Smoke rises from a kiln in Mashiko, and the scent of clay and cedar hangs in the air. In Japan’s pottery villages, earth, fire and human hands still shape one another. Slowly, stubbornly, beautifully.

Japanese culture is not necessarily renowned for its romanticism, yet it contains many deeply emotional and poignant tales. Among these, the legend of a red thread stands out: A mystical bond that is said to unite the fates and souls of two people inseparably, transcending time and space. This beautiful metaphor reflects the profound connections that exist beyond the visible world.