• Tadayoshi Yamatsuka :
    Master of Japanese Knife Mirror Polishing

  • A Craftsman of Sakai City, Tadashi Yamatsuka
    Tadashi Yamatsuka is a traditional craftsman based in Sakai City, renowned for his expertise as a master knife polisher. He is a respected member of the Sakai Blade Industry Cooperative Association and the Sakai Traditional Craftsmen Association. He is a key figure in preserving Sakai's rich tradition of craftsmanship.

  • Exceptional Skills and Mirror Polishing Mastery

    Mr. Yamatsuka's mirror-finished knives are celebrated as the pinnacle of Sakai's craftsmanship. His expertise spans various techniques, including single-bevel, mirror, and double-bevel sharpening, and his work is highly praised for its unmatched sharpness and beautiful finish. These knives are not just tools but artistic masterpieces imbued with the craftsman's skill.

  • Commitment to Tradition and Legacy

    Yamatsuka's philosophy is to be a craftsman who continually seeks excellence in sharpness and dedicates himself to his work. He tirelessly works in his workshop to pass on his skills to the next generation, playing a crucial role in both preserving Sakai's blade-making tradition and ensuring its future.

  • Family and Tradition

    Mr. Yamatsuka’s father was Yoshikazu Yamatsuka, and Mr. Yamatsuka is a brother disciple of Mitsuo Yamatsuka, who was Yoshikazu's apprentice. The Yamatsuka family has a long history and tradition in blade-making, committed to the preservation and advancement of this craft.

  • Bring the Craftsman's Skill to Your Kitchen

    Owning a mirror-finished knife by Tadashi Yamatsuka allows you to experience the traditional Japanese craftsmanship firsthand. His knives combine beauty and functionality, elevating your cooking experience and making every culinary task a pleasure.
Sharpening_a_knife

Tadayoshi Yamatsuka

Master of Japanese Knife Mirror Polishing

  • Mr. Yamatsuka was recognized as a traditional craftsman in 2022.
  • Active in the Sakai blade-making sector
  • Excelling in blade sharpening skills, especially for thin blades
  • Renowned in Sakai for his mirror polished technique on Japanese knives.
  • Mr. Yamatsuka was recognized as a traditional craftsman in 2022.
  • Active in the Sakai blade-making sector
  • Excelling in blade sharpening skills, especially for thin blades
  • Renowned in Sakai for his mirror polished technique on Japanese knives.

Sakai City Traditional Craftsmen Collection: Tadayoshi Yamatsuka

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

  • 1. High-quality Japanese Knive

    We offer knives crafted by craftsmen from Sakai City.

  • Honbazuke

    2. Genuine Sharpness

    To ensure you experience sharpness, we provide a free Honbazuke by our skilled craftsmen.

  • 3. Lifetime Knife Use

    Every knife comes with a free Saya(Sheath) for durability. We also provide paid after-sales services with Sakai City Japanese knife workshop.
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
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

  • With a single knife, new connections unfold.

  • This is the true essence of being a craftsman. Each time I sharpen a blade, I sense that it’s more than just a tool. When a customer holds it in their hands, it becomes a bridge, creating new stories. In that moment, what was born from my hands gains meaning as it’s passed to someone else to use. This is no mere blade; it’s something created with soul and dedication, almost as if it holds a life of its own.