Tomoo Hamada walks in the footsteps of his grandfather the famous potter Hamada Shoji. While Hamada Shoji was a founding member of the Mingei movement and a great influencer of Mashiko pottery, Tomoo Hamada is gaining acclaim for pushing the boundaries of Mashiko ceramics. Starting pottery when he was three, Tomoo Hamada has always had a natural and fresh sensitivity as an artist. He is a graduate of Tama Art University with a degree in sculpture. In 1995, he travelled to England and revived a cultural exchange that his grandfather had formed with Leach Pottery. As an artist, he combines his personal sensitivity with centuries old technique to create natural and unique work. He uses a kick wheel and climbing kiln, both processes being hundreds of years old and widely out of use as people tend towards electrically powered tools. Tomoo Hamada however, has made an effort to preserve traditional craft techniques and has found great success in this preservation. He continues to hold exhibitions, lectures, and workshops throughout Japan and around the world.