This is done by the usage of traditional water scoops or mills called kara-usu, which rely purely on the flow of the river.
The wooden mills grind the earth into a powder, which is then washed and filtered multiple times to purify the material.
The village has a self-imposed limit on how much earth can be taken from the mountains each year to ensure that there is enough material for future generations to continue production.
[4] The village is a tightly-knit community composed of, as of 2024, ten families of potters going back generations.
Onta ware traditionally consists of utility vessels such as bowls, plates, and tea cups.