Oitomi

Colors and tradition that captivate the world — what is Oitomi?

"Oitomi," with its workshop in Mizusawa, Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture, is a historic Nanbu Tekki (Nanbu ironware) maker founded by the first-generation Tomi-no-shin Oikawa in 1848 (Kaei 1) as "Hosei-do." As one of the few kilns that performs the entire process — from design conception, mold making, casting, and finishing to coloring — at its own workshop, the brand has carried forward the artisans\' handcraft into the modern era for more than 170 years.

Its greatest characteristic is the fusion of solid traditional techniques with "modern colors and designs that shine in contemporary living." Starting with the kettle "Miyabi (Blue)" — which became a global topic when baseball player Shohei Ohtani introduced it on his SNS — and the Scandinavian-design-inspired "Swallow Pot," the brand continues to create beautiful ironware that blends naturally into Western spaces.

For Nanbu Tekki basics and comparisons with other brands, see here

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Frequently Asked Questions about Oitomi Ironware

Q. Which model does Shohei Ohtani favor?

A. It is said to be the 1L size of the kettle "Miyabi (Blue)."
It features a soft octagonal silhouette reminiscent of the lines of a human body, like a violin or acoustic guitar. The vivid, deep "Lapis Lazuli" color — like the Dodgers\' color — drew a flood of orders from around the world. The smaller 0.4L size with the same design is also popular.

Q. Can I replenish iron with colorful kettles too?

A. Yes. Most of Oitomi\'s colored kettles allow for iron replenishment.
The outside is vividly colored, but the inside has a "kettle-baked (unpainted)" finish that allows iron to dissolve into the water. By boiling water, you can properly replenish iron.
*Some products are "kyusu only (interior enamel-coated)." The kyusu-only type is to prevent darkening from tea tannins, and iron replenishment is not possible. When purchasing, please check whether the specification is "kettle" or "kyusu only."

Q. The interior is gray (mouse-colored) on a brand new piece — is it defective?

A. It is not defective. It is proof of the traditional "kettle-baked" technique.
Oitomi\'s kettles are subjected to "kettle-baking" — fired at a high temperature of approximately 900°C to form an oxide film on the inside — to suppress rust while allowing iron to dissolve. This film appears mouse-colored. It is a vital barrier protecting the kettle, so never scrub it off with detergent or a scouring pad.

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Q. Can I use it on an IH (induction cooker)?

A. Many products can be used on IH (100V / 200V).
However, products with a small bottom diameter (such as smaller kettles like the 0.4L size) may not be heated because the IH heater\'s sensor does not respond. Please check the specifications of your home IH device (the compatible bottom diameter size). Also, rapid heating may cause deformation or cracking, so always heat slowly starting from "low heat."

Q. What should I do if it rusts?

A. You can revive it with a "tannin-boiling" method using tea leaves.
Red spots inside the kettle are a normal change, but if the water becomes red and cloudy or you notice a metallic odor, repair is necessary. Add green tea leaves and simmer for about 30 minutes, then leave as-is for half a day to a full night. The tannins in the tea react with the iron, forming a black-rust coating that suppresses the red rust.