Column

Iron frying pan recognized by the world as a town factory

Fujita Kinzoku Co.

The original iron frying pans produced by the integrated production system of a local factory have spread through social networking services and are now popular products all over the world. We visited the manufacturing site of Fujita Metal Co., Ltd. which continues to produce sellable metal products while flexibly responding to the changing times.

Creating a one-of-a-kind watch

Izumo Senco Ltd. (DEDEGUMO)

Space, galaxy trains, paper cut-outs and Ferris wheels. These are all motifs for wristwatches. DEDEGUMO, which has a studio in Kyoto, is a brand of handmade wristwatches with a playful spirit. We caught up with the craftspeople who assemble the watches one by one.

Toward the global market with processing technology and materials

Koide Manufacturing Co.

Cymbals are an indispensable percussion instrument for all kinds of music, from classical, jazz, and rock to brass bands. Koide Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is the only Japanese manufacturer of cymbals. We visited the company of four employees who, through trial and error, established the "Koide Cymbal" brand, which is now attracting worldwide attention.

Lamp craftsman preserving the flame for 100 years

WINGED WHEEL Corporation

Hurricane lamps are gaining prominence against the backdrop of the camping boom. The sole manufacturer of these lamps in Japan is WINGED WHEEL, located in Osaka. We interviewed the representative and the only female lamp craftsman in Japan about her thoughts on manufacturing.