Okuizumomaewataya Tessendo TATARA

Tatara Products Movie

TATARA IRON MAKING

Unique Japanese manufacturing method that has continued since the Edo period

What is
Tatara iron-making?

Tatara iron-making is an ancient Japanese iron-making method that has been passed down for over 1400 years. “Tamahagane”, the material used to make Japanese swords with high artistic value, is a special steel produced by Tatara iron-making. We collect the essence of Japan's traditional industrial culture and methods and materials, which can be considered the origin of manufacturing, and present them to the world as modern products.

History created
by the Tanabe family

The Tanabe family moved to Yoshida from Kumano, Kishu, and made a living from “Tatara iron-making” which they started in 1460. In 1755 the Tanabe family was appointed the head iron-maker by the domain of Matsue, playing an important role in meeting the growing demand for iron in Japan. In 1921, all Tatara iron-making operations were halted. The Tanabe family revived Tatara iron production for the first time in 100 years and is creating new value.

Okuizumo region,
Shimane Prefecture

In the Okuizumo region, iron tatara production flourished, as the region is widely distributed with magnesia clay containing high-quality iron sand, the raw material for tatara iron making, and is also blessed with forest resources from which charcoal for fuel can be obtained. The region is said to have been responsible for 80% of Japan's iron production.

Tamahagane of
katana material

Currently, we conduct Tatara operations twice a year. We have named Tamahagane, a high-purity precious iron produced from Tatara “Shinkatetsu”. Together with craftsmen and designers from various fields, we have added a new essence to iron products and created a new form that blends with modern lifestyle culture. Please see this one-of-a-kind brilliance with your own eyes.

TESSENDO Products

KNIFE

Tamahagane Warikomi Santoku Knife

This double-edged knife is made from “Tamahagane”, a material used for swords, forged by Kobayashi Shunji, a swordsmith from Okuizumo, and finished with the skilled techniques of Hinoura Tsukasa, a traditional craftsman from Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture.

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Yanagiba Knife

The blade material “Tamahagane” used for the Japanese swords is forged by the swordsmith "Shunji Kobayashi" from Okuizumo and processed by dentoukougeishi master smith Yoshikazu Tanaka in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, a famous cutlery production area.

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Sakimaru Yanagiba Knife

This is a single-edged yanagiba knife, known in the Kanto region as "sakimaru takohiki".
The knife, which is made through the same process as a sword, looks like a traditional Japanese sword.

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Suminagashi Santoku Knife

This single-edged knife uses the sword material "Tamahagane" for the tip of the knife.
The base metal is made of multi-layered steel, also known as Damascus steel, and features a unique pattern called “suminagashi”.

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Petty Knife

This petty knife uses "Tamahagane", a material used in swords, for the tip of the knife.
It is a versatile, small Western-style knife that can be used for in the average household every day.

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GOODS

Confectionery Cutter

The diamond-shaped edges and top are polished to create a sharp finish.
You can enjoy the different expressions in a simple design.
The special case is an original Hiikawa Japanese paper made with slag produced in the Tatara iron-making.

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Sake Cup

The top half of this softly rounded sake cup has been carved and polished, and the part that touches the mouth has been made very thin.
You can enjoy the different expressions of the top and bottom and decorate your dinner table.

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Bottle Opener

The bottle opener has a paperweight-like appearance and a soft shape that fits comfortably in your hand.
The bottle opener has an edged design that gives its presence as a tool.

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Cutlery Set

The tip follows a simple shape, and is finished to enjoy the difference between the handle and the tip.
The 3-piece set can be used as a souvenir or gift.

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Iron Kettle

The ancient Japanese iron-making method "Tatara iron-making" handed down in Okuizumo comes across the Nanbu iron kettle that has been cultivated since ancient times in Iwate.
This is a masterpiece in which the crest of the Tabe family's store name "Maewata-ya" stands out against the evocative ridges created by the artisan's skill.

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Japanese Nails L type/I type

Japanese nails were originally used as building materials for shrines and temples.
They are made by forging steel made from Tatara iron-making, then decorating and polishing them in a modern style.

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Shoehorn

The main body is made of tamahagane steel and multi-layered steel, giving it a stately and beautiful appearance.
This is a special product that you can feel close to tamahagane steel as it is portable.

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PUTTER

TAMAHAGANE Putter Mallet [Crank]

This is a one-of-a-kind putter, with a generous application of tamahagane, a rare material produced by tatara iron-making, on the head.
Can also be used as a keepsake for a special person.

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TESSEN Putter Silver Mallet [Crank]

Since the revival of tatara iron-making in 2018, this putter, developed with the strong desire to "weave the tatara culture" and "have tatara iron used in modern times," has been well received by many people and is a best-selling product.

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TESSEN Putter Gold Mallet [Crank]

Since the revival of tatara iron-making in 2018, this putter, developed with the strong desire to "weave the tatara culture" and "have tatara iron used in modern times," has been well received by many people and is a best-selling product.

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TESSEN Putter Black Mallet [Crank]

Since the revival of tatara iron-making in 2018, this putter, developed with the strong desire to "weave the tatara culture" and "have tatara iron used in modern times," has been well received by many people and is a best-selling product.

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