Japan Style Archive:
 

Tin


NOUSAKU CO., LTD.
46-1 Toidesakaemachi, Takaoka City, Toyama 939-1118, JAPAN
contact person: Ms. Minako Mimura
phone/fax: +81(0)766-63-5080/+81(0)766-63-5510
visit website

NOUSAKU Co., Ltd. established in 1915 in Toyama prefecture’s Takaoka city, which is proud of its 300-year old casting industry, is a manufacturer of copper Buddhist ritual articles and tea ceremony tools. NOUSAKU began making tin products using traditional casting methods, after a shop owner asked the company if it could make metal products suitable for everyday use.
While most tin products available today are made of durable alloys, the company’s products, such as those of "Tincry", are made of 100% tin, reflecting the company’s interest in protecting the environment. "Tincry" plates, designed by Makoto Koizumi, a furniture designer, feature the flexibility of pure tin.
Tin also has natural antibacterial qualities and resists oxidation, making it a popular material for making "sake" (Japanese rice wine); it is said to improve its taste. The company is planning to expand its range of tin products to further promote the attractive features of this unique metal.

About the Designers

Makoto Koizumi
Born in Tokyo in 1960. After studying under Hara Chouei and Hara Shigemitsu, established Koizumi Studio in 1990. Now handling any design relating to life from chopstick rest to building construction. In 2003 opened "Koizumi tool shop" to conduct real design activity in Kunitachi City, Tokyo.