It is said that Tanegashima ware started around the 17th–18th centuries. Up until 1902, there had originally been pottery known as Yokino ware made in a climbing kiln in Tanegashima.
Tanegashima is abundant in iron sand, so its mud has a high iron content. That is why pottery made with that mud is known to be masculine, simple, and rich.
Yokino ware masterpieces are preserved in the Tanegashima Development Center.
The ruins of the Yokino ware kiln were designated as a cultural property of Nishinoomote City on February 12th, 1975.
In February 1971, the Tanegashima kiln was established by a potter from Karatsu by the name of Nakazato Takashi, who had venerable tradition and proper techniques. While the kiln worked on continuing Yokino ware, Koyama Fujio still named the pottery Tanegashima ware.
