During the karatsu yakimon festival, I participated in a limited event planned and produced by Masatoshi Murata. Some participants came all the way from the kanto region, and tickets seemed to sell out quickly after applications began. The venue was decorated with the hearts of those involved using e-garatsu vase made by Keiko Yoshino, who passed away in 2023. I was once again impressed by mr. Murata’s passion for karatsu and how the people who support him are working together to create this event.
In the first part, mr. Shoichi Hata（son of Hideo Hata）kindly talked about his father’s（Hideo Hata）routine, food, and memories of daily life. Mr. Murata and mr. Mitsuo Katsumi skillfully explore the relationship between Rosanjin Kitaoji, mr. Jiro Aoyama, and Mrs. Masako Shirasu, as well as behind the scenes stories that can only be heard here. His real voice, which was being shown for the first time, was crisp and gave a sense of his individuality and strength, which was not influenced by others. We also had the opportunity to view treasured early-imari sake bottle and old-karatsu sake cup.
The second part was a banquet where everyone brought their own sake vessels. The customer who was unable to participate due to unforeseen circumstances lent us an old-karatsu sake cup. Old-karatsu ware was only made for 30 years, but mr. Murata, local potters, and people fascinated by old-karatsu gather in karatsu to reminisce. It seems that the limited edition book “Old-Karatsu Sake Cup” has already sold out. I was inspired by the wonderful plans and momentum that are supporting culture.
