had not planned on moving to Japan.

Known for her marbled hand-thrown porcelain works, the 30-year-old ceramic artist had always been interested in Japanese arts and crafts. She had flown in from Hong Kong in early 2020 to visit fellow ceramicist and partner , testing the waters to see if she might enjoy working between Japan and her home city.

Neither of them had counted on the pandemic. When Japan and Hong Kong¡¯s borders slammed shut, Tong found herself unexpectedly marooned in rural Saitama, far away from family, friends and her studio. She would have to start over.