• Satoshi Nakagawa:
    The Youngest Traditional Craftsman in History

  • At the heart of Sakai's historic knife-making world stands Satoshi Nakagawa, who achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the youngest certified Traditional Craftsman. After 16 years of rigorous apprenticeship under master craftsman Kenichi Shiraki, he has developed impeccable skills and creativity while continuing to pursue innovation while preserving tradition. His high-quality knives, crafted with extraordinary precision and speed, captivate chefs worldwide. His pursuit of excellence knows no bounds, from developing original patterns like "Enmon Bokuryu" and "Genbu Bokuryu" to mastering the advanced technique of Mizumoto-yaki. At just 30 years old, Nakagawa's vision extends beyond his Traditional Craftsman certification—he aims to elevate Sakai's 600-year-old knife-making legacy to new heights. Through his young master's hands, the future of Japan's proud traditional craftsmanship is being forged today.

  • 1. Distinguished Career

    • Completed 16 years of apprenticeship under master craftsman Kenichi Shiraki
    • Established Nakagawa Hamono in April 2021
    • Certified as a Traditional Craftsman by the Sakai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2023.
    • Achieved the unprecedented accomplishment of becoming the youngest Traditional Craftsman in Sakai's knife-making industry

  • 2. Technical Excellence and Innovation

    • Possesses top-tier skills in Sakai, masterfully working with diverse steel materials
    • Developed unique patterns "Enmon Bokuryu" and "Genbu Bokuryu", bringing fresh innovation to tradition
    • Mastered the advanced technique of Mizumoto-yaki, pursuing deeper technical expertise
    • Creates knives of exceptional quality with unprecedented precision and speed

  • 3. Craftsman's Philosophy

    • Preserves Sakai's 600-year knife-making tradition while pursuing innovation
    • Demonstrates unwavering commitment to quality and attention to detail in every knife
    • Seeks to merge functionality with artistry, pursuing beauty in every aspect from blade geometry to patterns
    • Pioneering the future of Japanese traditional crafts through knife-making

  • 4. Worldwide Recognition

    • Earned tremendous trust from top chefs both in Japan and internationally
    • Demonstrates reliable technical expertise meeting the demands of both Japanese and Western culinary professionals
    • Contributes to industry development as a young leader in Sakai's knife-making community
    • Enchants culinary professionals worldwide with creations that blend tradition and innovation

  • 5. Vision for the Future

    • Continuously challenges new possibilities as a young Traditional Craftsman
    • Committed to sharing Sakai's proud knife-making culture with a global audience
    • Preserves traditional essence while pursuing technological innovation
    • Showcases the excellence of Japanese craftsmanship to the world through knife-making

  • Satoshi Nakagawa’s knives are the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Crafted with the highest level of skill, his knives not only deliver superior performance but are also works of art. Once you experience his craftsmanship, you’ll be captivated by the precision and beauty of his creations.

Satoshi Nakagawa

The Youngest Traditional Craftsman in History

  • Satoshi Nakagawa is a young traditional craftsman and blacksmith in Sakai City.
  • He was an apprentice under Kenichi Shiraki, a renowned bladesmith, and inherited the master's workshop and traditional techniques.
  • His exceptional craftsmanship in producing high-quality knives was recognized, and he was officially certified as a traditional craftsman by the Sakai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2023..
  • He produces blades that combine strength and beauty, utilizing a variety of steel materials.
  • Nakagawa is sought after by top chefs, both Japanese and Western, and plays a pivotal role in supporting the industry.

Sakai City Traditional Craftsmen Collection: Satoshi Nakagawa

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

  • All Japanese Knives from Sakai City

    1. Exceptional Japanese Knives

    Our knives, crafted by Sakai City's master artisans, combine traditional techniques with carefully selected materials, delivering unrivaled sharpness and durability.

  • Honbazuke

    2. Genuine Sharpness

    We offer free Honbazuke sharpening performed by skilled craftsmen, ensuring that you experience the authentic sharpness of a true Sakai knife.

  • 3. Lifetime Knife Use

    Each knife comes with a free Saya (protective sheath) for added durability. We also offer after-sales service through a trusted Sakai City workshop to maintain your knife's performance.

The Story of Satoshi Nakagawa, Traditional Craftsman of Sakai

  • The sound of his hammer strikes resonates like a timeless melody, captivating those who hear it. Satoshi Nakagawa, based in his workshop in Sakai City, Osaka, is a young master who breathes life into Japanese knife-making as a certified traditional craftsman. In 2023, he earned the title of the youngest traditional craftsman in history, carving a path for the future of Sakai forged blades.

  • Nakagawa’s journey into the world of blacksmithing began at the age of 16. As the sole apprentice of the renowned craftsman Kenichi Shiraki, he embarked on a demanding apprenticeship in Shiraki’s forge. The environment was far from glamorous. The intense heat of the furnace, the harsh sound of steel being hammered, and the stern words of his mentor created a challenging atmosphere. Yet, each trial shaped Nakagawa, honing both his skills and his spirit.

