The local train runs along Lake Biwa towards Takashima. The couple are waiting with their car at Omi-Takashima station, since the small hamlet of Tomisaka (population 90) where they live is around 7 kilometres away. Regina and Shunichi bought an old farmhouse with adjoining buildings here in 1984 and renovated everything in style. Since then, they have been working in the country and – each in their own studio – designing expressive art objects, mostly made of ceramics. The fact that they can make a living from this is something they owe to Japan, since the Japanese love ceramic vessels and Kyoto has been known as an important centre of pottery for hundreds of years.

The fragrance of rice fills the house. Before inviting us to join her for the meal, Regina leads us through the different rooms and shows us her studio as well as her husband’s. Regina’s studio is full of objects made of clay and working materials. For her work, she buys a mixture of clay and porcelain and crafts this combination into vessels. What makes ceramics art? “In Japan, there are no clear-cut differences between art and handicraft. I experience this as very liberating,” she replies. Like her husband, she mainly produces pottery for everyday use. “The vessel is the focus of my work. Even an empty bowl is beautiful, since it is self-contained and can occupy its own space – like a sculpture.” Regina has never intended to copy an existing ceramic style, instead drawing inspiration from other works and then allowing herself to be guided by her own feeling. Her creations are characterised by the interweaving of old and new traditions. The Swiss artist has gained recognition for her work in Japan: She exhibits her art in Kyoto, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Tokyo, and other cities.

A short stay was originally planned
When the trained nurse from the Swiss town of Obfelden travelled to Japan in 1979, it was her interest in ceramics that brought her there. After arriving in Japan, she first had to learn Japanese – no easy task. But after just two weeks, she met the ceramic artist Shunichi Maekawa, who shared her passion and supported her. “He introduced me to local potters. I also learned to work at the potter’s wheel. I’m self-taught and, after some time, took the bold step of starting my own business thanks to Shunichi. A deep connection grew from this cooperation and we decided to stay together.”

Living in the midst of nature inspires the couple. In the nearby forests, they both recharge their batteries for their demanding work, which enables them to earn a modest but good living. The great Japanese ceramic artist Koyama Fujio once said: “The best pieces of Japanese ceramics always remain an echo of nature.” When one is at home in this silence of nature and makes full use of everything life has to offer, the question of homesickness does not arise. Regina stays connected with her family in Switzerland and visits them regularly. But after 40 years in Japan, she has to some extent become a Japanese woman. When she summons us to the table, she says: “Hai, douzou,” which roughly means: “Please have a seat.” Before she starts eating, she folds her hands in front of her face and bows briefly before the meal. She speaks Japanese with her husband. “Totemo oishii,” he says after a short moment – very good. And she answers: “Hai, sou desu ne,” yes, it’s really good. Naturally, everything is served on self-made tableware. Each plate and each vessel is unique.