The Yamagata, Morioka, Mizusawa and Takaoka areas have long been the centers of imono production. Traditionally imono has been used to create Buddhist household altar implements, tools for tea ceremony, teakettles, ashtrays and figurines also use of this method. The products that we see on the market are too decorative to fit in with our modern day life. We suggest simplified design concepts would enhance the desirability of this ancient method.