Takaoka city, Toyama where is the birthplace of metal castings industry offeres a rare experience during your stay in Toyama. Metal casting?? Some of you might balk at first, but this is one of the MUST-TRY activities in Takaoka city. Absolutely worth trying it. Let’s take a look at how you can do it!
Just one block away from 金屋町 Kanayamachi street, 20mins walk from Takaoka station, there is an artisan’s studio called TOSHISABURO. The moment you arrive, you are taken to the foundry. Please note that you need to make a reservation beforehand.
First of all, you need to choose your item from magnets, paper weights and wind bells. I selected a wind bell as it perfectly goes with coming summer season.
Your master will give you two molds for the wind bell & a piece of paper, then tell you
Master: It is time to show your skill set!
Me: huh?
It seems that this is the most important part of this work. You’ve got to design it. I would recommend you think about it in advance if you tend to become indecisive under this circumstance.
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I spent twenty mins thinking about the image. Once you finish drafting it on the paper, then you start drawing it on the mold with a pencil, which is quite difficult. My theme is ”SUMMER”
I learned that the deeper you carve with a given nail in the mold, the more difficult it becomes. While I was struggling with carving my mold, the artisan makes a preparation for the next step. We use tin as a meterial of tin which the melting point is relatively low, which makes it possible to experience casting quite easily.
After you finish your carving, your last job is to pour melt tin into the mold. Very simple isn’t it? But be careful to handle it as it is still extremely hot!
You will see your work in a matter of second! A minute later, you crack it with hammer!
WOOOOOOOOOW!!!! So impressed!!!! Wait a second, it looks not nice. 
Don’t worry, the final adjustment is done by the master of casting. He cuts, polish your work with meticulous care to make it presentable as a wind bell.
So lovely!!!! 
You can bring it back on the spot if you are in the small group. If not, they will arrange the delivery. I had a great time here.
Now this memorial wind bell is being put on the window in my room, giving me a cooling sound.
Every time the wind blows, this bell works as mental air conditioner ,which reminds you of the haunting experience in Japan.
YOU MUST TRY THIS!
Explore Japan!
利三郎 Toshisaburo
Address:8 – 11 Kanayamachi, Takaoka, Toyama (15 – 20 mins walk from JR Takaoka station)
Tell: +81-766-24-0852 (Overseas call), 0766-24-0852(Domestic call)
Casting Experience Fee: 3000 yen
http://www2.tcnet.ne.jp/jinpachi/ *Japanese only