Ehime: Roof Tile Maker Uses Techniques to Produce Shichirin Stove

The Yomiuri Shimbun

12:37 JST, January 13, 2024

IMABARI, Ehime — Kikuma roof tiles are a specialty of Imabari, Ehime Prefecture. Their production method is now being used to develop small traditional charcoal stoves called shichirin.

The manufacturer, Koizumi Seigawara, is targeting the product mainly at people who enjoy outdoor activities and restaurants.

Kikuma roof tile production is said to date back 750 years. But roof tile manufacturers have been shutting down one after another across the country due to the increasing use of roofing materials other than tiles.

Koizumi Seigawara has had difficulties in continuing its business through production of roof tiles alone. To solve this problem, it has been working hard to develop various products using its materials and techniques, including ornaments of Chinese zodiac animals, plates, sake cups and containers.

The shichirin is topped with a metal net for grilling about 13 centimeters in diameter. Although the net is relatively small, the shichirin itself weighs two kilograms and projects a powerful presence. The simple bowl-shaped model will be priced at ¥18,000 and the version that is shaped like the face of an ogre — similar to traditional roof ornaments — will cost ¥30,000.

The company will begin taking orders in March.