"Nambu cast ironware is produced in Morioka City and Mizusawa, Oshu City. In 1975, it was designated as a traditional craftwork. “Nambu” refers to the Nambu clan, who built Morioka Castle about 400 years ago. The Nambu lords made numerous efforts towards the cultural development of their fief, inviting artisans from Kyoto and promoting the tea ceremony. As a result, the production of cast ironware for the tea ceremony began to develop in the area, with all the necessary materials readily available locally: iron sand, river sand, clay, lacquer, charcoal, etc. The cast ironware of Mizusawa was originally developed about 900 years ago, by the Fujiwara clan who developed the Golden Culture."
- A Trip to Iwate, Iwate Prefecture Tourism Portal Site
Iwachu Co Ltd, founded in 1902 in Morioka, Iwate, Japan, has been one of the most well-known and respected manufacturers of modern Nambu ironware. Today, craftsmen at Iwachu pay respect to this tradition by infusing each Iwachu product with precision handcraftsmanship throughout the manufacturing process. Iwachu's tetsubin (iron kettles) and cookware have earned a well-deserved worldwide reputation for their superior quality, beauty, and lasting durability.
Shingu Shoko, Ltd. was established in 1909 in Otaru, Hokkaido. The Company's line of business includes operating sawmills and planning mills. They have been introducing Danish wood burning stoves into Japan such as Morsø and Scan since 1982. They also produce woodstove products under the brand name "Andersen Stove”.