Characterized by its gentle triangle shape that looks like an “omusubi” rice ball, Musubi tableware looks like it is made of pottery but is actually made of aluminum. Produced in Takaoka city in Toyama Prefecture, which is known as the center of the casting industry, these dishes were brought to life in response to the concerning situation of elderly people who said plastic dishes didn’t stimulate their appetite. Although it makes manufacturing more difficult and can lead to an increased failure rate, finer grains compared to usual particle sizes are used for the sand mold casting to make the surface texture of the aluminum similar to the rough feel of pottery. Then, glaze is applied to achieve a texture that rivals real pottery. Its break-resistant properties make the tableware suitable for elderly people and children, who tend to drop things. It is also a good and safe way for children to come into contact with Japanese cuisine, where tableware that enhances the beauty of food is considered as important as the meal itself.