Nanbu Ironware

Copperware produced in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture with Edo period traditions. Includes kettles, flower vases, and Buddhist altar fittings. Advanced casting techniques enable intricate metalwork. Designated as National Traditional Craft.

Iron products produced primarily in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, with over 400 years of history. Particularly known for iron kettles (tetsubin) worldwide. Sand casting enables intricate decorations, with fine surface textures creating beautiful boiling water. Iron dissolves from the kettle, softening water, making it beloved by tea enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers. Registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Cast iron products made in Morioka and Oshu, Iwate Prefecture. Nambu iron kettles are known for releasing iron into water for health benefits and producing smooth-tasting hot water. Recently, colorful teapot designs have become a huge trend in Europe, especially France, driving a global reassessment of Japanese casting technology.

Traditional cast iron products produced in Morioka and Oshu, Iwate Prefecture. Developed under Nanbu clan patronage in the 17th century, the tetsubin iron kettle is its signature product. Water boiled in a tetsubin is said to taste smoother and provide iron supplementation. In recent years, colorful cast iron teapots have become extremely popular overseas, particularly in France.

Iron craft products produced primarily in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture. Originating in the early Edo period of the 17th century, it includes tea kettles, irons, and teapots. Characterized by simple, weighty black finish achieved through sand casting traditional techniques, it is highly valued domestically and internationally. Approximately 40 foundries in Morioka continue production today.

Japan's first porcelain, originating in Arita, Saga Prefecture. Developed from techniques introduced from the Korean Peninsula in the 17th century, it captivated European royalty and nobility as 'Imari' ware exported through Imari port. With over 400 years of history, it continues to innovate today.

A uniquely Japanese technique of repairing broken ceramics with lacquer and gold powder. Its philosophy of elevating damage into beauty rather than concealing it symbolizes the Japanese aesthetic of finding beauty in imperfection. In recent years, it has attracted worldwide attention in art and design.