Makers of Sanshu Kawara roof tiles in Aichi Prefecture have been boosting production since the March 11 disasters to meet huge demand spurred by the reconstruction drive.
Sanshu Kawara is the brand of roof tiles made in the cities of Takahama, Hekinan and Handa. The tiles have been manufactured in this region, which has the right kind of clay, since the Edo Period.
Businesses hope the boom will provide a reversal of fortune for the roofing industry, which has been suffering from a prolonged housing slump.