A mingei (folk craft) kiln based in Hii River town, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. Founded in 1947 by five young potters, the kiln developed under the guidance of Yanagi Soetsu and other members of the mingei movement. Using locally sourced materials, craftsmen handle every step by hand on the wheel, from shaping to glazing. A six-chamber climbing kiln stands to the east of the workshop, and three to four firings are held each year. The kiln continues to produce everyday vessels that embody the mingei ideal of beauty in use.