Chushin Kobo

Chushin Kobo is a creative casting studio founded in 1997 to produce and sell Hisanori Masuda’s creations. The studio uses traditional Yamagata casting techniques and reinterprets Japan’s aesthetic heritage of casting for contemporary living. Drawing inspiration from cultural practices such as the tea ceremony, flower arranging, and Kodo (the Japanese art of appreciating incense), Chushin Kobo proposes new traditions, connecting historic craft with modern lifestyles.

The history of Yamagata casting dates back approximately 950 years. During Minamoto no Yoriyoshi’s campaign, following orders to subdue the Oshu region, accompanying artisans discovered that the sand of the Mamigasakigawa riverbed and the soil near Chitose Park were ideal for casting. The artisans remained there, establishing the roots of Yamagata’s casting tradition.

In Japan, tools are valued for the way they develop character through daily use. Cast iron, too, matures over time, with careful use and maintenance fostering both longevity and sustainability.

In their production, Chushin Kobo utilises reusable natural sand for moulds and a circular system that combines new ingots and scrap iron—reflecting the studio's commitment to environmentally conscious practices.