Yamashi Ceramics Studio in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, has been in business for 117 years. For a long time, they have been making teacups featuring portraits of successive prime ministers.

In an interview on October 2, before the new LDP president was decided, the design manager said…

“Mr. Koizumi and Ms. Takaichi are leading, with Mr. Hayashi following closely. Sales vary depending on the person’s popularity among the public. We would be happy if Mr. Koizumi wins.”

Just before the vote, the design manager mentioned that they had prepared design sketches for both Ms. Takaichi and Mr. Koizumi and were waiting for the results.

The sales of teacups with portraits of successive prime ministers…

Yamashi Ceramics Studio

The Yamashi Ceramics Studio is a renowned center for traditional Japanese pottery, known for preserving centuries-old techniques. It was established in the early 20th century by master potter Kenta Yamashi, who sought to revive the local ceramic heritage of the region. Today, the studio continues to produce handcrafted pieces and offers workshops to teach the art of Japanese ceramics.

Toki City

Toki City is a city in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, renowned as a major center for high-quality ceramic ware, particularly Mino ware, a tradition dating back to the 7th century. Its history in pottery flourished during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568–1600) when local kilns began producing tea ceremony utensils that are still celebrated today. The city continues this legacy with numerous ceramics companies and the renowned Ceramic Park MINO, which celebrates its rich artistic heritage.

Gifu Prefecture

Gifu Prefecture, located in central Japan, is a region rich in natural beauty and traditional crafts, historically known as a crossroads of important transportation routes. It is famous for the historic mountain village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site with unique thatched-roof houses, and the city of Gifu, which was a power base for the influential warlord Oda Nobunaga in the 16th century. The prefecture is also celebrated for its cormorant fishing on the Nagara River, a tradition dating back over 1,300 years.

LDP

“LDP” most commonly refers to the Liberal Democratic Party, which is Japan’s dominant political party rather than a physical place or cultural site. Founded in 1955, it has been the ruling party for most of Japan’s post-war era, shaping the country’s modern political and economic landscape.