About the event

Toyama Hidenori (name: Tomioka Katsuyuki) was born in Gunma Prefecture in 1948 (Showa 23), developed Hansen's Disease, and entered Tama Zenshoen in 1961 (Showa 36). He still lives at Tama Zenshoen today.
While in the sanatorium, Toyama devoted himself to various hobbies, but pottery was what gave him a special purpose in life. He joined Tama Zenshoen Pottery Studio in 1980 and became absorbed in pottery. He eventually began submitting his works to public exhibitions with the goal of returning to society as a potter, but he continued to be rejected at large public exhibitions that attracted talented artists. Still, Toyama did not give up, and created a large vase called "Hydrangea" using ashes from pear trees from his family's pear orchard as a glaze. His work was successfully selected for the prestigious public exhibition that he had aimed for.
Sensing a positive response, Toyama decided to pursue a career as a potter, but due to financial difficulties and his own disability he gave up on returning to society. However, he continued making pottery and became a pottery instructor at Higashimurayama City Central Community Center, and in 1991 (Heisei 3), encouraged by his students, he was able to hold a solo exhibition.
What started as a hobby has grown into a professional art, eventually leading to interactions with local residents. Toyama is proud to say that through his pottery making, he has been able to "reintegrate into society after being isolated."
Please take a look at Toyama's work, which has overcome the barriers of isolation and created interaction with society.

Outline of the event

[Date]
From Wednesday, October 16, 2024 to Monday, November 4, 2024 (National Holiday)
*This event has now ended.

【place】
The National Hansen's Disease Museum 1st floor Gallery

[Opening hours]
9:30am to 4:30pm (entry until 4pm)

[Closed days (during the exhibition period)]
October 21st (Monday), October 28th (Monday)

[Venue Scene]

[Introduction]

Event※Finished

Toyama Hidenori Ceramic Exhibition Gallery Talk
[Date and time] Sunday, November 3, 2024 13:30 to 13:50 (approx. 20 minutes)
[Venue] The National Hansen's Disease Museum 1st floor gallery (free)
[Capacity] First 20 people (numbered tickets will be distributed at the reception from 13:00 on the day)
[Contents] The curator in charge (Tashiro Manabu) will give an explanation of the Toyama Hidehaku Ceramics Exhibition.

*The above content may be changed without notice.
Download the leaflet here​

<<Contact Us>>
The National Hansen's Disease Museum Projects Division
Manabu Tashiro (Curator in charge of this exhibition)
4-1-13, Aoba-cho, Higashimurayama-shi, Tokyo 189-0002
Phone: 042-396-2909
*We are unable to provide service on days when the museum is closed. Please inquire in advance.