I’m Emma, the maker behind asanagi ceramics. I’m a self-taught potter currently based in Dallas, Texas. I grew up in Japan and worked as a psychiatric social worker before life took an unexpected turn—I met a Kentucky boy who was teaching English in Hiroshima, and that eventually brought me to the U.S. Beyond pottery, I love reading, practicing yoga and pilates, creating things, fixing things, traveling, gardening, caring for houseplants, and wandering in nature. 
On a short trip to Oklahoma City, I picked up a handmade mug at a pottery studio. It was cute, and I loved its color, but I never imagined it would completely change the trajectory of my life.
The next morning, I made my usual cup of coffee—but this time, I used that handmade mug. From the first sip, I felt something entirely new. I was struck by its beauty, the way it felt in my hands, and the unique texture only handmade pottery has. But what truly moved me was its imperfection. It sparked a deep, quiet joy in me.
That moment hit me hard because, for so long, I had been chasing perfection—trying to be "good enough" for others, even though I knew it was impossible. That old belief had been stuck in my mind, fueled by fear, for years. But holding that mug, something shifted. Instead of mindlessly following the rules I had created for survival, I started listening to my true feelings. It was a small, quiet moment—but it was the beginning of reconnecting with myself.
And it didn’t stop there. Once I opened my heart, I began exploring the things I truly loved. I allowed myself to try something new.
I started making pottery.
I discovered my own culture (I hadn’t realized how rich Japan’s pottery traditions were!).
I nurtured my creative, artistic self.
And I started a small business—asanagi ceramics.
"Asanagi (朝凪)" is a Japanese word that describes the serene calm of the morning when the wind is still, and everything feels fresh and full of possibility.
When choosing a name for my business, I wanted it to reflect that moment when I felt pure joy—the moment I finally heard my heart’s voice and allowed myself to reconnect with myself. Like morning, it was the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
I named it asanagi because I hope my work brings you similar moments—moments of calm, self-connection, and quiet joy.
This experience was so meaningful to me that I even commissioned an artist, Jessica Darnell, to create an artwork inspired by it using a Japanese color palette. (I’ll be sharing that piece soon—it's part of another project!)
I truly believe that the subtle, organic qualities of handmade objects and art have the power to soften the walls we unconsciously build to distance ourselves from our true feelings—helping us reconnect with our hearts.
The mission of asanagi ceramics is to help you reconnect with your authentic self and find ways to thrive as the person you truly are.
Honestly, I don’t have all the answers—but I’m committed to exploring and sharing this journey, both for myself and for you (If you're interested, feel free to join me by signing up for the newsletter below).
At asanagi ceramics, I believe that handmade pottery is more than just an object—it’s an experience. Each piece carries the warmth of human touch, the quiet beauty of imperfection, and the invitation to slow down and be present. My creative process embraces natural forms, organic textures, and gentle irregularities, allowing each piece to evolve in its own way.
Because every piece is unique and layered with subtle details, your experience with it will be your own. Sometimes you may feel unexpectedly moved by its beauty. Sometimes you may feel nothing at all. Other times, you might sense a quiet shift—a new sensation, a fresh perspective, even an “aha” moment that helps you better understand a struggle you’ve been carrying.
As you integrate these pieces into your daily life, they may offer small moments of reflection—nudging you to see yourself, or the world around you, with more clarity and compassion.
Through my work, I hope to create moments of connection—between you and your inner self, between authentic self and the harmony within the world, and between your heart and the life that feels most meaningful to you. Just like asanagi—the calm stillness of the morning sea—may these ceramics bring a sense of space, renewal, and quiet joy into your everyday life.