  • Forging, a technique that involves heating steel until it glows red and repeatedly hammering it to shape, is more than a physical process. It compresses the internal structure of the metal, enhancing its strength and flexibility. Nakagawa describes it as "listening to the voice of the material." By perceiving even the subtlest changes in the steel’s texture, he tailors his approach to bring out its best qualities. The result is a knife that combines exceptional sharpness, durability, and beauty, offering an almost seamless connection between the tool and its user.

  • This philosophy was instilled in him by Kenichi Shiraki, who often said, "Knife-making is the work of breathing life into an object." Guided by these words, Nakagawa approaches each knife with dedication, embedding his soul into every blade.

  • Preserving tradition, however, is no easy task. The decline in the number of artisans and changes in the market pose significant challenges to the Sakai forged blade industry. Even so, Nakagawa looks to the future. He is committed to passing on his skills to younger generations and innovating with new materials. With a belief that "tradition is not something to be preserved but to be evolved," his relentless pursuit of excellence inspires hope in many.

  • In 2023, Nakagawa established his own workshop, inheriting the tools and techniques of Kenichi Shiraki’s forge. His expertise spans a wide range of steel types and knife-making techniques, making him a cornerstone of the industry. His knives, produced with unparalleled precision and speed, are treasured by professional chefs worldwide for their ability to "infuse life into every dish with every cut."

  • "The traditional craftsmanship of Sakai cannot be sustained by one person alone. It is the combined effort of specialists in every stage of production that brings a single masterpiece to life. My role is simply to fulfill my duty as a blacksmith," Nakagawa humbly states.

  • Behind his words lies a profound connection to Sakai’s history and future, as well as a deep appreciation for all who use his knives. Satoshi Nakagawa’s story is one of dedication, tradition, and an unyielding drive to evolve.
Traditional_Craftsmen

Traditional Craftsmen of Sakai Uchihamono

600 years of history and craftsmanship

Traditional craftsmen are artisans who have mastered the craft of Sakai blades through years of dedicated apprenticeship. They are nationally recognized elite craftsmen tasked with preserving Japan's traditional crafts for contemporary times. To earn the title of traditional craftsman, they must undergo a rigorous examination process after at least 12 years of apprenticeship. Due to the stringent requirements, traditional craftsmen are exceptionally rare, with only 29 individuals holding this esteemed title in Sakai City.(As of May 2024)

Sakai City’s Traditional Craftsmen

Kenichi Shiraki

Kenichi Shiraki was a highly skilled blacksmith, certified as a traditional craftsman, known for his mastery of Sakai's traditional knife-making techniques. Shiraki's legacy continues through his sole apprentice, Satoshi Nakagawa, who trained under him for 16 years and founded Nakagawa Cutlery in 2021. Shiraki has retired, making his knives rare and highly sought after.

Kenichi Shiraki
Japanese_chef

Did You Know? The Secrets Behind Sakai Knives Chosen by 98% of Chefs in Japan

Explore the specialized craftsmanship and historical significance that make Sakai knives a favorite in Japan's renowned cutlery industry.

Do you know why Sakai knives are favored by many professional chefs?
Sakai_s_Declining_Japanese_Knife_Craftsmen

Sakai's Declining Japanese Knife craftsmen

Sakai's esteemed cutlery tradition, renowned for its sharpness and craftsmanship, is at risk with only a dozen blacksmiths remaining. Facing competition and declining interest, strategies such as exploring new markets and fostering youth interest are vital for survival. This situation underscores a broader challenge in cultural preservation. Supporting Sakai’s craftsmen is crucial to maintaining this legacy.

Sakai's Declining Japanese Knife Craftsmen

The Origin of Craftsmanship

  • Passing the Flame, Forging the Future – The Challenges and Passion of a Master Craftsman

    In Sakai, the art of knife-making is a collaborative effort. Each knife passes through the hands of specialized professionals, each contributing their expertise to create a masterpiece. My role in this process is blacksmithing—shaping, forging, and refining steel. This craft demands the ability to read the steel, control the fire's intensity, and make precise decisions moment by moment.

  • I still remember the first time I forged a knife. With every strike of the hammer, I felt the steel respond—it was exhilarating. At the same time, I was humbled by my own inexperience and the depth of the craft. What may seem like a simple act of hammering metal involves countless decisions, techniques, and years of practice. Mastery doesn’t come overnight; it takes decades of dedication.

  • Occasionally, visitors come to my workshop to observe the process. Seeing their astonishment and admiration as they watch the forging process reminds me of my responsibility to preserve and pass on this tradition. When visitors try their hand at heat-treating and feel the intensity of the forge, their awe reaffirms my pride as a craftsman.

  • “There’s always room to grow.” This belief drives me forward. Every knife I forge carries a piece of my soul. I hope these creations will not only serve their users but also inspire the next generation to take on new challenges. As I face the fire and steel, I push my limits every day.

  • Steel is alive. If you can listen to its voice, no challenge is insurmountable. I strive to craft knives that bring out new possibilities for their users—knives forged with dedication and imbued with life.
Sakai Traditional Craftsmen Collection