Location: Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan
Specialty: Handcrafted wooden products, local specialty foods, and sustainable goods inspired by the culture and resources of Iwate’s Sanriku region.
About Banzai Factory
Banzai Factory, originally established in 2007, began by creating unique IT-integrated wooden products. Over time, the company expanded to produce a variety of items, including precision-crafted wooden goods and locally inspired specialty foods. Their mission is to create products that showcase the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Iwate region while contributing to community revitalization.
After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the company relocated to the coastal city of Rikuzentakata, focusing on revitalizing the local economy through job creation and innovative product development. This included reimagining traditional crafts and foods to support the region’s recovery
Key Products
1. Craftsmanship Division
Wagahai Cups: Custom-designed wooden cups tailored to the user’s grip, blending personal touch with timeless design.
iPhone Wood Cases: Eco-friendly phone cases crafted from locally sourced wood, combining functionality with aesthetics.
Fuku Ochoko: Small wooden sake cups made from premium Iwate cherry wood, ideal for gifts or celebrations.
2. Gourmet Foods Division
Tsubaki Tea: A healthy, caffeine-free tea made from camellia leaves, known for its mild sweetness and potential health benefits.
Sanriku Wakame Products: Premium wakame seaweed-based condiments and snacks, celebrating the coastal culinary heritage of Iwate.
Sanriku Alga Salt: Low-temperature dried salt infused with wakame for a unique seasoning experience
Community Impact
The company actively engages in local job creation, focusing on training residents in craftsmanship and food production. Their post-disaster recovery efforts include building a new factory in Rikuzentakata to support local artisans and food producers. These initiatives have earned them several awards, such as the “New Tohoku Grand Prize” for promoting industry revival.
Contact Information
Website: Banzai Factory Official Site