The Tanaka family traditionally ran a metal casting shop in the area formerly known as Kawachinokuni Hirakata Village (present day Uenocho, Hirakata). Granted a monopoly by the Edo government, the family began to produce temple bells, pots, and kettles as the leading metal casters in Kawachi.The family continued their business into the Meiji era, still using traditional casting techniques even after modern factories were built throughout Japan. However, they went out of business in 1960.The Tanaka family donated their metal casting factory and main house to Hirakata City. After being dismantled and reconstructed in Fujisaka Tenjin-cho, the complex was opened as a folk museum in October 1984. Exhibits relating to the history of metal casting are on display in the factory, while folk cultural properties can be viewed in the main house.