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 deep colander is called an “Age-zaru.”

An age-zaru is a tool traditionally used in soba shops to lift boiled soba or udon noodles from the pot.

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 age-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 age-zaru is employed for draining large amounts of boiled soba, somen, udon, or Chinese noodles.
Made to fit the size of the pot, it allows for efficient draining of a solid quantity.
Long-established soba shops have been using it for years.
When used well, it is said to last about one to two years.

Besides noodles, it is also useful for hot pot ingredients, washing and draining vegetables,
and other large-scale food preparation.
Bulky vegetables can also be heaped inside.

It is also handy for plum work or harvesting vegetables.
In addition, those who roast coffee beans find it very useful for receiving beans from the roaster and letting them cool.

Some people also use it as a free basket—for example, as a magazine rack or a basket for clothes in the bath.

For the flat sieve used to further drain water after lifting boiled noodles from the pot, see the page for the “tame-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 gatherings of many people.
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.