Isao Nakama

Born in 1972 in Yomitan Village, Okinawa, Isao Nakama developed an interest in ceramics at an early age. While in high school, he founded a ceramics club and served as its leader, marking the beginning of his dedication to the craft. In the 1990s, he studied for five years under Jorge Itokazu, a third-generation Peruvian artist who was living in Yomitan at the time. He later continued to refine his skills under ceramic artist Shinman Yamada before setting out on his own in 2001.

Over the years, Nakama’s work has received numerous honors. He has been awarded a total of eight times at exhibitions including the Contemporary Okinawan Ceramics Exhibition, the Japan Folk Crafts Museum Exhibition, and Okiten. In September 2002, he received the Okinawa Governor’s Award (Gold Prize) in the Free Works category at the 24th Contemporary Ceramics Exhibition. It was his second time receiving the award, following his first win at the age of 21.

At the heart of Nakama’s work is a desire to create pottery with strength and character, pieces that lift the spirits of those who use them. He continues to explore what can only be created in Okinawa and how the distinctive character of the islands can be expressed through his pottery. Whenever possible, he uses locally sourced materials, including Okinawan clay and glazes, allowing the land itself to become part of his work.

At the same time, Nakama deeply values the handcraft traditions that have been nurtured in Okinawa over generations. He believes that his role at Nakama Pottery is not only to honor these traditions, but also to carry them forward into the future. Through his work, he continues to create pottery that is deeply and unmistakably rooted in Okinawa.