Seto City, located in Aichi Prefecture in central Japan, is one of the main areas in Japan specifically known for the production of ceramic goods. Although the area has a long ceramic tradition there are a number of young, talented artists in this area experimenting with clay to produce functional forms that fuse the different techniques found here with modern ideas.

One of those makers is Makoto Saito, a potter inspired by Lucie Rie and Hans Coper. Makoto produces thin, light forms on his pottery wheel from a semi-porcelain clay body. Once fired pigmented porcelain slips are layered using a sponge to create beautiful, contemporary surfaces that stand out just enough to intrigue the eye and make them a joy to use each day.