Nousaku Zinnwaren
(株式会社 能作)

Tradition Meets Innovation – Expanding the Potential of Traditional Craftsmanship

Nousaku was founded in 1916 in Takaoka and began by producing Buddhist ritual objects, traditional tea utensils, and flower vases made from brass and bronze. Takaoka has been a center of copper craftsmanship since 1609, and even today, about 90% of Japan’s copperware is produced here – known as “Takaoka Dōki,” a recognized traditional craft.

The brand “NOUSAKU” was launched in 2002 when Katsuji Nousaku, the fourth-generation owner, designed a brass bell. Although the original bell did not find success, it was transformed into a wind chime on the recommendation of a saleswoman—a great success that underscored the importance of responding to customer needs.

In 2003, Nousaku became the first company in the world to manufacture tableware from 100% pure tin—renowned for its exceptional malleability. The flexible tin basket “KAGO” became particularly well-known and gained popularity both domestically and internationally. Today, the product range includes tin tableware, home accessories, artworks, and even medical instruments. Traditional techniques are preserved while continuously being applied to new fields.

Nousaku aims not just to create products, but also to share the history and craftsmanship behind them. Since 2017, the modern factory has been open to the public and offers a variety of experiences:

  • Factory tours with insight into the production process

  • Hands-on workshops in the “Nousaku Lab” for tin casting

  • “Imono Kitchen” café, where dishes are served on Nousaku plates

  • Factory shop offering exclusive items

  • “Tin Wedding Ceremony” since 2019 – to celebrate the 10th wedding anniversary

These activities promote “craft-based tourism” and help inspire the next generation with traditional techniques and cultural values. The overarching goal is to foster societal well-being through cultural and innovative impulses.

Casting Process

Most products are made using the sand casting method – eco-friendly, as the sand is reusable and metals are recyclable. Additionally, a silicone casting process is employed for more precise shapes and faster production.

Materials

  • Tin (Suzu): The most expensive metal after gold and silver, completely pure (100%), malleable, rust-free, and antibacterial. Ideal for drinkware and accessories. Bending it produces the distinctive “tin cry” sound.

  • Brass (Copper-zinc alloy): Used for home and musical instruments—crafted by hand for optimal sound and beauty.

  • Bronze (Copper-tin alloy): Historically used for tools and artistic production due to its hardness. At Nousaku, it is used for planters and sculptures.

 

Takaoka (Toyama Prefecture)

Location & Cityscape

Takaoka is located in the western part of Toyama Prefecture, along the Sea of Japan. Nestled between Toyama Bay and forested hills, the city spans approximately 210 km²—of which around 36 km² are urbanized, 61 km² used for agriculture, and the rest consisting of extensive forests and parks. Its proximity to larger cities makes Takaoka a pleasant gateway between tradition and modernity.

Historical Origins

The roots of Takaoka can be traced back to the year 701, when the area was part of the ancient province of Etchū. In the early 17th century, under the rule of Maeda Toshinaga, Takaoka began developing into a “City of Artisans”: around 1609, a castle and an adjacent settlement bearing his name were established. In 1611, seven metal casters (鋳物師) were invited to the area—marking the beginning of Takaoka’s metalcraft history. Although the castle was demolished in 1615, the craft industry continued to flourish and still shapes the city’s character today.

Famous Sights

A major highlight is the Takaoka Daibutsu—a striking, nearly 16-meter-tall bronze statue of Amida Buddha from 1933. It symbolizes the skill of local metal casters, made of fire-resistant copper, and is counted among Japan’s famous “Great Buddhas.”
Other cultural treasures include the Zuiryū-ji Zen Temple, the traditional wooden streets of Kanaya-machi and Yamachō-sūji with storehouses over 400 years old, as well as numerous traditional festivals, such as the Mikurumayama and Tanabata festivals, rich in history and local customs.

Traditional Crafts

  1. Takaoka Copperware (高岡銅器, Takaoka dōki)
    For over 400 years, copper artistry has defined the cityscape. This casting craft ranges from fine tea sets and vases to Buddhist altar fittings. It was officially recognized as a traditional craft in 1975. In workshops like Nousaku and Momentum Factory Orii, modern household goods and bronze temple bells are produced—visitors can even try making them themselves on-site.

  2. Takaoka Lacquerware (高岡漆器, Takaoka shikki)
    Lacquer artistry also developed in the early 17th century and includes techniques such as sabi-e (fine-ground lacquer paste), raden (mother-of-pearl inlay), and multilayered relief work. This craft was also officially recognized as traditional in 1975.

  3. Other Regional Handicrafts
    In the region around Takaoka, other crafts have emerged, including:

  • Takaoka Teism (Takaoka tetsuki): artistic iron kettles and similar items shaped in the legacy of the copper industry.

  • Shōgawa Woodturning: delicate wooden bowls and trays.

  • Etchū-Washi paper and traditional Fukuoka straw hats, which reflect regional techniques.

Experience & Craft Tourism

Takaoka invites visitors to get hands-on: in workshops like Otera Kohachiro Shoten or Nousaku in Kanaya-machi, one can craft tin or copper objects and accessories—sometimes in an original Edo-period ambiance. The ZIBA Craft Store offers exhibitions, workshops, and insights into more than six nationally recognized crafts, including metal, wood, paper, and textile arts.

Conclusion

Takaoka is far more than a historical city—it is a vibrant center of masterful craftsmanship. Copper and lacquer, wood, paper, and metal artistry merge here into a living urban culture, deeply rooted in the Edo period yet reimagined through modern interpretations and experiences. Whether as a visitor to traditional markets, a participant in workshops, or an admirer of monumental Buddha sculptures—Takaoka makes history tangible.