CROC Japan
Hasami
A Ceramic Town with 400 Years of History
Hasami Town, where “CROC Japan” is based, is a nature-rich town located in the north-central part of Nagasaki Prefecture. It is surrounded by gentle mountains, with terraced rice fields and rows of cherry blossom trees that create changing landscapes throughout the seasons.
The region where Hasami Town is located is known as the Hizen ceramic production area. This region—comprising Arita, Karatsu, Imari, Takeo, Ureshino, Sasebo, Hirado, and Hasami—is where Japan’s first domestically produced porcelain originated and is now recognized as a Japan Heritage site.
In particular, neighboring Arita has deep historical and cultural connections with Hasami, and the area is known for sharing a common ceramic tradition.
Although Hasami Town is primarily known for its ceramics industry, it has also gained recognition as a destination over the past two decades. Today, the town features cafés, galleries, and shops set in renovated former pottery factories, alongside facilities where visitors can observe the production process up close.
Rather than being a flashy tourist destination, Hasami offers a quieter kind of appeal — one rooted in the beauty and comfort of everyday life. While deeply connected to its ceramic traditions, the town continues to evolve in ways that reflect contemporary lifestyles, which is part of its unique charm.
With its balance of history, culture, nature, and daily life, Hasami can be seen as a place that embodies the richness of rural Japan.
