Osaka used to be called "Naniwa" and is known as the birthplace of sueki pottery, from which many subsequent types of Japanese pottery evolved. Maishima Pottery Village opened in Osaka's manmade island in 1998 for the education and promotion of naniwazuyaki, made from the vast amounts of unwanted marine clay resulting from the construction of Kansai International Airport. The main building has studios with electric and momentum potter's wheels, rooms for preparing clay and glazes, a gallery, a noborigama climbing kiln and an anagama tunnel kiln. There are also studios for visitors to experience Electric Potter’s Wheel,hand-building and painting. There is a wide range of practical courses that can be selected according to purpose. These include the 3-month long "ippan kobo" for beginners, "chukyu kobo" and "kenkyuka" for the intermediary and advanced, and "naniwazu kobo," which is open to professional ceramic artists as well.
Savor drinks, desserts, and light meals served in original pottery at Café Maido, located within the museum.