I had the honor of spending an academic year as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar to Japan where I investigated a renowned ceramic production ecosystem on the island of Kyushu, in the town of Arita. The technical aim of this ongoing research is to contribute to regional revitalization by helping develop industry-scale pathways for valorizing pottery waste.

In partnership with academics and traditional industries based in and around Saga Prefecture, research initiated during this period of intense investigation examined industrial waste, agricultural products and processes, and artisanal traditions for their potential to inform novel approaches to sustainable ceramics production. The research extends work initiated in The Netherlands (Casting New Traditions). While the project continues to reimagine industrial byproducts and waste as inputs to production cycles, the circular ideal seeks not only to maximize efficiency in extraction and production. Importantly, the work also embraces the co-evolution of relationships of regenerative collaboration. The shared goal is to support the social and cultural structures critical to the area's economic status and success, purpose, and global significance.