Naraoka Yaki originates from Daisen city, Akita prefecture and has a history of about 150 years. Only local clay is used to produce Naraoka Yaki and firing is in a rare type of kiln called a Noborigama (climbing kiln). These ceramics are distinctive for the blueness and depth derived from a glaze called Namako-yu, a mixture of Haku-do (weathered volcanic ash), Japanese oak, and straw ash. Namako-yu produces the milky and lustrous blue hue characteristic of Naraoka Yaki.