The well-known casting industry of the Japanese city Odawara dates back all the way to the Tembun Era (1532 - 1555) when Yamada Jirozaemon opens the first foundry upon his arrival from what is now Osaka, in 1534. Casting products were in high demand at this time due to the many civil wars in that era.  

The Kashiwagi family, who held a subordinate position from one of the most important families at that time, the Okubo family, moved to Odwara in 1686, where the late Harumitsu Kashiwagi opened the Kashiwagi Art Foundry. He specialized in Odawara Imono's (cast metal) two main materials; brass and Sahari. The first one exists of copper and zinc, whereas the Sahari is a complicated mix of copper and at least 20% tin. This mixture creates a hard, yet fragile chime, that creates a beautiful, unique lingering.   

When Jirozaemon's descendants left Odawara, the Kashiwagi family purchased what was left of their business, which allowed them to tremendously grow their techniques and line-up, and form a foundation to the company they run today.