Oigen

Oigen is one of the traditional Edo Period "1852" manufacturers of traditional cast iron products. The history of iron culture in Oshu city where teapots and kettles were traditionally made dates back about 900 years to the time of the Crusades in the West and when Kyoto was the capital of Japan. It began when a Lord of that time ordered Buddhists to alter equipment to be made as all the materials needed for casting were found in this area. By the first half of the Edo Period, about 400 years ago, tea pots made of cast iron were rare and precious. Later, with the spread of tea, iron kettles were also made for the common people.

Today, the President of Oigen is Mrs Kuniko Oikawa. She is very passionate about ensuring Oigen continues to produce their cast iron products using the traditional methods of hand casting, at the same time ensuring they are manufactured with minimal impact on the environment. Oigen also ensures that any scrap cast iron, as well as the small filings that are left, are recycled by the Local Council for use in building and repair of road surfaces. Their packaging uses recycled cardboard boxes.

Irashai Services Ltd is proud to support a traditional Artisan manufacturer who manufacturers sustainably. All products manufactured by Oigen are sourced directly from Japan. Their full range of Windchimes, Pans and the Nakedpan are available directly from Irashai Services Ltd. A limited supply of their teapots and kettles are available through Irashai Services Ltd online store.

Oigen is also able to receive requests for bespoke cast iron ware.

For further information regarding Oigen, please visit their website www.oigen.co.jp (please note that this website is in Japanese).

Please feel free to contact Customer Services at Irashai Services Ltd, if you have any further queries regarding Oigen.