RITA Unnan Yoshida

A town where the history of "Tatara Ironmaking" continues.

RITA Yunnan Yoshida is located in a mountain village once home to the Tanabe family, one of the leading tatara ironmaking entrepreneurs in the whole country. Since the Muromachi period, "tatara ironmaking," which was both the livelihood of the Tanabe family and a vital industry supporting Japanese life, had far-reaching influence. In addition to iron production, work in forestry, agriculture, and care for livestock flourished here. At its peak, over 10,000 people lived in Yoshida town and were engaged in jobs related to tatara. The rows of 20 earthen storehouses owned by the Tanabe family and the old stone-paved streets reflect a vivid sense of prosperity from that era. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, this town exudes a spirit where traditional techniques blend seamlessly with challenges toward future innovation.

A journey to discover the unique world of Tatara, found only here.

The raw material supporting Tatara ironmaking is wood from the forest. Due to the vast amount of timber used, the Tatara operators, the "Tabe Family," were also known as Japan's largest-scale "forest kings." After cutting trees from the mountains, they replanted and nurtured new ones. This sustainable cycle operated on approximately a 30-year rotation. Mountains once mined for iron sand were transformed into terraced rice fields, creating fertile lands. Even today, these areas produce delicious premium rice brands. A journey through this land deeply marked by Tatara history offers a profound insight into the foundation of Japanese craftsmanship.