ZERO JAPAN INC. was established in 1992 in MINO prefecture in Japan. The history of ceramic production is really old, dated hundreds of years back and Zero Japan INC. combines traditional skills with new tecniques in order to produce its products.
From day 1 they has been loyal to their ideology which consists of three concepts. Beautiful appearance, pleasant to touch and very useful. These 3 simple consepts is what make Zero Japan products so unique!
THE AREA OF PRODUCTION AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE
MINO is the name that refers to the southern region of Gifu prefecture, and the region has been the center of ceramic production and art since the 7th century. Ceramics produced in Mino, both traditional and modern, are referred to as “Minoyaki (Mino ware)”. Mino’s environment offers natural elements that are suitable for the manufacture of quality ceramics.
Refined Clay:
The Mino area is also rich in superior quality clay that has a high iron content used for ceramics.
Rich in water:
To clean the clay from the sand, water is necessary. Surrounded by the Kiso River and the Hida River, the area is also rich in water. This enabled the Mino region to produce ceramics more efficiently and in greater volume than other regions.
Mountainside Furnace:
Since Mino is a mountainous region, its slopes are ideal for the construction of climbing furnaces. Although the equipment has been modernized, these kilns carved into the mountainside have been in use since the mid-Meiji era (around 1890) until today.
The experience of craftsmen
Each Zero Japan product is carefully perfected by the hands of Mino artisans, who were among the first ceramists to seamlessly blend ceramic, steel and silicone together to create timeless tableware with a modern twist. From the initial casting to the final glazing and application & finishing of the lids in a mold, a long history of attention to detail is evident.
History
1992
BEE HOUSE CO., LTD. (JAPAN) was founded.
1994
Released the first square canisters. It began selling to retailers including Macy’s, Crate and Barrel, Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee and Tea, Dillard’s and others.
1998
Developed and released the first Round Teapot series.
2000
Round Teapot featured in InStyle Magazine – followed by explosive Teapot sales.
2001
Developed and released the first line of Salt Box. Developed and released the first series of Coffee Dripper.
2006
Changed the name from BEE HOUSE JAPAN to ZERO JAPAN. Coffee Dripper is picked up by Blue Bottle, building momentum to ride the Third Wave of Coffee.
2018
Focus America Corporation became the US distributor.
2022
ZERO JAPAN celebrated its 30th anniversary!
WHY CHOOSE A ZERO JAPAN TEAPOT!
When looking for the right teapot for tea, it’s important to find out what type of teapot is best for your needs. Each type of teapot has its own unique characteristics and offers advantages over other materials. Today, we would like to share the main benefits of using our ceramic teapots!
ZERO JAPAN -BEE HOUSE- Round Teapot
Since the creation of the first Round Teapots in 1998, our teapots have been ingrained in the tea industry for reliable, timeless designs. BEE HOUSE – NOW ZERO JAPAN – was one of the first designs to combine metal and ceramics for its aesthetic and functional purpose. To this day, each teapot is handcrafted by MINO artisans for its uncompromising quality.
5 Benefits of using our ceramic teapots
1. Fresher, warmer, lasting
Our ceramic teapots are made from high-quality, iron-rich clay found in the Mino region. Ceramic has natural heat retention and low leakage properties. Since our teapots are able to retain heat for longer than top glass teapots, they can keep your tea fresh, allowing you to take your time savoring each sip.
2. Brew with ease!
Our metal lid is attached to the teapot, allowing you to conveniently serve without having to hold the lid with one hand or worry about accidental spills from the top. Also, the mouth opening narrows for spill-free serving and easy maneuverability – even when brewing in a morning rush.
3. Easy daily cleaning
No time to clean? No problem. You can simply put our teapot in the dishwasher after use without worrying about damage (except Crackled, Antique Silver, Antique Gold and Crystal Silver collection). Since our metal lid is removable, it’s even easier to hand wash the inside as well.
4. Color for All
We promise you will find the color that speaks to you. With many color variations, you can find a shade that complements your kitchen and tableware. And who doesn’t love receiving their favorite teapot color as a gift? Looking for something a little more whimsical? Check out our crackle or antique inspired Collection.
5. Size matters
When you make a cup of tea, it is to be able to choose our own taste of tea, even when you spend tea with a group. Our collection offers a single size (15 oz.) that allows you to brew just one cup of your favorite tea, a couple size (24 oz.), a family size (34 oz.) that perfectly brews 6 full cups of tea !