“Kizami tabako” literally means shredded tobacco. Here at Kizami, we celebrate a unique piece of Japanese culture. Let’s step back in time to explore the world of the kiseru pipe and its connection to this very spot.
Tobacco arrived in Japan in the mid-16th century thanks to the Portuguese. By the early 17th century, Japan began its own tobacco production. Tokushima was the first region to cultivate it. Before tobacco became a state monopoly, many producers made kizami tobacco. These factories lasted nearly four centuries until 1979.
But some people still wanted to smoke this particular tobacco. They wanted to preserve the traditional know-how. So, production eventually resumed under the Koiki brand. Today, two brands are available in Japan Koiki and Takarabune. Koiki is made with native Japanese tobacco. Many Japanese smokers prefer it. Takarabune is produced in Belgium. It is chopped slightly less finely.
Kiseru pipes are traditional Japanese smoking devices. They have been used since the second half of the sixteenth century. They feature a small bowl for a small quantity of tobacco. Kiseru pipes are generally fine and elegant. Most kiseru pipes combine metal and bamboo. Some are entirely metal or ceramic. Simple models exist alongside true works of art with intricate sculpting.
Kizami tabako is particularly well-suited to the kiseru’s small bowl. This finely chopped tobacco burns efficiently. It provides a unique smoking experience. Traditionally, no additives are used in its preparation.
To smoke a kiseru, one takes a small ball of tobacco. It should be about the size of the bowl. Traditionally, embers in a tabako-bon fireplace light the tobacco. Matches or a lighter can also be used. After lighting, a few puffs are taken. Then, the ashes are tapped out. The gankubi or the pipe’s neck is tapped on the edge of an ashtray. Some people tap it against their palm.
The small size of the kiseru bowl might seem inconvenient. But for centuries, the Japanese enjoyed this method. The kizami tobacco is particularly suitable. There are no strict rules for holding a kiseru.
Maintaining a clean kiseru is essential. Bamboo pipes can be replaced if needed. Metal tips are usually nested without glue. This allows the kiseru to be dismantled. It also allows for the bamboo to be changed if it’s damaged. For all-metal kiseru, the parts are welded together. In the past, people used washi or Japanese paper to clean their kiseru. Now, pipe cleaners are recommended. They absorb moisture and remove dirt.
Metal parts of the kiseru can oxidize. Ordinary metal polish and a soft cloth can restore them. Here at Kizami, we celebrate this tradition. We invite you to experience a taste of history.