Sayoko Becker Sayoko Becker was born in Kyushu, Japan. She studied art illustration at the Setsu-Mode Ate School in Tokyo. Prior to her move to the United States, Sayoko worked as a graphic designer, a window display artist, and a textile designer. Sayoko studied ceramics for a year in Southern California and then opened a studio in her mountain home. She began working with ceramics as a hobby, but it soon became a full-time effort. The painting and art design Sayoko learned at the Tokyo art school were instrumental in the development of her decorations on white stoneware. Sayoko's work has been exhibited in top shows throughout the country and in Japan.