Established in 1973, Arai Koubou, a representative of Yamagata Castings, upholds the highest standards of quality, following the most traditional techniques of creating iron kettles. Mikio Arai, the current head of Arai Koubou, hails from a long line of iron pot craftsmen in Yamagata, with the family tradition extending back for generations. Despite the declining trend of family traditions in Japan, Arai chose to carry on his father's legacy, becoming a national treasure with his unparalleled craftsmanship.

Arai's meticulous process involves designing, molding, embossing, assembling, injecting cast iron slurry, shaping, and desanding, resulting in stunningly beautiful iron pots. The unique "thin-flesh casting technique" employed by Arai Koubou, passed down for more than 900 years, produces lightweight and delicate iron pots with thin walls, a testament to the extraordinary level of craftsmanship. Arai's teapots, blending Kyoto and Nanbu techniques, stand as a pinnacle in mid to high-end iron pots, reflecting a synthesis of history, folklore, sculpture, painting, and craftsmanship. The Arai Koubou Iron Kettle is not just a water boiler for the tea ceremony; it is a profound embodiment of cultural richness and artistic mastery that captivates tea lovers worldwide.