Tatara is a traditional Japanese method of producing iron from iron sand, primarily used in the production of tamahagane, a high-quality steel. This process involves heating the iron sand in a clay furnace, known as a tatara, along with charcoal. The combination of heat and carbon allows the iron to separate from impurities, resulting in a purer form of iron. The tatara process has been used for centuries and is closely associated with the production of katana, the iconic Japanese sword. Artisans, known as tōkō, carefully control the temperature and materials to create the desired quality of steel, which is essential for crafting these renowned weapons.