CLAYCRAFT by DECO was developed in Japan by Kazuko Miyai who founded DECO Clay Craft Academy in 1981. Her passion for crafting inspired her to work with a chemist to develop the perfect clay. When she was finally satisfied with the results, she began doing presentations and conducting workshops to share her love of clay crafting.

Kazuko has authored more than twenty craft books in Japan, and she continues to develop and enhance her unique techniques to greater levels of sophistication and complexity. She also actively exhibits her works each year, sharing her new techniques with audiences abroad and has certified two thousand instructors across Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. In 2006, DECO Japan marked their 25th anniversary, which was celebrated with outstanding recognition and support. This year will mark the 30th anniversary with celebrations scheduled for September 28 ~ October 3 in Ginza, Tokyo.

After training under her mother, Yukiko Miyai brought this unique concept to Honolulu and opened her first studio on Kapahulu Avenue in 2000. Thanks to Yukiko, the dedicated instructors and her staff, the company has expanded throughout the United States, Hong Kong and Russia just to name a few. She has also diversified the product line by introducing tropical floral designs; indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands. She has been a featured instructor across the United States, and has authored her own books as well. Since its conception in 2000, the U.S. branch has instructed over 700 individuals, with over 100 becoming certified instructors.

Over the past 30 years the DECO Clay Craft Academy has been in the forefront of clay crafting and will continue to advance these craft techniques while instructing classes, authoring educational materials, producing seminars, exhibits and workshops.