Instrumental neutron activation analysis was applied to the determination of 25 minor and trace elements in the pottery stones, excavated sherds from the old kilns in the Arita, Amakusa, Kutani, and Hanasaka regions, and porcelain samples. The elements like Ta, Sc, Hf, Th, Cs, Zn, and rare earths were found to be useful as the index elements for the distinction of the above four regions. The most important index was Ta, and the concentration of Ta was in the order: Arita Ü0 Amakusa Ü0 Kutani Ü0 Hanasaka. Twelve samples of the bodies of the so-called Ko-kutani wares were analyzed, and the results were compared with those of the reference materials. All the analyzed bodies of the 12 porcelain samples were found to belong to the Arita group. -- AATA