summer of 1975, I quit my job as a businessman that I had been working for three years, climbed the mountain behind my house built a Nobori Kiln.
I decided to start my oun business and not apply for unemployment insurance, but instead make a living by selling pottery.
My first daughter was born in March of that year.
It would be unthinkable recklessness now.
Through an intoroduction from Mr.M, who had a Nobori Kiln nearby, Istarted tableware for the inn, but the income was not enough to live on.
The savings I had made during my time as a salaryman and the wedding gift money I received from my father were all depleted.
At the end of the year, I wrote a letter to Mr.Kato Tokuro in Nagoya asking to become his disciple.
I wasn't sure if he would meet me, but I was young anyway.
Fortunately, at New Year's, I received a warm response from Mr,Shigetaka's wife, who said, 'Regerdless of whether you wait to become my apprentice, please come and see us.'
When I visited Suishoen's home on a snowy morning, I was greeted by Mr.Tokuro and Mr.Shigetaka and his wife.
I was already 26 years old.
'You can't become an apprentice after you're 26.'
I was turned down, but it was really nice to meet you.
Since I was told I couldn't become an apprentice, I went to the employment office to apply for unemployment insurance.
That's when I learned about Seto's Higher Vocational Training School for Ceramics.
If I can get in, I will be eligible for unemployment insurance and training allowance for one year.
I thought I could survive for the next year.
I asked my wife's father to go to the interview at the ceramics training school, and somehow he managed to get in.
I think it was around mid-February or early March when my enrollment hadn't been decided yet.
One night, as I was firing the Nobori Kiln, trying to find something to do, heaed Iruka's "Nagori Yuki" on the radio.
The Nobori Kiln at that time was located on the mountain behind my house and it was pitch black all around.
Under the dreary light of a bare light bulb, I was firing the kiln alone.
Snow began to fall in the middle of the night.
Wood-fired Kilns, including Nobori Kilns, do not heat up as expected.
I listened to "Nagori Yuki" in the middle of the night when I felt like crying.
Even now, when I hear this song, I remember that tine.
And it is a memory that I will never forget.
This is where my life in pottery began.
During my time at the training school, I would visit Suishoen on my days off.
It was six months later that I was given permission to become an apprentice. As preparations were being made to invite my wife and first daughter, nearly a year had passed since I wrote the letter before I officially accepted them as apprentices.
It has been more than forty years since then.
Both Mr.Tokuro and his wife, and Mr.Shigetaka and wife, are no loger with us.
It is thanks to Mr.Tokuro and Mr.Shigetaka that I have been able to continue making pottery through trial error.
Every year at the end of the year, I still feel sentimental thining, 'This year too, I was able to earn a living by eating grilled food.'
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr.Tokuro, Mr.Shigetaka, and their wives.
I would also like to express my deep gratitude to all those involved in the pottery industry who have always helped me.
By the way...Iruka's "Nagori Yuki" is sill my favorite song.

  Toshio Kawate

　Zip Code 399-2222
　1096, Chiyo, Iida-City, nagano Pref. Japan
　SEIRANDOU　Toshio Kawate
　Phone：0265-59-2016
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