Oitomi

Oitomi traces its origins back to 1848 in Mizusawa, present-day Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture. The name “Oitomi,” written as “to extend wealth,” reflects the workshop’s enduring wish: to bring lasting value and quiet abundance to people’s lives through iron. Born from the traditions of tea culture, Oitomi has carried the craft of Nambu ironware across more than 170 years, preserving both technique and spirit through generations.

Roots of Nambu Ironware
The history of Nambu ironware stretches back nearly a millennium, shaped by Buddhist culture, the patronage of the Date clan, and the daily life of northern Japan. Oitomi began as a kettle maker under feudal protection, and later grew into a workshop representing both Morioka and Mizusawa lineages — two essential roots of Nambu ironware. Today, Oitomi continues to share the depth and quiet dignity of this regional craft with the world.

Craftsmanship — From Sand to Iron
All processes are completed in-house: mold making, casting, polishing, firing, coloring, and finishing. Sand molds are shaped with careful attention to season and climate — preventing dryness in summer and freezing in winter. Molten iron is poured in a moment of complete focus; artisans say they can sense whether a piece is successful the instant the iron flows. After casting, each surface is polished by hand, revealing fine patterns such as the classic arare texture. The kettle is then fired at around 900°C, forming a natural oxide layer inside. This traditional kamayaki method gently protects against rust while allowing iron to dissolve into water naturally — an essential characteristic of authentic iron kettles.

Design That Lives with Time
Coloring and final finishing bring each piece to completion, including the lid and handle. Rather than resisting change, Oitomi embraces patina as part of the kettle’s life. Subtle shifts in color, marks from fire, and traces of daily use become records of time shared. Each kettle is both tool and vessel — meant to be used, aged, and cherished.

The Nambu ironware “Reiwa Arare” Teapot & Trivet Set received the Gold Award at OMOTENASHI SELECTION 2021, announced on June 1, 2021.

What They Hope to Share
Oitomi believes iron is a material meant to last beyond a single lifetime. By creating ironware that can be handed down, repaired, and continuously used, they hope to connect people across generations. Through Nambu ironware, Oitomi seeks not luxury, but enduring richness  — iron that quietly supports daily life and remains meaningful long into the future.

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