Tamami Kubota’s “Tama Mino Pottery” Exhibition Opens in Omotesando
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Otherwise Gallery, an art space nestled along Omotesando’s antique street and operated by H.P. France Co., Ltd., is currently hosting “Tama Mino Pottery,” a solo exhibition by artist Tamami Kubota. Running from November 21 to December 25, 2025, this exhibition marks a significant milestone as it is the first time Kubota’s captivating ceramic figure series has been showcased in a solo exhibition in Tokyo.
A New Artistic Journey: From Diverse Mediums to the Warmth of Clay
Kubota Tamami, an artist known for her diverse expressions across painting, kirigami (paper cutting), and three-dimensional works, embarked on a new artistic path in 2018. Her journey led her to the renowned Kobei Kiln in Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture, a historic pottery dating back to 1804. This esteemed kiln, known for its tradition of Mino ware and once supplying dyed ceramics to Edo Castle, became the crucible for Kubota’s latest creations.
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Under the guidance of Kobei Kiln’s eighth-generation master, Ryotaro Kato, Kubota transitioned from her 27-year practice of making stone powder figures to embracing the rich, pliable medium of clay. The inherent qualities of pottery—the supple texture, the unpredictable beauty of glazes, and the transformative power of the kiln’s fire—have breathed new life into her art. The exhibition celebrates this evolution, presenting a world where ceramic figures joyfully revel in the essence of life.
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Embracing Life’s Celebration Through Form
The displayed works are a testament to Kubota’s vision, capturing the “joy of life” through the warm embrace of earth. Each ceramic figure, from whimsical creatures to expressive human-like forms, stands as an ode to vitality.
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Artist Tamami Kubota shares her perspective: “These cheerful, carefree ceramic figures sing the praises of life. The many steps involved in creating them, from shaping the primitive clay with water, sun, and fire, feel like a form of prayer. I aimed to express the joy of living and a prayer for eternal life. These are songs of life, born from Mino clay and the fires of Kobei Kiln.”
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Exhibition Details
Tamami Kubota Solo Exhibition “Tama Mino Pottery”
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Dates: November 21 (Friday) – December 25 (Thursday), 2025
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Location: Otherwise Gallery (Obara-ryu Kaikan B1F, 5-7-17 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
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Phone: 03-3797-1507
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Hours: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Closed on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays)
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Exhibition Information: https://otherwise-gallery.com/jp/tokyo/820/
Otherwise Gallery will also participate in the “Spiral Xmas Market 2025” at Spiral Garden (Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo) from December 5 (Friday) to December 25 (Thursday), 2025. During PART 3 of the market, from December 19 (Friday) to December 25 (Thursday), ceramic figures and two-dimensional works by Tamami Kubota will be showcased and available for purchase.
About the Artist
Tamami Kubota graduated from the Graduate School of Fine Arts at Aichi Prefectural University of the Arts. She has held numerous solo and group exhibitions both in Japan and internationally. Her works are characterized by bold strokes and unique color palettes created through mixed media, weaving rich narratives. Her quiet dynamism resonates with viewers’ memories, evoking various stories. She presents her works through various media, including tableaux, ceramic figures, and kirigami series.
Otherwise Gallery
Otherwise Gallery, operated by H.P. France Co., Ltd., embodies the spirit of seeking “something different”—a desire to explore new values beyond existing conventions. The gallery features a diverse range of artists active both domestically and internationally.
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Location: Obara-ryu Kaikan B1F, 5-7-17 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062
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Hours: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
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Closed: Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays
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Phone: 03-3797-1507
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Official Website: https://otherwise-gallery.com
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Official Instagram: @otherwise_gallery
H.P. France Co., Ltd., established in 1985, develops various lifestyle and cultural businesses centered on fashion, including art and cafe ventures. The company operates approximately 30 concept shops nationwide and its own e-commerce site. It values encounters with creative talents and unique personalities from around the world, including Paris, London, Galicia, New York, and Berlin, using these connections as energy for business growth.
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Official Website: https://www.hpfrance.com/
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Official Instagram: @hpfrance_official
