■Media Information: May 12

On May 11, our crowdfunding campaign was featured on KNB’s “news every.”

Watch the video here：https://news.ntv.co.jp/n/knb/category/society/kn52e827b835c54ca1be0ace10cc9ae520

On May 12, NHK World featured Takaoka ironware from Otani Kisaku Shoten in Toyama.

Upcoming Broadcast Schedule

May 12, 2026, 9:30–9:58 AM / 2:30–2:58 PM

May 13, 2026, 12:30 AM – 12:58 AM / 6:30 AM – 6:58 AM

May 18, 2026, 6:30 PM – 6:58 PM

Watch the video here：https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/2007579/

■Project details

Everyone, this is sudden, but do you know what this is?

Most of you have probably never even seen it. This is commonly known as a "Cupola." It is the absolutely essential heart of making Takaoka Ironware using traditional methods.

It is the absolutely essential heart of making Takaoka Ironware using traditional methods.

The "Namagata Chuzo" (Green Sand Molding) that we continue to protect. Pouring 1500°C (approx. 2,700°F) molten metal into sand molds. For us, this "Kanebuki" (metal blowing) is not just a process. It is a lifeline, no, life itself.

However, due to the aging of the furnace, which is our lifeline, our current reality is that we are deprived of time for daily maintenance, leaving us unable to focus on activities to open up the future of this production area.

Our goal is to protect the environment where craftsmen can concentrate on their skills by conducting emergency repairs on the Cupola, which has reached its limit. And, with the power generated from there, we will devote all our efforts to activities that convey the charm of Takaoka Ironware to the world.

We ask you to lend us your strength for this project to "connect the fire of Takaoka Ironware to the future" together with everyone.

Hello, everyone. I am Akiro Otani of Otani Kisaku Shoten, manufacturing and selling traditional Takaoka ironware and copperware in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture.

Takaoka is a manufacturing town that began 400 years ago when Toshinaga Maeda, the lord of the Kaga Domain, summoned the "Seven Casters." For over half a century, our shop has continued to send out items that gently accompany your daily life, such as zodiac ornaments, incense burners, or steak plates that color your dining table.

However, this town is currently suffering from a triple hardship: "aging craftsmen," "lack of successors," and "aging facilities." Everyone in the community is holding their heads in the face of this harsh reality.

But we cannot just lament. We must continue to challenge ourselves to reward the souls of our predecessors who risked their lives to root metalcasting in this land. I have decided to gather the thoughts and power of many people this time to blow a new wind into "Takaoka Ironware," which is standing at a crossroads. I will convey all my thoughts, which are like red-hot melted iron, to you now. It might be a bit overwhelming, but please stay with me until the end.

Otani Kisaku Shoten, which I represent, has been selling Takaoka copperware, Takaoka ironware, and fine art metal crafts for many years. While facing the difficulty of selling crafts that are not "daily necessities," whenever I looked at the finished products, I believed I understood better than anyone that they were "good things" that soak into your bones.

However, a few years ago, a situation occurred that could be called a decisive crisis for the region. The closure crisis of "Oka Foundry," where we commissioned iron casting. Operating since 1967, this place was one of the few places in the region, no, the last stronghold, where "Namagata Chuzo" (Green Sand Molding) could be done, making iron in "sand molds."

That precious place was about to close the curtain on its history due to the absence of a successor.

"The time has come."

Skills and culture disappear silently. Faced with that reality, I felt a sense of regret and even indescribable terror.

In the deserted workshop, its closure all but decided, I stood alone, gazing at the well-worn machines.

"I cannot let it end like this."

Suddenly, that thought surged from the very bottom of my gut. The tools were still fully capable, and the craftsmen's pride was far from dead.

There was absolutely no reason to give up here. It was the moment a quiet, yet undeniable fire was ignited in my despairing heart.

It was the biggest decision of my life.

"I will do it. Otani Kisaku Shoten will take over this foundry."

We will take over the entire aging factory and will not let a single craftsman quit. I will protect their skills and, above all, their pride. Honestly, having lived in the merchant world, I didn't know anything about the factory floor. However, only the resolve that "I have to do it" drove me forward.

