Jōkō-ji (Seto)

Jōkō-ji is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Seto, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. It belongs to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, specifically the Myōshin-ji branch. The temple is known for its connection to the history of Seto ware (Seto-yaki), a type of Japanese pottery.

The temple grounds are said to have been established initially in the Nara period (710-794) under a different name. However, Jōkō-ji as it is known today was officially founded in the Kamakura period (1185-1333) by Katō Shirozaemon Kagemasa, also known as Tōshirō, who is traditionally considered the founder of Seto ware. Tōshirō is said to have traveled to China to learn ceramic techniques and brought them back to Seto, where he established a pottery kiln and thus initiated the long history of Seto's ceramic industry.

Jōkō-ji features a statue of Tōshirō, and the temple often holds events related to Seto ware, emphasizing its role in the development of the local pottery tradition. The temple complex includes various buildings typical of a Zen temple, such as a main hall (hondō), a bell tower (shōrō), and various sub-temples. The grounds also feature gardens and areas that reflect the Zen aesthetic.

While not one of the most famous or largest temples in Japan, Jōkō-ji holds significant regional importance, particularly for its association with Seto ware and the legacy of Katō Shirozaemon Kagemasa. Visitors interested in the history of Japanese ceramics often include Jōkō-ji as part of their exploration of the Seto area.