• 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.
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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

  • Preserving Tradition, While Seeking New Traditions

    "Tradition is not just about preserving the past; it is also the foundation for building the future."

  • As a craftsman in the art of sharpening, I have been entrusted with passing down this traditional skill, but its essence goes beyond simply inheriting the technique. Just as our ancestors faced constant trial and error, we too must embrace the challenge of continuing to innovate and adapt the craft to meet new needs.

  • For example, seeking ways to adapt the sharpening process to modern lifestyles, or elevating its beauty to an artistic level, are also ways of preserving tradition. I believe that tradition should not be viewed as something immutable; it is something that must be nurtured and evolved. It is this mindset that drives us to engage daily with knives and blades, pushing the boundaries of the sharpening process.

  • In today's world, traditional crafts can often be seen as "outdated" or "obsolete." But in reality, these crafts are filled with timeless techniques and wisdom that transcend the ages. Our responsibility lies in how we pass on these skills to the next generation, and how we evolve them for the future.

  • While sharpening each blade, I often think of future artisans. I hope they will be able to carry this craft forward with pride. And so, with every stroke of the whetstone, I dedicate myself to the future of this tradition.

  • Understanding what must be preserved and what must evolve is our responsibility as artisans of traditional crafts, and it is a source of immense pride.
Sakai Traditional Craftsmen Collection