Nambu ironware is a type of Japanese cast iron craft from Iwate Prefecture, known for its durability and heat-retaining properties. It is often used for making teapots, kettles, pots, and other kitchenware. Nambu ironware pieces are renowned for their longevity, making them wonderful additions to a kitchen that can be enjoyed for many years to come.

We tried using the Nambu ironware teapot and teapot warmer from Roji Associates—a newer Nambu ironware manufacturer located in Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture. This manufacturer produces vividly colored and intricately designed teapots–offering a unique, modern feel to a traditional handicraft.

Read on to learn more about our experience using Roji Associates' teapot at the office!

We were first impressed by the selection of colors and designs. Teapots come in a range of shades, from cherry blossom pink to vibrant green and sky blue. Patterns include traditional arare (hailstone)—a pattern of small, bumpy protrusions on the ironware's exterior that adds a three-dimensional effect, as well as butterfly and dragonfly designs. We tried the beautiful pink teapot with a cherry blossom pattern.

Roji Associates' Nambu ironware teapots have a round base and a handle that extends from the body just below the lid. The teapots can be used to make either hot or cold tea. Given the cool weather, we decided to make some hot tea for ourselves and the other staff at the office. To prevent the tea from cooling down immediately, we first rinsed and warmed the teapot with hot water.

When we carried the teapot to the sink, we found that it was heavier than expected. The handle was cool and smooth to the touch, and once we got used to the weight, it was easy to rinse. After a minute or two, both the interior and exterior had a pleasant warmth.

After the teapot was nice and warm, it was time to choose our tea.

Roji Associates' teapots come with a fine mesh strainer—ensuring that tea leaves do not escape into the water.

We chose sencha and followed the steeping instructions on the package. The teapot holds up to 650 ml (22 fl oz), and we used Japanese teacups with a crystalline glaze, pouring three to four servings. Once the hot water was ready, we poured it into the teapot and noticed that the exterior became warm almost immediately.

When it came time to pour, the lid was a little hot to hold, so we covered it with a small towel. The upwardly curved spout made the tea flow effortlessly, making it easy to fill each cup without lifting the heavy teapot too high.

After everyone had their cup of tea, we placed the teapot on the three-footed teapot warmer, also made from Nambu ironware. The warmer is heavy and has slightly jagged edges, so we were careful not to leave any marks on our kitchen counter. Placing a towel or cloth under it is another good option to prevent scratches on surfaces.

It took a few tries to get the teapot to balance on the warmer. A helpful tip is to place the base of the teapot so that it evenly balances on the three points.

A tealight candle holder goes inside the warmer, and the candle's flame gently heats the base of the teapot. The candle holder and warmer are both decorative and functional. Still, the heat-retention properties of the teapot itself were enough to keep the remaining tea warm as we finished our tea.

A huge advantage of Roji Associates' Nambu ironware teapots is how easy they are to clean! They should not be placed in the dishwasher, but handwashing took mere minutes. We started off by discarding the tea leaves and rinsing off the strainer. The small holes in the mesh prevented the leaves from getting stuck, and any remaining bits were easily rinsed off.

The enamel-coated inside of the teapot was just as easy to wash. After some gentle scrubbing with a sponge and rinsing with warm water, it gleamed completely clean.

Any remaining droplets inside, as well as the exterior of the teapot, were gently and thoroughly wiped dry. Making sure that both the inside and outside of the teapot, especially around the lid and spout, are dry is important to prevent it from rusting.

Read more about how to care for Japanese cast iron pieces in our blog How to Care for Nambu Ironware.

Overall, making tea with Roji Associates' Nambu ironware teapot was a pleasurable experience. The teapot is a beautiful blend of traditional handiwork and modern kitchenware. Even when it is not being used, placing the teapot on the warmer allows you to display it as a decorative piece. It truly is a gem that will last a lifetime!