Cast iron cookware
Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron cookware occupies a unique position in the Japanese kitchen: it is simultaneously the most ancient and the most enduring choice for serious cooking. The tradition of Japanese ironware stretches back over four centuries, centred particularly in Iwate Prefecture in northern Japan, where the combination of mineral-rich local clay for molds and pure regional iron produces castings of exceptional quality. The pieces made today in Morioka and the surrounding area are direct descendants of that tradition, made using techniques that have changed remarkably little over time.
The properties that make cast iron so valued are well established. It holds heat longer than any other common cookware material, which means a pan stays at temperature even when cold ingredients are added, critical for achieving a proper sear on meat or maintaining the precise oil temperature needed for tempura. Once heated evenly, it cooks with exceptional consistency. And unlike non-stick coatings, which degrade over time, cast iron actually improves with use as it builds up a seasoning layer that becomes naturally non-stick and adds depth of flavour to everything cooked in it.
The collection here focuses on the two most respected producers of Japanese cast iron: Iwachu, established in 1902, and Oigen, established in 1852. Between them they cover every category of cast iron cookware, from the iconic tetsubin kettles and rice cookers to frying pans, takoyaki plates, Dutch ovens and trivets. Each piece is cast individually in a sand mold, which means there is a small degree of natural variation between items, a mark of authenticity rather than inconsistency.
Cast iron cookware purchased today will still be in use in your grandchildren's kitchen. That kind of longevity justifies the investment many times over.
Discover more in our subcategories:
Browse our Japanese knives to complete your cooking setup, or explore cutting boards for the perfect prep surface.
The beginner's guide to Japanese cast iron cookware, seasoning, cleaning and how to choose your first piece.
Showing 30 products
AVAILABILITY: In stock (-5 items)
The Nanbu Frying Pan, Japanese cast iron skillet in the Nambu Tekki tradition for everyday high-heat frying and searing. Excellent heat distribution produces restaurant-quality results at home. Artisan Craftsmanship Authentic Handcrafted Nanbu Tekki (Traditional Japanese Ironware) Primary Culinary Use Traditional...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (2 items)
The Kyoto Katsugu Tamagoyaki Pan is a Japanese rectangular carbon steel pan from the Kyoto Katsugu professional cookware line - designed for making perfectly layered tamagoyaki rolled omelettes with precise heat control. Product Type Heavy-Duty Rectangular Japanese Rolled Omelet (Tamagoyaki)...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (497 items)
The Nanbu Tetsubin Kettle Jiyu, premium Japanese cast iron kettle from Iwate in a free-form Jiyu artistic design. Uncoated interior and Nambu Tekki craftsmanship make it both beautiful and practical. Vessel Typology Traditional Tetsubin (Water-Boiling Cast Iron Kettle) Interior Surface...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (496 items)
The Iwachu Kettle Yakitsuke, Japanese cast iron kettle with enamel interior and a distinctive yakitsuke rustic finish. As beautiful as it is functional. In the Box 1 Cast Iron Kettle Teapot & 1 Steel Strainer Dimensions W5.5 x Ø6.3 x...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (497 items)
The Iwachu Cast Iron Trivet, functional and decorative cast iron stand for protecting table surfaces from hot pots, pans, and teapots. Heavy and stable with an intricate geometric cast pattern. In the Box 1 Cast Iron Tetsubin Stand (Trivet) Dimensions...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (498 items)
The Iwachu Saucepan, Japanese cast iron saucepan with enamel interior for making soups, sauces, and simmered dishes with exceptional heat retention and even distribution. Includes 1 cast iron saucepan (handle removable) Dimensions Inner diameter: Ø160 x D75 mm, Outer size:...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (-2 items)
The Iwachu Frying Pan, versatile Japanese cast iron skillet for everyday frying, sauteing, and searing. Thick base and high sides handle everything from scrambled eggs to stir-fried vegetables. In the Box 1 Japanese Cast Iron Frying Pan & 1 Removable...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (499 items)
The Yakiniku Grilling Pan, ridged cast iron grill pan for cooking Japanese barbecue-style meats, vegetables, and seafood on a tabletop burner. Ridges drain fat and create authentic grill marks. Includes 1 cast iron grill plate Dimensions 35 × 30.5 ×...
AVAILABILITY: Out of Stock
The Nanbu Tetsubin Kettle Zen is a premium Japanese cast iron kettle from Iwate prefecture. Its minimalist Zen design and enamel-lined interior make it a masterpiece of functional art. Style Nambu Tekki cast iron kettle Interior Enamel-lined Origin Iwate, Japan...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (0 items)
The Iwachu Zai Skillet, cast iron Japanese skillet with a two-handled grip for oven-to-table serving. Shallow, wide profile ideal for gratins, gyoza finishing, and small Japanese baked dishes. In the Box 1 Japanese Cast Iron Frying Pan Manufacturer Iwachu (Morioka,...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (499 items)
The Iwachu Takoyaki pan is a heavy cast iron griddle with 23 half-sphere cavities for making perfectly round takoyaki octopus balls at home. Includes 1 takoyaki pan / 23 holes Dimensions 28.5 × 22.5 × 3 cm, holes :4.2 ×...
AVAILABILITY: In stock (-6 items)
The Iwachu Takoyaki Frypan, cast iron takoyaki pan with 16 hemispherical cavities for making authentically round, crispy-outside and molten-inside takoyaki octopus balls on a gas hob. In the Box 1 Japanese Cast Iron Frying Pan Manufacturer Iwachu (Morioka, Japan) Dimensions...