The "Saruyama Aesthetic" of Balanced Lines and White Space

"Saruyama Dojo - Tokyo Showdown" is an extra exhibition in the series curated by Takeaki Matsumoto, the owner of "Utsuwa Note." Following "Saruyama Dojo - Osamu Saruyama's Design Products Exhibition" which began at "Utsuwa Note" on July 12, and the group exhibition "Saruyama Dojo - Disciple Exhibition," it has led to "Saruyama Dojo - Tokyo Showdown" at "Bar Zingaro."




Takeaki Matsumoto states, "This Saruyama Dojo exhibition focuses on Saruyama's design incubation (support and development). To realize this program, we held a public call late last year, and nine creators from across the country gathered."




While "Saruyama Dojo - Osamu Saruyama's Design Products Exhibition" at "Utsuwa Note" featured and sold soup bowls by Master Saruyama and his nine disciples, this "Saruyama Dojo - Tokyo Showdown" exhibits and sells tableware from each disciple.

Furthermore, the striking visual image for "Saruyama Dojo - Tokyo Showdown" (top of article) was brought to life by manga artist Michihiro Hori, following detailed instructions from Takeaki Matsumoto. It introduces the participating creators of this "Saruyama Dojo" as characters and unfolds a fictional story. Also noteworthy is the caricature event scheduled for August 24 (Sunday) starting at 3 PM.




"Saruyama Dojo - Tokyo Showdown"

Period: Until August 26 (Tuesday)

Venue: Bar Zingaro

Nakano Broadway 2F, 5-52-15 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo

Tel. 03-5942-8382

Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM; Fri, Sat, Holidays, Day before Holidays until 11:00 PM

http://bar-zingaro.jp/




<'Quirky' Profiles Received by the Editorial Department>


Osamu Saruyama - Master

In his youth, he wielded razor-sharp techniques, but now his life revolves around sake. His signature move? Drunken Fist, of course. He can't do anything without the cheerleaders' support.

Born in Saitama Prefecture in 1966. Product designer (head of Gyumelayout Studio). Runs "Saruya" in Moto-Azabu, dealing in tableware including antique ceramics. Also composes and performs music for theater, film, and exhibitions. "Saruya": 3-12-46 Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo.



Chinatsu Yamamoto - Cheerleader

A beloved character by everyone. A natural-born cheerleader who brings people together. She seems to listen to others, but is actually the best at controlling the situation.



Takeaki Matsumoto - Dojo Master

His public persona is that of a gentle dojo master, but behind the scenes, he's the principal of "Utsuwa Gakuen"! He watches over both disciples and the master with deep affection, a grand figure of pottery that can't be contained in an ordinary notebook. He plans all the dojo and school's annual events, but sulks and sits in the corner of the room if things aren't exciting enough.



Saruyama Dojo Disciples = The nine volunteers who gathered under Master Saruyama



Yoshiko Nitta (Osaka / Glass) - Support Squad

Beautiful striped glass made with sandblasting. Good for use, good to look at. Busy days since recently moving to Osaka.

She actually wanted to join the cheerleading squad but hesitated, ending up in the support squad. She's in slow mode but is the most dependable older sister figure.



Osamu Futagawa (Osaka / Pottery) - Support Squad

Studied environmental design at university. As expected from a science major, his creations have intellectual forms. Beautiful pottery in earth tones.

A problem child who has been truant from school. He views the world cynically, but also has a diligent and neat side. He acts tough but is deeply emotional and easily moved to tears. His catchphrase is, "I'm a rotten orange."



Hajime Imamura (Arita / Porcelain) - American Football Club

Born and raised in Arita. He is making a confident debut, bringing the JICON brand, which he established at his family's kiln, with him. He takes pride in his work at the kiln.

A transfer student from Saga Prefecture. The ace of Saruyama Dojo. His beaming smile charms everyone. In reality, he's a dojo-breaker secretly sent by JICON.



Kaoru Matsumoto (Nagano / Pottery) - Aikido Club

Previously worked in PR for a restaurant management company. Fascinated by Bizen ware, she turned to pottery. Her unglazed stoneware pieces are elegantly feminine.

Though feminine in appearance, she preferred boys' games since childhood. She joined the Aikido club seeking mental discipline. She goes to the restroom alone, without needing to be accompanied by other girls; she walks her own path.



Tatsuya Hattori (Gifu / Pottery) - Karate Club

Graduated from Tajimi City Pottery Design and Technical Center. Perhaps it was fate that the school was only a five-minute walk from his home. His sharp pieces with metallic glazes are cool.

A born sports enthusiast. Polite, always greeting seniors properly. His techniques are sharp. He enjoys building plastic models at home.



Tomoya Numata (Ibaraki / Pottery) - Long-Distance Swimming Club

Studied Japanese painting at university. Leveraging this background, he excels at painting on pottery. His tasteful designs possess a mature charm.

A naturally air-headed character with strong convictions. His baseball uniform is a costume. He's in the long-distance swimming club, having grown up by the sea. He's skilled in ancient swimming techniques taught by his grandfather.



Hanaoka Hiroshi (Okayama / Glass) - Boxing Club

A fine young man who deeply loves his hometown, Bizen. After studying glass in Osaka, he opened a glass studio in Bizen. His colors, made with rice, are original.

An upbeat and energetic character. The class leader. However, this has often led to trouble. He's aiming for the next student council president position.



Tsuyoshi Takagi (Kyoto / Pottery) - Judo Club

Originally from Kagoshima. His appearance is indeed reminiscent of Saigo Takamori. He primarily creates pieces in the kohiki style, inheriting techniques from old Korean pottery.

Stubborn and resolute. He doesn't waste words. He favors traditional styles. He wears iron geta to school but wishes he could stop. Though he looks tough, he's surprisingly shy and blushes easily.



Satoshi Nishigaki (Ishikawa / Glass) - Sumo Club

Transitioned from being a hairdresser to a glass artist. Studied in Toyama and recently joined the prestigious Utatsu-yama Craft Workshop in Kanazawa. He excels at cut glass.

Still a fresh first-year student. He's currently in the midst of intense practice. His family runs a hair salon. His dream is to tie his own topknot when his hair grows long.