Copper and Tin Products | Hiroshima Box Made in Hiroshima Gallery

Copper and Tin Products“Ikuma”Nishii MFG. CO., LTD.

Exhibitor (Manufacturer)	Nishii MFG. CO., LTD.
Address	1-17 Minamimyojinmachi, Kaitacho, Aki-gun
TEL	（082）821-0241
Start a business	April 15, 1918
Established	September 15, 1948
Representative	Hiroaki Nishii
Capital stock	36,000,000 yen
Number of employees	56 employees
Job description	1.Vehicle license plates, signs / 2.Aircraft parts / 3.Semiconductor-related equipment / 4.Precision jigs and dies / 5.Design, develop and test various automatic machines.
Website	http://www.hiroshima-nishii.co.jp/

Ikuma Nishii, the founder of Nishii Manufacturing Co., Ltd., apprenticed under a master coppersmith after graduating from elementary school and established Nishii Ikuma Shoten in 1918. Initially, the company manufactured fine copper and brass artwork, including pipe cleaners and sake warmers. Building on the metalworking expertise developed since its founding, the company now develops and manufactures products across diverse fields, including automotive license plates, coffin fittings, aircraft engine parts, and semiconductors. Furthermore, they have launched “Ikuma,” a premium copper craft gift brand, to bring the beauty of “Dochu”—a traditional craft native to Hiroshima—to the modern world.

“Hiroshima Dochu, Ikuma”

Historically, Hiroshima was home to “Dochu,” a traditional craft in which fine furnishings and decorative items were formed by hammering a single sheet of copper tens of thousands of times. As the generations passed, the number of skilled artisans declined until the tradition completely ceased. Guided by the philosophy of integrating Dochu into modern daily life, we have successfully recreated this craft by harmonizing legacy techniques with new technologies. We aim to bring out the unique qualities and beauty of the copper to its absolute fullest. In recognition of this craftsmanship, the “Ikuma” beer cup was chosen as an official gift featuring Hiroshima’s traditional craft at the 2023 G7 Hiroshima Summit.

The name “Dochu” (literally “copper insect”) originates from the artisans themselves, who were called “copper insects” due to their relentless devotion to hammering a single sheet of copper tens of thousands of times.