The Small Cast Iron Frying Pan by Ogasawara Foundry is a handcrafted Japanese skillet designed to elevate everyday cooking. Made in Iwate, Japan, this pan represents the heritage of Nambu Tekki, a traditional craft with over 400 years of history. Each piece is carefully cast and finished by artisans, ensuring exceptional quality and long-lasting performance. ・Superior Cooking Performance Thanks to its excellent heat retention and even heat distribution, this Japanese cast iron frying pan allows ingredients to cook to perfection. Meats develop a crisp sear on the outside while remaining juicy inside, vegetables retain their natural sweetness, and eggs or side dishes cook evenly without hot spots. Unlike lighter cookware, cast iron provides steady heat for reliable results every time. ・Compact and Versatile The small size makes this pan perfect for single portions, side dishes, or serving food directly to the table. It works on gas stoves, IH induction cooktops, and even in the oven, making it versatile for grilling, roasting, baking, and more. Its simple yet refined design allows it to double as stylish tableware, enhancing the presentation of your dishes. ・Naturally Seasoned Over Time With use, the surface gradually builds a natural oil seasoning that makes the pan increasingly non-stick and glossy. This unique patina is individual to each user, improving cooking performance while adding character and beauty. Properly cared for, the skillet becomes a tool that can be passed down for generations. ・Sustainable and Durable Craftsmanship Cast iron is inherently durable and eco-friendly, requiring no synthetic coatings or chemical treatments. This handmade Nambu cast iron skillet embodies sustainability—reducing waste by offering a product that lasts for decades. Unlike disposable cookware, it improves with age, making it a thoughtful and responsible choice for conscious consumers. ■Brand Introduction Ogasawara Foundry – Rikucho Ogasawara (1929–2012) Rikucho Ogasawara was one of Japan’s leading masters of Nambu Tekki cast iron and a pioneer of modern Japanese craft design. Born in Iwate Prefecture, he inherited the traditional techniques of the classic Nambu iron kettle while creating a wide range of modern cast iron cookware and homeware for everyday use. Ogasawara skillfully combined two casting methods: the simple “Namagata” technique suited for efficient production, and the complex “Sogata” technique requiring advanced craftsmanship. By blending functionality with beauty, he introduced cast iron products that were both practical tools for daily life and highly regarded works of art. ■Product Information Brand: Ogasawara Rikuchō / Nambu Tekki, JAPAN Size: Ø18 cm × W21 cm × H7 cm (Inner Ø17.3 cm / Depth 4 cm / Thickness 0.3 cm) / 500 ml (17 oz) Weight: approx. 1.16 kg (2.55 lbs) Material: Cast Iron (traditional, durable) Compatible Heat Sources: IH, Direct Fire, Oven Not Suitable For: Microwave, Dishwasher