Shige Morioka is located in Amano in the Wakayama prefecture, near Osaka. He entered pottery through no family tradition but through travel, books, and time in the studio. At age 25, he built his kiln in Amano and has focused on making functional earthenware pottery ever since. His playful nature can be seen in his simple and earthy textured work. Morioka has guided many young potters through apprenticeships and tutelage, impacting Japanese ceramics in his work and his teaching. His jars and vessels can be seen at home and abroad in permanent collections and exhibitions.