My CIP activity was attending group pottery lessons three times a month at Ikoma Ceramics. The studio offered a very nice intimate setting where I worked with the instructor and four other local participants. Since we all shared one large table while working on our individual pieces, it was easy to have fun, engaging conversations. Being the only college student in the group meant I was always with people older than me, which provided a great real-world environment to practice the polite Japanese I learned in class.

The sessions were held on Wednesdays or Sundays and lasted two hours each. I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere; it felt like a safe space to ask questions or simply work on my pottery to de-stress. Through this activity, I became more confident speaking Japanese and understanding the local dialect.

I really recommend Ms. Ikoma’s studio! She is very approachable and flexible with scheduling through text. If you’re looking for creative freedom and want to craft some unique pottery pieces to take home, this is the perfect opportunity.