Her tableware is made using the slip-casting technique, in which each piece is shaped in a mold. The slightly warped form, combined with the crispness of porcelain, creates a gentle, distinctive character. Rather than trimming the burr (the marks left from casting), she accents it with iron underglaze—a signature of her style.

The high-fired porcelain pieces are incredibly practical, with a smooth, durable surface that pairs well with metal cutlery. One of the main reason porcelain is widely used in Europe. Watanabe incorporates pearl white porcelain clay sourced from Kyushu, alongside a slightly smokier porcelain clay sourced from Kyoto.

Her teacups and plates carry a quiet elegance that allows them to blend seamlessly into any setting, while standing out on its own. The delicate balance of her designs reflects the style she has honed in Mashiko.

Mashiko is famous for Shoji Hamada, a leading figure in the mingei (folk craft) movement. His influence attracted many other potters to the area, and it remains a thriving ceramics community today.

Watanabe, drawn to Mashiko by Shoji Hamada’s legacy, was impressed by the ceramists’ sense of autonomy. In many traditional pottery regions, there is a strong adherence to established traditions. In contrast, Mashiko offers a more open, inclusive atmosphere where a diverse styles can coexist.

In Kyoto, where Watanabe studied ceramics, the honouring of tradition runs deep. Watanabe says that her time in different ceramic culture continues to influence her to find a balance.