Artist Showcase 005 / FOOT POTT - Japan

Josh Steeples

Towards the end of the year, I brought together a dream team of creatives to celebrate the magic of PES (Pro Evolution Soccer). Around that same time, I connected with a new maker known as FOOT POTT from Japan and from there, everything else fell into place.

Alongside showing off FOOT POTT’s work at the exhibition we hosted at the Volley last December, I caught up with Yuta the face and creative force behind the new brand to dig a little deeper into what he’s been building over the last couple of years. We talked through his evolving football pottery process, what inspires him, and a few of the ideas shaping this new ceramic chapter.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you started out as an artist / illustrator?

I’m Yuta, the founder of FOOT POTT, a Japan-based brand rooted in my deep love for football. The name stands for “Football Pottery,” and it’s really about expressing football culture through ceramics, which is still quite rare.

There’s an irony I enjoy: using my hands to interpret a sport where using your hands is a foul. That idea led me to adopt the phrase “La Mano de Dios,” (The Hand of God), as a nod to the late great Maradona.

What or who’s your biggest inspiration when it comes to your work?

The foundation of my work comes from two places:

The intense, competitive mentality of football, which I played seriously until I was 18, and the off-pitch culture especially the kit designs and player personalities from the 90s and 2000s that I have absorbed as part of my own day to dya fashion.

Beyond football, I’ve always been drawn to subcultures like film, music, and vintage clothing. I’ve always preferred "one-of-a-kind" pieces over mass produced commercial goods. I love things that have a visible story and special personality that feels natural rather than forced and I hope that my work has this kind of feel to it.

Who’s your favourite other artists / creatives currently?

In Japan, I deeply respect Ryokato www.instagram.com/ryokato.jp a rug artist. Nana Soeda www.instagram.com/wei_wawa who is another Tokyo based artist and creator known for her work with textiles, character design, print shops and apparel.

knny www.instagram.com/knny_ymzk a designer and DJ. I’m drawn not just to their work, but to their personalities and inner values. In fact, we’re currently working together to launch a new brand. I’d love for everyone to check them all out.

I’m also a big fan of Mexican ceramicist Marcelo Orsola (@cremos0rallas). His work is incredible, and I’m always inspired whenever I see his pieces.

@ wei_wawa

Who would you like to work with in the future

I’d love the opportunity to work with you (ASL94) again. I also have a huge amount of respect for Eighteen86 and OOF collaborating with brands I admire so much would genuinely be a dream.

My long-term goal is to host an exhibition in London the heart of football and pair it with attending a Premier League match. Even though I don’t speak English, being there in person to experience people’s reactions firsthand means a lot to me.

I think about this every day, and it continues to drive me forward. I’m actively working toward making it a reality, and I truly believe I can achieve it within the next two years. So keep an eye out there’s more Foot_Pott collaborations on the way very soon.

What’s your next project or goal as an artist?

I have exhibitions lined up across Japan over the next six months. Most recently, I’ve been creating collaborative incense chambers with SHUKYU, a limited number of which travelled with them on their recent London tour to link up with Soho Warriors at the end of March.

@shukyumagazine photo

I’m also planning to release a book featuring a collection of my work. Since all of my pieces are entirely handmade, I don’t usually sell them online. I value the personal connection that comes from delivering my work directly and having conversations with the people who receive it. For now, I want to continue focusing on physical exhibitions and pop-ups, primarily in Japan.

At the same time, I’m thinking about how to expand my activities. Handmade production naturally comes with physical limits, so I’ve decided to launch a new brand called “HOME A WAY” with rug artist and fellow football lover, ryokato. Inspired by the idea of “Home & Away,” our mission is to remove the feeling of “away” and make everywhere feel like home.

Through this project, we aim to bring football-inspired culture into everyday life, creating pieces that both dedicated fans and newcomers can connect with naturally. We’re preparing for a launch in June, with plans to release ceramics, rugs, and other lifestyle items.

The mascot was created by artist Nana Soeda, and the logo was designed by knny it really feels like the ultimate team. I hope people will enjoy this new project alongside FOOT POTT as we continue to take this vision from Japan to the world.

What music would you soundtrack your work with?

Working with clay feels similar to juggling a football, it’s all about rhythm and focus. Music plays a huge role in that.

In the mornings, I usually play house mixes. Often from Boiler Room through my Bose speaker. The tempo helps me stay in motion. I also listen to Hikaru Utada, whose music I really admire. Later in the day, I switch to Japanese comedy podcasts and work with a smile on my face.

Yuta

@foot_pott - dream team

If you’re interested in diving deeper into Yuta’s work or getting in touch with him directly, his Instagram is definitely the first place to visit. It showcases a wide range of distinctive, imaginative clay pieces that really highlight his style.

Alongside that, a curated selection of his one-off football referee creations will be dropping on my web store at 5pm (GMT) today, available to browse in the Art & Collabs section for anyone looking to pick up something truly unique.

www.instagram.com/foot_pott

As always, thanks to the artist for taking the time to chat with us, and thanks to you for reading.