Tomoko was originally born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, and moved to the United States in 1998. She now lives in Oakland, California, with her family.

Her journey with ceramics began in 2000, when she studied privately for a few years with a friend who taught at the Palo Alto Art Center. From 2000 to 2008, she refined her skills and developed a deep connection to clay. Since then, she has continued to evolve her practice, creating work that blends Japanese aesthetics with natural forms, simple modern design, soft textures, and quiet beauty.

Tomoko has been a member of The Potters’ Studio in Berkeley, California, since 2014, and served on its board of directors from 2016 to 2021. She is also active in organizing ceramic workshops and cultural exchange events that connect the clay communities of Japan and the U.S.

Before focusing fully on ceramics, Tomoko was known as a floral designer, offering nature-inspired florals for weddings and events from 2002 to 2022. That background continues to influence her ceramics through a deep connection to beauty, form, and natural balance.

Each of her pieces is hand-thrown or slab-built and embracing the charm of slight imperfections. Her work is created to bring calm, warmth, and a sense of everyday beauty.

Her hope is simple: to make you smile with handmade art.