Jomon pottery is not only the world's most ancient tradition of vessel manufacture, it is also the longest, continuously established tradition, dating from 12,500 years before present to the Yayoi Period which began with the introduction of rice agriculture about 300 B.C. Jomon pottery-making techniques, although usually described as homogeneous in comparison with the diversity of decorative methods and motifs, vary with vessel type, within sites, and from one region to another and through time. We will examine some examples of pottery-making as a way of addressing cultural diversity of the Jomon period and the innovative tradition of Japanese fine ceramics. During two other periods of Japanese history a tradition of creativity and craftmanship in ceramics has led to progress in the way people see, think and act.