n Okinawa, where porcelain is rare, Manabu Akamine creates distinctive works with soft, glassy textures and charming, cream-like forms. Initially trained with pottery clay, he found porcelain’s softness and unpredictability far more intriguing—leading him to embrace its unique qualities.

Akamine’s work has evolved from simple vessels to pieces that blur the line between functional object and sculpture. His recent minimalist cups focus on form alone, drawing attention to the gentle wavering of the rim. At the same time, his new crackled vases—originally born from a long-lost accident—evoke trees or buildings, becoming forests or futuristic cities when grouped together.

Through this imaginative interplay, Akamine invites viewers to see beyond the object and into the world it inspires.