Born in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, in 1960. After graduating from the Mathematics Department of Iwate University and completing a special arts program, he studied ceramics at the Hokkaido Nopporo Ceramics Branch. In 1985, he established Kisaragi Kiln in Takamatsu, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. Using soils from across Iwate and apple ash as primary materials, he works in a wide range of techniques—ash glazes in striking tones of indigo, amber, and green; kohiki; urushi-tō; and more. Rooted in the making of everyday tableware, he produces works that balance practicality with beauty.