According to records, bamboo products from Sado Island in Niigata have been shipped outside the island for more than 200 years.
Because high-quality bamboo suitable for craftwork grows there, bamboo making has long been active on the island.

It is said that many bamboo products were also loaded on the Kitamae-bune, the merchant ships that sailed along the Sea of Japan route connecting Osaka and Hokkaido.
Since thick bamboo does not grow in Hokkaido, bamboo sieves and baskets from Sado, where the Kitamae-bune called, were widely distributed there.

The bamboo products made on Sado Island are characterized by their plain, simple, and durable style.
Among them, this large round and flat colander is called a “Tame-zaru.”

A tame-zaru is a flat colander used in soba shops
after lifting boiled soba or udon noodles with an age-zaru, to further drain off excess water.
Depending on the shop, some soba restaurants divide the noodles into portions
according to orders and drain them separately in advance.

The large, flat shape is also handy for drying vegetables or plums for umeboshi.

On this page, we introduce two sizes: 48 cm (18.90″) and 51 cm (20.08″) in diameter.

In addition to size, there are two different finishes for the rim.
The one in the upper photo is the “double rattan-wrapped” type, finished only with rattan.
The one in the lower photo is the “double rattan + copper wire wrapped” type,
where copper wire is added over the double rattan wrapping.

With the two diameters and the two rim finishes, there are four types in total.

We will now introduce each size and type.

Though simple, it is sturdily made, and once you start using it,
you will notice its lightness, ease of handling, and durability.

With baskets made of natural materials, a size variation of a few centimeters is common,
but since this tame-zaru uses steel wire as the core of the rim,
there is hardly any variation in size. It can be said to be crafted to commercial standards.

In actual use, this tame-zaru is employed for draining soba, somen, udon, or Chinese noodles.
Excess water on noodles can spoil the flavor of the broth,
so long-established soba shops in particular value this tool.

Besides noodles, it is also good for holding hot pot ingredients.
Bulky vegetables such as napa cabbage or cabbage can be cut and heaped inside.

There are also people who use a large colander like this for coffee roasting.
It is suitable for cooling roasted beans.

It is also useful for plum work or harvesting vegetables.
In the photo, about 4.41 lb of plums are placed, but for umeboshi, either size can hold about 4.41–6.61 lb.

For the deep colander used to lift noodles from the pot, see the page for the “Age-zaru.”

This page introduces two sizes, but if you would like other sizes, please contact us.
Please note that it will take some time before delivery.

For professional work or for home use such as drying foods.
Please choose your preferred size and type.

Please note:
This item ships from Japan.
As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country.
These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.