Through the Kitchen Window — Season 1, Episode 10: Iga: Creating New Out of Old

Episode synopsis

Deep in the countryside is the peaceful area of Maru-bashira in Iga in southern-central Japan. This tiny village of only about 650 people has long been known for a type of pottery called Iga ware. Even today, several potteries continue this craft. Fukumori Michiho is one of them carrying on the tradition. For over 400 years, her family's pottery has been firing its kilns. Michiho pours her heart and soul into making earthenware pots called "donabe." Her hope is that modern generations will come to appreciate this time-honored cookware. Creating her very own "donabe" recipes, she wants to see these traditional pots once again become a familiar sight in kitchens across Japan.

About Through the Kitchen Window

These short documentaries take an intimate look at the lifestyles and culinary passions of people across Japan. Their stories are sure to warm the heart and whet the appetite.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Tama Hiyama: Chirashi Zushi Home-party Sushi
• E2Akemi and Satsuki: Shojin Ryori, Buddhist Cuisine
• E3Akio Okamura: Sardines Pickled in Rice Bran
• E4Sayaka Mori: Seaweed Maki Roll
• E5Misao Kuwata: Mochi Rice Cakes Wrapped in Bamboo Leaves
• E6Jiyu Gakuen: Salmon Chirashi Zushi
• E7Harie, Shiga: A Town Living with Water
• E8Shimi-konnyaku, Ibaraki
• E9Hayama: Bringing Seafood Back
• E11For the Love of Akigawa's Sweetfish
• E12First Bites, Big Smiles
• E13The Wasabi Brothers: Finding the Spice of Life