1.5 hour private experience
Location: Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
Meet the Master
The son of a 15th-generation Nambu tekki master, Shigeo studied metal casting at the Tokyo University of the Arts before joining the family workshop in 2008. After serving as its president and being selected as Iwate's representative in the LEXUS NEW TAKUMI PROJECT, he succeeded as the 16th-generation master in 2023 and continues the tradition of Nambu ironware craftsmanship.
What you’ll do
Led by the 16th-generation master artisan, embark on an exclusive workshop tour. Learn about the history and traditions of Nambu tekki, as well as the history of this centuries-old workshop. Finally, tour the storefront gallery and shop, as well as view the craftsmanship of 16 generations of master artisans.
Availability
Everyday
Session 1 (10:00 - 11:30)
Session 2 (14:00 - 15:30)
Not available during Obon and New Year's holidays.
Who can attend
Children must be 10+ years old.
What’s included
A nambu tekki cast-iron wind chime for you to take home as a souvenir.
What to wear
Clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.
What else you should know
There is no restroom on the premise
Photos may be taken, but videos are not allowed
Access
10min by car from Morioka Station
Metal to the Mold
The Nambu domain, which once spanned the middle of modern-day Iwate Prefecture to the eastern portion of modern-day Aomori Prefecture, was a prime production region for locally harvested urushi lacquer and locally collected ironsand. Hence, it was well suited for establishing a foundry industry, encouraged by the Nambu domain, which invited iron-casting artisans to settle and work. Nambu tekki cast-iron metalwork is characterized by its dark color, achieved with black urushi and ohaguro, and its surface texture, the traditional dotted and three-dimensional arare (hailstone) pattern. This traditional and iconic pattern can be seen on kettles in tea rooms, quietly boiling the water used to serve freshly whisked matcha. Nambu tekki kettles are known for being rust-resistant and long-lasting, as well as giving water boiled within them a gentle, mellow flavor. At this Nambu tekki workshop with over 400 years of history, the 16th-generation master artisan carries on the traditional techniques of Nambu tekki, along with this workshop’s unique use of brown urushi instead of the iconic black. Explore the enduring history and craftsmanship of Nambu tekki cast-iron kettles with an exclusive tour of this centuries-old workshop.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 3 months in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.