Yoshiro Kimura was born in 1946 in Japan and works in Hiroshima. Through years of dedicated experimentation, Kimura developed his signature hekiyû (blue glaze), which has become the defining feature of his work. Deeply shaped by the atomic legacy of Hiroshima, he channels a message of peace and renewal through his art. The luminous blue of his ceramics, ranging from gentle sky hues to deep sapphire, is a surprisingly modern take on classical form types. He was inspired by the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean, which he encountered during his travels. This blue symbolizes calm and hope, reflecting his desire to envision a world free from the threat of destruction.

Kimura’s creative process integrates a synthesis of cultural influences: his forms are mostly wheel thrown, and are constructed from a blend of porcelain and stoneware, making the weight of the clay unique. His blended and mixed clay allows him to work with a wider range of scale in construction. His forms remain distinctly Japanese with traditional Chinese and Korean influences from historical pots seen in museums, yet his glazing techniques draw upon Egyptian and Iranian traditions studied during his travels. Over decades, he has perfected the delicate control of blue gradation, achieving surfaces that are full of vitality and warmth, recalling warm oceans.

Since 1999, Kimura’s works have been exhibited extensively across Japan and internationally. His his pieces are held in many public collections. Celebrated for his innovative and meditative hekiyû glaze, Kimura’s creations embody both technical brilliance and a profound sense of peace.