Yu Sugimoto is a Japanese pottery artist whose work is rooted in the traditions of Shigaraki-ware. Born into a family of potters, he has been familiar with clay since childhood, developing an early sensitivity to form, texture, and material. Over the years, he has also gained experience abroad, including time spent creating work in Papua New Guinea and studying overseas, which added breadth and new perspectives to his practice.

Sugimoto’s pieces make full use of the natural character of Shigaraki clay, often highlighting bold textures and expressive surfaces. While he is known for exploring geometry, often working with ovals, quadrilaterals, octagons, and even merging or subtracting shapes to form new silhouettes, his experimentation extends beyond form. He enjoys working with different glazing methods such as Kohiki (粉引) and Kakewake (掛分), using them as tools to deepen the visual and tactile qualities of his work.