Riko Imai is a ceramic artist based in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture. Incorporating anagama kiln firing into her practice, she creates vessels and everyday tools designed to accompany the rhythms of daily life. Her work reflects a careful attention to usability—for instance, she consciously selects clays and glazes that resist odors and staining and are less prone to breaking. Her repertoire ranges from tea wares and sculptural pieces to practical household items such as funnels. She is also an active participant in the Mashiko Pottery Fair and group exhibitions held across Japan.