In recent years, we’ve been delighted to share a wave of innovation across our product lines, specialized techniques, and expanding course curriculum. Each advancement is designed with one goal in mind: ensuring that every member of our community has the tools to continue enjoying and mastering this exquisite art form.

We are deeply grateful for your presence in the DECO family, and we can’t wait to share the many creative milestones that 2026 and the future will bring.

From all of us at DECO Clay Craft Academy

Happy New Year!

We would like to extend our heartfelt greetings for the New Year.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the DECO Clay Craft Academy.

What began as a small clay art class run by a homemaker gradually grew within the local community and eventually developed into what DECO is today. Along this journey, we have been blessed with many encounters and learning experiences, and we are deeply grateful to have shared the joy of creation with so many of you.

To commemorate this milestone, we will hold a special exhibition titled “The Collection.” In addition to works by instructors from across Japan, creations from overseas will also be showcased, and a commemorative book will be published. Since last year, we have been preparing together through lessons and meetings in Tokyo and Osaka, and remarkable works have been coming to life—from group pieces based on various themes to unique individual creations.

From sculptural reliefs, figurines, baskets, houses, wall-mounted art, semi-dimensional arrangements, and depictions of animals and fairies, to natural floral designs and antique-inspired worlds—the artistic scope of DECO continues to expand without limit. The exhibition will be filled with works themed around Art Nouveau, French Baroque, Japonesque, Whimsical, and Botanical styles. Just imagining these beautiful pieces displayed together fills us with excitement, and we look forward to sharing this grand culmination with all of you.

In 2025, we were honored to receive commissions from several hotels in Japan to create and deliver luxurious wedding cakes. Each design was tailored to its venue, exquisitely combining elegance and delicacy—true works of art. Being part of such special, once-in-a-lifetime celebrations for each couple brought us immense happiness and pride.

In 2026, DECO will also have opportunities to appear in media, allowing us to share the beauty of our craft with an even wider audience and further strengthen our creative presence.

Over the past year, we have seen exhibitions and events held across the country, and we are deeply inspired by the wonderful work of our members and instructors. As times change, so do the works themselves, and we take pride in seeing our community grow and flourish. The joy of creating never fades—it remains a timeless treasure. And the connections formed through creation are, above all, our greatest gift.

This year, we will introduce new classes and techniques to continue exploring the endless potential of clay art and to share the delight of creating with even more people. The inspiration born from each individual’s creativity and style is what propels DECO forward.

As we prepare for the upcoming exhibition in June, we will continue working together toward this shared goal.

We sincerely wish everyone a healthy, happy, and fulfilling 2026, and we look forward to your continued support and participation in the year ahead.

Sincerely, Kazuko and Yukiko Miyai
DECO Clay Craft Academy