Forwarded for Japan Foundation Los Angeles/Facebook |The artist talk "Kenta Takaki – Turning Porcelain into Tofu" was held at JFLA on August 14th. After an explanation by Japanese art expert Meher McArthur, ceramic artist Kenta Takaki from Kumamoto, Kyushu, spoke about the history of porcelain and porcelain from Kyushu's Amakusa region, which Takaki is involved with. Among the works that made use of the smooth, white characteristics of Amagusa Porcelain, the tofu-themed pieces were a huge hit at the venue. People couldn't help but smile as they picked up the pieces.

Japan Foundation | Artist Talk: Kenta Takaki - Turning Porcelain into TOFU, Thursday, August 14, 2025, 7:00-8:30PM

Kumamoto-based ceramist Kenta Takaki encountered Amakusa porcelain while training as a potter in Amakusa, and became drawn to its "whiteness," which inspired him to emphasize the purity of the clay and the grace of vessel forms.

His works range from elegant pure white porcelain vessels to dishes that mimic paper and even sculptural works depicting various forms of tofu.

This artist talk will be held in conjunction with his first solo exhibition in the United States at the Japanese America Cultural and Community Center (JACCC) in Little Tokyo on August 16 and 17, 2025.

Ahead of the exhibition, Takaki and exhibition curator Meher McArthur, will give a talk at Japan Foundation Los Angeles, opening with a slide presentation by McArthur introducing Amakusa porcelain and Takaki’s work, followed by a conversation with the artist that will be open to guests’ questions and comments.

Admission is Free. RSVP Required.