Fortunately, I had reliable friends. Many craftsmen, including Mr. Fujita of "Yamazen," a descendant of the "Seven Casters," pushed me from behind.

"If we're going to do this, Mr. Otani, you have to enter the factory floor too, or no one will follow you."

They said, but everyone looked happy.

True to those words, I began my days sweating not only in managing the foundry but also as a craftsman.

I struggled at first, but if I just understand and respect the "value" of the workplace, there are professionals ready to help. Thus, joining forces, we have repeated new challenges, such as exhibiting at a trade show in New York.

However, amidst these challenges, the "Cupola (melting furnace)," the heart of the factory, began to scream. This is something that our spirit and guts alone cannot fix.

The support we receive from everyone through For Good will be carefully utilized as "emergency repair costs for the Cupola and surrounding facilities" to connect this culture to the future.

The first target amount is 700,000 yen for emergency maintenance and repair costs. First, we will restore the function of this aging equipment and bring back a state where craftsmen can operate safely.

　Breakdown of 700,000 yen　

1. Maintenance and repair costs for Cupola surrounding facilities (75%)
2. Project operation and miscellaneous expenses: 25% (preparation of return items, shipping, PR activities, etc.)
3. This project will be implemented in the All-in format. Even if the target amount is not reached, the collected amount will be used for Cupola repair costs, etc., and returns will be delivered.

　Next Goal: Challenge for 2.5 Million Yen　

Upon achieving the first goal, we will aim for 2.5 million yen as our next goal. Here, we will use the funds to build a solid future for Takaoka Ironware, with an eye toward "introducing a state-of-the-art Cupola" that cannot be covered by repairs alone.

Thank you very much for reading this far.

I will be honest. As you can see from the photos, the current factory is battered. At first glance, it might look like an abandoned building.

However, the "fire" inside has not gone out. The craftsmen's pride is still certainly alive.

"We want to make good things!" There is not a single shadow on their pure passion and masterful skills. I talked with them, who know the workplace inside out, many times.

"After all, we cannot let this fire go out. Let's ask the world about the possibility of a new Takaoka Ironware revival."

What is necessary to stand on that starting line is the survival of this Cupola. That's why the current me is repeating "Anyway, the Cupola!" like a magic spell.

We have already felt a solid response at exhibitions in places like New York mentioned earlier. A craft born from a battered foundry stepping into the spotlight at the center of the world. I strongly wish to share such an exhilarating comeback story with the craftsmen and with you, who are reading this right now!

And beyond that, I am sure an attractive future for Takaoka Ironware lies waiting for young people as well. We can still do more!

If you resonate with these thoughts. Please, create the future of Takaoka Ironware with us. We sincerely ask for your warm support.

■ Support Options

Pure Support Plan - 5,000 JPY

A plan for those who simply wish to support our project. After the project concludes, we will send you a heartfelt thank-you message to express our deepest gratitude.

■ Additional Information

・Please ensure your registered email address is correct.

・A payment processing fee (5% + tax) and a system usage fee of 220 JPY will be charged separately.

Pure Support Plan - 10,000 JPY

A plan for those who simply wish to support our project. After the project concludes, we will send you a heartfelt thank-you message to express our deepest gratitude.

■ Additional Information

・Please ensure your registered email address is correct.

・A payment processing fee (5% + tax) and a system usage fee of 220 JPY will be charged separately.

Pure Support Plan - 50,000 JPY

A plan for those who simply wish to support our project. After the project concludes, we will send you a heartfelt thank-you message to express our deepest gratitude.

■ Additional Information

・Please ensure your registered email address is correct.

・A payment processing fee (5% + tax) and a system usage fee of 220 JPY will be charged separately.

■ How to Back This Project

1. Choose your pledge amount from the Support Options above.

2. Review the details on the screen, then click「情報入力画面へ (Proceed to Enter Your Information)」to continue.

3. If you’re new, you’ll be taken to the registration page. To sign up with your email, click the orange「新規登録(無料) (Sign Up – Free)」button. To use your Google account, click「Googleアカウントでログイン (Continue with Google)」.

4. If registering with email, enter your email address, password, and nickname on the registration screen.

5. Enter your payment information.

6. This is the final confirmation screen. Please review the details and click「この内容で支援する (Confirm and Support)」to complete your pledge.