CROC Japan
why we started the progam
We are a family studio — studio wani (Wa² = Watajima ×2) — founded in 2017. For years we have been making pots side by side, enjoying the journey of refining our craft.
But working in the studio all day can also feel isolating. As our two daughters (born 2019 and 2022) grow more independent, we realized how much we missed international community and cultural exchange.
So we thought: Why not create that community ourselves?
CROC is our way of opening our studio and our town to the world. We want to share what we love and invite others to learn with us.
about studio wani
At studio wani, everything is handmade.
Founded in 2017, we aim to carry traditional Japanese craftsmanship into modern homes — creating plates, cups, and bowls that are easy to use in daily life, yet each with a character of its own.
Over the years, our work has grown alongside our family and community here in Hasami, where tradition continues to shape the way we make today.
Meet the Team
Mirjam Watajima
1983 born as Mirjam Rickert in Münster, Germany
2002- 2005 apprenticeship at Keramische Werkstatt Margaretenhöhe under Young-Jae Lee
2010 Graduated from Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle, Department of Product Design
Enrolled in the Wheel-Throwing Course at Arita College of Ceramics, Saga Prefecture
2012 Joined Tobo Ao in Hasami, Nagasaki Prefecture as painter and designer
2017 Founded studio wani
“I fell in love with Old Imari porcelain when I was a student.
Since then, I’ve been trying to create works that not only tell a story, but also convey a warm and somehow natsukashii feeling — a quiet sense of nostalgia.
When I paint, the rhythm of the lines is what matters most to me.”
Kenichiro (Ken) Watajima
1982 Born in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture
2008 Withdrew from Kobe Pharmaceutical University and began training as a chef at an Italian restaurant
2013 Enrolled in Arita College of Ceramics, Saga Prefecture
Received the 14th Sakaida Kakiemon Award at the graduation exhibition
2015 Joined Koshungama kiln in Hasami, Nagasaki Prefecture
2017 Founded studio wani
2023 studio wani incorporated as a company; representative changed from Mirjam to Kenichiro
Anna & Nina Watajima
Anna born 2019
Nina born 2022
Charlie
2017 born in Arita