GINPO

Yokkaichi Banko ware has long been valued for ceramics designed to be used over heat — think teapots and donabe. GINPO, as the brand of Ginpo, has carried that strength forward since its founding in 1932, centering its craft on heat-resistant tableware.

A donabe is both cookware and a serving vessel: it draws out flavor while keeping dishes warm at the table. That dual role means you want both practicality and a presence you'll enjoy seeing in your kitchen. GINPO's lineup extends beyond pots to companion pieces like small bowls and spoons, which makes the whole donabe experience feel thoughtfully complete.

Among the offerings is the long-selling Hana Mishima donabe, introduced as a best seller that has continued for more than half a century — an indicator of how deeply these pots can become part of home cooking routines.

The other face of the brand is the Kikka series. Beyond the donabe itself, Kikka includes a dedicated rice cooker donabe, small bowls, and a spoon — items that help you set a cohesive table with the same design language. Its registration as a Mie Brand item also speaks to the series being recognized as a representative product of Yokkaichi Banko ware.

For donabe rice, GINPO's recipe guidance mentions an easy reference of about 200 ml of water per cup of rice, and notes that the Kikka rice cooker has water-level markings inside the body. Those small design cues help lower the entry barrier for first-timers.

On purchasing, the FAQ explains that the company mainly ships through wholesalers in Yokkaichi and therefore cannot track every retailer. At the same time, it directs customers to an official online shop and states that parts such as lids are available — useful for maintenance and replacement over the life of the pot.

A Banko ware maker founded in 1932

Ginpo was founded in 1932 in Yokkaichi, Mie — one of Japan's major ceramic regions known for heat-resistant ware. The brand has been building donabe and related cookware as dependable tools for everyday meals.

The Kikka line: beauty you can use every day

Kikka is a signature line that includes donabe, a dedicated rice cooker donabe, and matching small bowls and spoons. It lets you keep a consistent look on the table — from cooking to serving — without feeling overly formal.

Kikka is registered as a "Mie Brand" item

Kikka (Ginpo) has been additionally registered under the Mie Prefecture "Mie Brand" program for Yokkaichi Banko ware. It is a notable recognition of the line as a representative product of the region.

Information and parts support for long-term use

GINPO provides manuals, an FAQ, and recipes, and also points customers to its official online shop for purchasing parts such as lids. It's a reassuring setup if you want a clay pot you can keep using for years.