From Roof Tiles to Sauna Stones: The Challenge of Koizumi Seigawara to Connect "Kikuma-Gawara" Tiling to the Next Generation

2025.02.18

#Artisan

#Craftsmanship

#Ehime

#Traditional Crafts

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Imabari City, Kikuma Town in Ehime Prefecture, is the birthplace of "Kikuma-gawara," a rooftiling stile known for its elegant silver luster. For over 300 years, the local kiln, "Koizumi Seigawara," has maintained this tradition. The 10th generation, Shinzo Koizumi, continues to explore the possibilities of Kikuma-gawara through innovative endeavors.

While utilizing the characteristics of tiles suited to Japan's climate, the original ceramic products have been thoughtfully adapted with modern materials and firing techniques, showcasing a wealth of dedication and creativity.

This time, I spoke with Koizumi about efforts to convey the charm, manufacturing process, and culture of Kikuma-gawara to the next generation.

PROFILE

Shinzo Koizumi

Born in 1970, originally from Kikuma Town in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. He is the 10th generation of a kiln that has been in operation for over 300 years. Since 2008, he has started creating crafts besides roof tiles, operating under the name "Kikusada." While preserving tradition, he uses the original name to promote the allure of new tiles.

Awards
2012: Award for the Best Performer Signboard at Namba Grand Kagetsu celebrating Yoshimoto Kogyo's 100th anniversary
2016: Encouragement Award in the Young Artisan Category at the Traditional Craft Industry Awards
Received the 21st Century Ehime Traditional Craft Award 10 times

Exploring the Possibilities of Tiles & Starting the Production of Original Crafts

Could you tell us about the history of your company and what prompted you to start producing craft tiles?

We are a kiln specializing in Ibushi tiles that has been in business for over 300 years, and I am the 10th generation. Our name, "Kikusada," means "the honor of Kikuma Town" and comes from the fifth generation, Sadakichi Koizumi.

Currently, roof tiles are marketed as "Koizumi Seigawara," while we stamp our crafts with the name "Kikusada." To make it easier to stamp smaller crafts, we decided to adopt this shortened name while still maintaining our original branding to convey new messages.

We began producing crafts using tiles about 15 years ago. A significant reason was the decline in demand for roof tiles over time.

We received requests from customers asking, "Could you make plates out of tiles?" This, combined with the idea of utilizing the gaps in the kiln during firing, led us to start with smaller items.