#Japan #Tokyo #Niigata #Conte Kitchenware #Shirai Noriko

Celebrating the Artisan Story Behind Niigata's Conte Kitchenware

In a delightful initiative aimed at bringing attention to the innovative product development and manufacturing of local firms, the Niigata Industrial Creation Organization (NICO) is hosting an event titled 'Product Story' at THE NIIGATA information center in Ginza. This event showcases the stories behind products developed in Niigata Prefecture, including food items and household goods, emphasizing the insights from their creators themselves.

The second installment of the Product Story series will feature Conte, a kitchenware brand produced by Ichibishi Metal Industry Co., Ltd., located in Tsubame-Sanjo, a region renowned for its stainless steel craftsmanship. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear directly from the artisans behind the Conte brand as they share the history and manufacturing processes that define the Tsubame-Sanjo area. Furthermore, they will be joined by Noriko Shirai from Gohan Domei, a food research expert known for her dedication to rice and its culinary applications. She will provide insights on how to use these kitchen tools effectively, share tips for cooking rice perfectly, and recommend complementary dishes that pair beautifully with rice.

Participants will be able to engage with the Conte kitchen tools during the event and enjoy tasting freshly cooked rice alongside delicious accompaniments.

Event Details

Event Title: Experience Tsubame-Sanjo’s Craftsmanship: A Gathering for Delicious Rice with Conte and Gohan Domei
Date: September 6, 2026 (Sunday)
Time: ① 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM ② 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: THE NIIGATA Event Space, 3rd Floor, Ginza Niigata Information Center
(5-6-7 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo)
Participation Fee: 2,000 yen (tax included) - Cash only
Capacity: 25 people per session
Registration: Sign up via the THE NIIGATA website.

Day’s Program

• - Exploring the Craftsmanship of Tsubame-Sanjo and How Conte Tools Are Made
• - Noriko Shirai’s Recommendations! Introduction and Utilization of Conte Tools
• - How to Cook Delicious Rice and Recommended Accompaniments
• - Experience Tasting Accompaniments Using Conte Tongs

About Conte

Conte, a kitchenware brand from Ichibishi Metal Industry in Tsubame City, is renowned for its quality stainless steel tools that embody a philosophy of enduring craftsmanship. The products are designed not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their practicality, ease of cleaning, and the overall delightful experience they offer in daily cooking. Having launched in 2016, Conte is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2026.
In recognition of its excellence, Conte has been the recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the iF DESIGN AWARD GOLD (2018), German Design Award GOLD (2021), and the GOOD DESIGN AWARD 2023 BEST100 Good Focus Award.

For more information, visit the Conte website.

Featured Kitchen Items at the Event:

• - Makunai Bowl
• - Marubat (Round Plate)
• - Hirazar (Flat Strainer)
• - Easy-to-Handle Seasoning Tongs
• - Measuring Spoon (Yaku Saji)
• - Oil Pot

The experience items for this event will include the Easy-to-Handle Seasoning Tongs and Easy-to-Handle Cooking Tongs, specifically designed to leverage the rebound strength and hardness of stainless spring material. Despite being lightweight, these tongs provide a robust grip on ingredients, making them perfect for various culinary tasks, from serving condiments to preparing meals. Participants will get to try them in distributing rice accompaniments for a firsthand experience.

About Noriko Shirai

Noriko Shirai, a rice culinary expert hailing from Niigata Prefecture, passionately promotes the beauty of rice through her work with her husband, who comes from a rice farming family. Together, they run the food unit Gohan Domei, focusing on recipes that celebrate rice—from grains to various culinary delights. She actively conducts cooking classes, aiming to inspire more people to enjoy delicious rice. Noriko can frequently be seen on programs such as NHK's Today's Cooking and Let’s Go Strong Heat!. Her recent publications include