Tradition and Innovation: The History of Iwachu Pursuing New Values in Nambu Ironware

Please tell us about the history and characteristics of Iwachu.

Yayoi Iwashimizu The founding of Iwachu was in 1902, Meiji 35. My great-grandfather, a Nambu Ironware craftsman, established the company upon becoming independent. Initially focusing solely on kettles, the company expanded its sales channels mainly to Hokkaido.

However, after the war, as lifestyle changes transformed the era from coal and firewood to gas and electricity, the materials for kettles shifted to aluminum and stainless steel. The demand for iron kettles significantly declined.

Concerned about this situation, my grandfather thought, "If we only focus on kettles, we will hit a dead end in the future," and began to challenge new products such as wind chimes, ashtrays, and kitchenware. This became the foundation for Iwachu's diverse product development.