The Two Streams of Nambutekki Manufacturing

In the world of Nambutekki manufacturing, two main currents of production flow side by side.

The first is the traditional, hands-on approach to crafting iron kettles, a process designated as a National Traditional Craft, where skilled artisans meticulously carry out the majority of the steps by hand. The other is the "Namagata" (green sand mold) technique, a method that streamlines certain steps to produce goods more efficiently.

The coexistence of these two approaches is a direct response to changing times. In the post-war era, as cookware materials shifted toward aluminum and stainless steel, demand for iron products plummeted. To survive, the industry couldn't just rely on traditional kettles; it had to innovate, venturing into new product development like modern kitchenware and decorative pieces.

Preserving tradition while embracing innovation—this very mindset is what sustains the diverse and vibrant product lineup of Nambutekki today.