Satsuma Tinware Crafts Museum

Satsuma Tinware Crafts Museum has its origins in 1916, when founder Toichiro Iwakiri began producing tin pipes used in shochu distillation equipment in what is now Kirishima City. As the business evolved, he turned his attention from industrial tin pipes to handcrafted tinware with long-term potential, sending his son to study under a master tinware craftsman in Kagoshima.

Over time, the workshop grew into a dedicated Satsuma tinware manufacturer. To mark the centennial anniversary in 2016, the company opened the current Satsuma Tinware Crafts Museum — a comprehensive facility that combines a workshop, a large showroom and an experience space. Visitors can watch the making process, shop for finished pieces and join a tin plate workshop.

Satsuma tinware itself dates back to the discovery of tin mines in the Satsuma domain during the Edo period. The craft is characterised by its pear-skin-like casting surface (nashiji-hada), excellent thermal conductivity and the ability to make water and sake taste smoother. At Satsuma Tinware Crafts Museum, many of the production steps — from casting and lathe cutting to surface finishing and "ibushi" colouring — are still performed by hand.

The workshop is home to craftspeople of various ages, including nationally recognised "Contemporary Master Craftsmen" and award-winning artisans. By training younger generations while producing more than 300 types of tin products, the company aims to keep Satsuma tinware alive as a craft that is both rooted in tradition and relevant to modern lifestyles.

Traditional craft "Satsuma Tinware" from Kagoshima

Satsuma tinware is a traditional craft of Kagoshima with a history of more than 300 years. It is officially designated as a traditional craft by Kagoshima Prefecture and is often mentioned alongside Satsuma-yaki ceramics and Satsuma cut glass. Satsuma Tinware Crafts Museum is one of the leading workshops in this production area, creating a wide range of tinware items such as sake ware, tea canisters, tableware, vases and ornaments.

Over 100 years of history, rooted in tin pipe production

The history of the company goes back to 1916, when founder Toichiro Iwakiri began making tin pipes for shochu distilleries in Kokubu, Kirishima. Recognising the potential of tinware, he later sent his son to apprentice at a long-established tinware manufacturer in Kagoshima, which marked the beginning of full-scale Satsuma tinware production. Today, around ten craftspeople across different generations work together to carry on this legacy.

Large showroom and hands-on tin plate workshop

The on-site showroom "Satsuma" is regarded as one of the largest tinware galleries in Japan, exhibiting and selling around 500 pieces. Visitors can also enjoy a hands-on workshop where they create their own original tin plates, guided by experienced craftsmen. This combination of exhibition, shop and workshop allows guests to experience Satsuma tinware in a very direct way.

Durable, rust-free tinware and highly airtight tea canisters

Tinware is known for being "unbreakable and rust-free." In particular, tea canisters made from tin offer excellent airtightness. At Satsuma Tinware Crafts Museum, skilled artisans adjust the fit between the body and lid to extremely fine tolerances so that the inner lid falls slowly and seals perfectly, ensuring both a pleasant user experience and reliable storage.

Enjoy mellow flavour with tin sake cups and tumblers

Tin is said to have ionising effects that make water and alcoholic beverages taste milder. Leveraging these material properties, Satsuma Tinware Crafts Museum produces a variety of drinkware such as tumblers, beer cups, guinomi sake cups and shochu glasses. Many customers choose these items as special gifts or as a way to enhance their everyday drinks.