Casting

Takaoka City

Warm Takaoka Casting.

Do you have an image of "casting"? Hard, cold, rugged...? This is not representative of the casting here at Takaoka, which boasts a 400-year history. The casting feels moist, as though it softly sticks to the hand, and a kind of softness can be felt in the design. This is a product of the traditional skills of the craftsman that distinguishes Takaoka casting from industrial casting. The technical level of the casting done in Asia is high compared to that of the US and Europe, and there are many large and small workshops located throughout Japan. Iwate Nambu Ironware, Yamagata casting and Takaoka casting are considered the three major producers Japan. Takaoka is the clear leader in market share, accounting for 90% of the casting in Japan.

Solid craftsmanship cultivated through 400 years of history

The history of Takaoka casting can be traced back to 1611 when the feudal lord who ruled over the entire area at the time summoned seven casting craftsmen from the Takaoka mountains to the city to create a new town industry. These seven casting craftsmen opened a plant called "Kanaya-machi". The place name "Kanaya-machi" remains even today and has become a center of the casting industry. Latticework terraced houses and stone pavements were subsequently built following the plant and the Kanaya-machi area is now recognized as a Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Takaoka is also the only area producing bronze ware in Japan, and many Buddhist altar fittings, temple bells and bronze statues erected outdoors are produced in Takaoka.

"Nousaku", a world-renowned Takaoka brand

"Nousaku", a casting manufacturer founded in 1916, produces a wide lineup of products including tableware and interior goods that utilize the properties of metal. Nousaku's trusted quality and design have attracted attention resulting in the brand gaining popularity overseas as well as in Japan. "GALLERY NOUSAKU" is operated by Nousaku. The gallery exhibits and sells many Nousaku products, and visitors can enjoy indulging in refreshments at the cafe while actually using tableware casted by Nousaku.

For reference

Address

1-28 Kumano-cho, Takaoka-shi, Toyama Prefecture
Telephone

0766-21-7007
Open

Wednesday to Saturday: 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., Sundays and public holidays: 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Closed

Monday and Tuesday
Website

http://www.nousaku.co.jp/main/en/shops_info/gallerynousaku/