Tomoko was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, and is now based in Oakland, California. Her ceramic practice began in 2000 through private study with a ceramics instructor from the Palo Alto Art Center. Over the years, she has developed a body of work that blends Japanese aesthetics with organic forms, modern simplicity, and tactile surfaces inspired by nature and everyday rituals.

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Tomoko has been a member of The Potters’ Studio in Berkeley since 2014 and served on its Board of Directors from 2016 to 2021. She also helps organize ceramic workshops and cultural exchange programs connecting clay communities in Japan and the United States.

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In 2026, Tomoko was selected as one of five Japanese ceramic artists whose work was exhibited and sold at the Cha May Ching Museum Boutique at the Asian Art Museum.

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Prior to focusing fully on ceramics, Tomoko worked as a floral designer for 2 decades, creating nature-inspired installations for weddings and events. This background continues to inform her approach to composition, balance, and material sensitivity.

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Tomoko's ceramics piece is hand-thrown or slab-built, embracing subtle variations and the quiet character of handmade work. Through soft textures and understated forms, her ceramics are intended to bring a sense of calm and warmth into everyday life.