We rcently heard the death of U-san. He died on May 9th. I saw him last time about a year ago when he just came back from hospital where he was treated for his mild brain stroke. His wife was also in hospital at that time as she had a bone broken. U-san's very talkative relative woman run his pottery shop as he could not speak properly. He spoke to me a little bit but I saw his eyes with full of tears so that I pattend on his shoulder, repeatly saying that all right, daijyo-bu.
My wife talked to him later on telephone, and told me that he sounded all right.
U-san went to China (he was a great lover of world-wide travelling, particularly places of ancient civilization) with his wife, and he had apparently some infection during the trip. His health went down gradually worse and worse.
His pottery shop at Shigaraki has been my favorite place for many years. Not just buying but for chatting with U-san. I had a real respect to his personality and life idea. I have a deep sorrow for the death of U-san. I lost and will never have again my best teacher in pottery. He was mid-seventy. Fortunately, his wife will continue to open their shop U-.
