Where to Buy Authentic Japanese Nambu Tetsubin Iron Kettles in Japan
Our tetsubin are available for purchase at the following retailers. Please contact the stores directly for availability. Click on a store name to v...
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Our History
Our History
OITOMI since 1848
Oitomi was founded by Oikawa Rigenta, a master ironware artisan in service to the Date samurai clan.
When Japan abolished its feudal domains in 1871, the clan patronage vanished
— but the foundry endured.
Nearly 180 years later, we still make each piece by hand, one at a time, in the same city where Rigenta first lit his furnace.
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CAST IRON KETTLES - TETSUBIN
Nambu iron kettle, a typical example of Nambu ironware products, was originally a tea kettle used for tea ceremonies. This was created by improving a large tea kettle by making it smaller and adding a spout and handle so that it could be used to pour hot water with one hand. The traditional design of iron kettle, even today, has much in common with a tea ceremony kettle made 400 years ago.
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TEAPOTS
Our teapots come in two types: the iron kettke-cum-teapot (2-way) type, which can be used as a teapot by attaching a tea strainer to the kettle that can boil water over an open flame or induction heater, and the teapot-only type, which is made just for pouring tea on a tabletop.
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COOKWARE UTENSILS
In Japan, a tabletop clay pot called donabe has been used for a long time. The traditional pot is versatile enough to be used for baking, steaming, boiling, frying, and many other dishes. Our iron pot was inspired by the pot which has the lid less prone to boil over, and was designed to be light and enjoyable to cook for about two people.
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ACCESSORIES
Nambu ironware products are not limited to iron kettles. We also offer a variety of iron accessories such as trivet mats, and art works.
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BESTSELLERS
Latest Articles
The world of Japanese cast iron kettles by traditional craftsman Shingo Kikuchi, who carries on the 400-year-old molding technique of Nambu Tetsubin into the modern era.
At OITOMI, we maintain a consistent system from design to production for Nambu ironware, including iron kettles, teapots, iron pots and pans, iron ...
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If You're Buying a Kettle, Consider Nambu Tekki! -Explaining the Popularity and How to Choose
For those considering purchasing a new kettle, Southern Ironware might be on the radar. The kettle from Southern Ironware is known as "Nambu Tekki,...
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Discovering Japanese Cast Iron Kettles - Characteristics and Production Areas of Tetsubin
In Japan, a plethora of diverse tetsubin types can be found. Currently, tetsubin production is not limited to our location in Iwate Prefecture (kno...
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Crowdfunding for "Tetsunabe LABO (Japanese Nambu Ironware Cast Iron Pot): The all round iron pot!" has started on Kickstarter
What is the reason behind the exceptional taste of Japanese rice? The iron pot, known as "hagama," has historically been dedicated to the art of r...
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Can Nambu Ironware (Tetsubin) be used with induction heating?
"Can Nambu Ironware be used in induction heating coker?" "I can’t buy Nambu Ironware since I use induction cooktop burner" We have frequently recei...
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Regarding the delivery date of ordered products
Due to the heightened volume of orders, we are experiencing a growing number of inquiries concerning the anticipated product delivery date. As pre-...
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How to remove rust from Nambu cast iron kettle(Tetsubin)
Rust consistently develops, even when utilized by skilled artisans such as ourselves. This occurrence should not raise significant concern un...
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What is "Kama-yaki", the technique of rust prevention for Nambu cast iron kettles (Tetsubin)?
In the year 1884, a significant fire engulfed the city of Morioka, during which iron kettles were buried. Strikingly, these kettles underwent tra...
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