[Copper Kettle: A Companion in My New Life]
Several years ago, when I moved to Otaru, a certain object came along with me. It was Azmaya's Copper Kettle. Although I had purchased it quite some time ago, my family home already had a copper kettle that had been used for decades, so I felt there was no rush to use it, and it remained tucked away for a while.
The start of my new life finally gave me the perfect reason to bring it out. Starting each morning by boiling water, the kettle naturally became a part of my daily routine as an essential tool. It has been with me for exactly the same number of years as my current lifestyle, and because of that, I find immense joy in watching its appearance subtly change day by day. On weekdays, I use it to boil water for the tea in my thermos. On cold winter nights, I prepare water for my hot water bottle. Since I place it over the fire almost every single day, there is hardly a day it sits idle. As I use it more and more, it has developed a settled, deep color and a soft, refined luster.
A copper kettle is truly a practical tool. First of all, it boils water remarkably fast, which makes busy mornings stress-free. Even just letting water sit in it seems to somehow soften the taste. Once boiled, the water becomes even mellower, and the difference is clearly noticeable when brewing tea. It is sturdy, easy to use without hesitation, and I rarely have to worry about it breaking. It is a presence that allows me to naturally enjoy the sensation of using a fine tool. Whether it is a copper kettle or something like a woven basket bag, I wonder why we are so drawn to things that change over time. I believe it is because the time spent using them and the traces of our daily lives are preserved in their very form. A look that is different from the beauty of a brand-new item—one with a few small scratches and a deepened hue. Knowing that my own life is etched into it makes me feel a natural sense of affection.
Having started this new life together with my copper kettle, I am already looking forward to the hot summer, as I am eager to try making the "Mugicha (Barley Tea) Made in a Kettle" that was introduced on our store's blog. As the seasons turn and the ways I use it increase, the copper kettle's expression will change once again. I want to continue my relationship with this kettle as a special presence and a reliable everyday tool for years to come.
Azmaya's Copper Kettle
https://www.shokunin.com/en/azmaya/yakan.html
Sunami Toru Shoten's Ikago
https://www.shokunin.com/en/sunami/ikago.html
Mugicha (Barley Tea) Made in a Kettle (Article)
https://en.shokunin.com/archives/55263867.html
