About the Artist – Shigesho Moriyama 瓦鉢職人 森山茂笑
Shigesho Moriyama
Born in Komatsu, Ishikawa in 1973, Shigesho Moriyama has always been drawn to creating things by hand rather than studying from books.
After graduating from Abeno Confectionery Technical School (now Tsuji Culinary Institute), he began his career at The Westin Osaka bakery.
At the age of 27, he discovered his true calling and started training as an oni-gawara (Japanese roof tile ornament) craftsman — a traditional art that blends skill, spirit, and creativity.
Today, his craftsmanship continues through SHIKA’s original bonsai pots, where Kanazawa’s tradition meets modern design and the warmth of handmade work connects people across cultures.
About Onigawara – History & Culture
Onigawara are roof tiles placed at the ends of rooftops. Originally structural, they later became protective charms against evil spirits and symbols of good fortune, reflecting the wishes of families to protect their homes. In the Kaga region, tiles are known for their red shine, while in the Noto region, they are famous for their black luster. Traditional tiles had a matte finish, but since the Showa era, glossy surfaces using bengara (iron oxide) or manganese glazes became common.
Current Projects – Tradition Meets Innovation
Kawara Bank: Recycling old tiles as art materials or landscaping elements to prevent them from becoming industrial waste, preserving both resources and culture.
GAWARA: A brand launched with a friend, creating pop-style art from kawara to make roof tiles a familiar part of daily life.
Oni × Sho: A collaboration with his wife, artist Sorakaze. He shapes the kawara, while she develops concepts and transforms them into art.
Philosophy & Future Vision
“I want to shine a light on kawara. In Kanazawa, black tiles are iconic—I want people to recognize their beauty.”
Even if the roof tile industry declines, he hopes people will remember kawara as a precious cultural heritage.
Through collaborations, he wishes to meet diverse people and enrich their lives. For him, being the material that connects people is his greatest joy.
