Tsunagari Factory, a Craft Brand Born in a Town Factory in Osaka

Small and medium-sized factories and manufacturing plants scattered throughout Japan, known as machi-factories, have supported Japan’s manufacturing industry. Among them, Osaka, which boasts the largest number of machi-factories in Japan, manufactures everything from machine parts to metals and steel.

Today, we will introduce “Tsunagari Factory,” a craft brand born from a company engaged in precision parts processing in Osaka, the kingdom of such machi-factories.
At the end of the article, we also introduce stores where you can purchase Tsunagari Factory products. We hope you will find it useful as a destination for your visit to Japan.

 

Tsunagari Factory, a brand born in a town factory

FMC Co.,Ltd., located in Joto-ku in the eastern part of Osaka City, is a precision parts processing company that will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025. For many years, the company has been involved in processing a variety of materials, mainly aluminum, but also iron, stainless steel, and other materials. However, the company faced the problems that many local factories face, such as the recession following the Corona disaster, a shortage of human resources, and a lack of successors.

When the representative’s sons joined the company as the next generation’s leaders, the company decided to develop its own products by utilizing its existing technological capabilities to ensure the company’s survival. Thus, they launched their own brand “Tsunagari Factory” in 2024.

Tsunagari Factory logo (left) calligraphy on package (right)

“Tsunagari“ of Tsunagari Factory means ”connection” in Japanese. It expresses our wish to cherish the connections between people and people, and between people and things, through manufacturing. The calligraphy on the packaging features the art of traditional Japanese art calligraphy by Calligrapher Suiran. It is a wonderful calligraphy that conveys the brand’s thoughts and gives the product a distinctly Japanese feel.

 

A new craft born from the technology of precision parts machining

Most people don’t know what precision parts machining actually involves. When you take a peek at the work site of FMC Corporation, you will see a lineup of massive machine tools. These are machining centers, which use rotary tools and perform cutting processes such as drilling and milling in a single machine.

Based on the machining drawing, programming instructions are created to operate the machining center, and input settings are made on the operation panel. The rotary tools required for machining are set up, the program is executed, and machining takes place.
It is a very good machine that can process with high precision on the nanometer scale! Once the settings are made, the machine does the machining, but the drawing and programming, which require human hands, require the skilled experience and technical skills of a craftsman.

Here are the finished parts. I was amazed that a lump of aluminum or metal could be transformed into such precise parts.

And, the first of a series of crafts utilizing this precision parts processing technology, the Hashioki (chopstick rest), has been created. Made of aluminum with 2-way specifications, it is available in two colors, Red and Black. A nice touch is that you can place not only chopsticks but also foodpicks in the grooves on both ends.
Stylish and suitable for any dining table, the two-color set is recommended as a gift for newlyweds.

Product Details

Size: 15x15x60(mm)
Color: red, black (1 each)
Material: aluminum
Price: 3,300 yen per piece (including tax)
URL: https://www.fmc-osaka.com/tf-hashioki

 

A gift for your loved ones! Duralumin Ochoko

Here is another Tsunagari Factory craft item that makes a special gift.
This is the world’s first* duralumin Ochoko (traditional sake cup used for drinking sake) made by machining. Duralumin is a high-strength aluminum alloy used in aircraft. The one-of-a-kind Ochoko was born from the fusion of traditional Japanese and modern materials, with outstanding durability and a luxurious feel.
(*) According to FMC Co.,Ltd. Processing method: Machining process, surface treatment: chrome-free electrolytic polishing + high-grade anodized aluminum finish, the world’s first Ochoko.

One of the most important points about Ochoko is that it is made by machining, a process that is rare in the world. The machining process is a method of high-precision cutting using a machining center, and it involves multiple processes from a lump of material. Because each process is carefully crafted, it takes about two months to complete. This is the ultimate ochoko that can only be made by skilled craftsmen.

The process of making a Ochoko from a lump

After the shape of the choko is created by the machining process, the choko is colored by chrome-free electrolytic polishing and color anodizing to give it a glossy appearance.
The resulting cups come in two colors, Gold and Blue, and are available in 10 types each.

Because of its thermal conductivity, it is recommended to use it exclusively for cold sake. The choko and sake can be served chilled for a cooler, more refreshing taste. It is also lightweight and easy to carry without breaking even if dropped. It is sure to be useful at events and outdoor scenes.

Just gazing at it, you will be captivated by its beautiful brilliance.
Tsunagari Factory’s duralumin Ochoko(sake cups) will take your sake drinking experience to the next level, so why not treat yourself or a loved one to a special gift as a Made in Japan souvenir?

Product Details

Material: Duralumin (aluminum alloy)
Capacity: 50ml
Weight: approx. 53g
Size: approx. φ50 x height 40 (mm)
Processing method: machining center machining process
Surface treatment: color anodizing Original color
Design: currently 10 types
Color: tf gold, tf blue 2 colors
Price: 1 piece 49,500 yen (tax included)
How to drink: Cold sake only (When using hot sake, be careful of the temperature as it may cause burns if the temperature of the sake exceeds 60°C.)

Sales Stores

・JR Nara Station VIERA Momotaro Store

Address: 2F Viera Nara, JR Nara Station, 1-1 Sanjohonmachi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
Closed: Open year-round
Hours: 10:00-21:00
URL: https://www.nara-momo.com/tenpo.html

・Nara Nagomikan


Address: 1071 Takahata-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
Hours: 9:30-16:30
URL: https://worldheritage.co.jp/nagomi/

Other products can be purchased through the Tsunagari Factory online store (https://www.fmc-osaka.com/tf-ochoko) and the official website inquiry form (https://www.fmc-osaka.com/tf-o).

 

Valuing human connections, the challenge of manufacturing continues

Tsunagari Factory has been creating not only uniquely Japanese crafts, but also collaborative products from various artists one after another.
For example, the record stabilizer shown here is a collaboration product (not for sale) with “JAM MASSIVE,” a sound representing the reggae scene in Hiroshima. The unprecedented hexagonal design is very stylish! You can purchase the normal design without engraving or engraved with your original design.

They are cherish each and every encounter and hope to deliver new impressions through manufacturing that is close to the customer. With creativity and an insatiable spirit of pursuit, we are earnestly engaged in manufacturing day in and day out.
We hope that Tsunagari Factory’s circle of connections will eventually spread from Japan to the rest of the world. The challenge of Osaka’s machi-factories will continue in the future.

Kodawari Times will continue to introduce the products of these makers who support Japanese craftsmanship. Join us and discover the charm of Japan.