Yuzan

  • In Sakai’s storied tradition of blade forging, one name stands as a testament to purity of technique: Yuzan.

    A master of the elusive Mizuyaki Honyaki method, he crafted knives admired for their rarity and craftsmanship. His legacy now lives on through his son, Shogo Yamatsuka.

Sakai Traditional Craftsman Collection: Yuzan

Yuzan: Legendary Master of Mizuyaki Honyaki and Father of Shogo Yamatsuka

  • A revered figure in Sakai's knife-making history, Yuzan mastered the exceptionally rare Mizuyaki Honyaki technique—a form of single-steel forging that few artisans can perform. His works were never mass-produced nor widely available, yet they remain deeply admired. Above all, he is known as the father of master craftsman Shogo Yamatsuka, passing on a legacy of purity and precision in the art of bladesmithing.

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

  • japanese_knife_made_in_Sakai

    1. Forged in the Legacy of Sakai

    From Sakai City—Japan’s renowned birthplace of professional kitchen knives—each blade is crafted by master artisans with over six centuries of tradition. Perfectly balanced, enduringly sharp, and exquisitely finished, every cut carries the soul of true craftsmanship.

  • 2. Thoughtful Care for Everyday Use

    Every knife includes a hand-fitted magnolia saya for safe storage. Upon request, we offer a complimentary Honbazuke final hand sharpening—giving you a precise, ready-to-use edge from day one.

  • 3. A Partnership for a Lifetime

    A KIREAJI knife is more than a tool—it is a lifelong companion. With our bespoke paid aftercare services, we preserve its edge and beauty, ensuring it remains as precise and dependable as the day it first met your hand.

Why Many Product Photos Show Only the Blade

At KIREAJI, every knife is made to order in Sakai, Japan. Photos show the blade before the handle is attached, allowing artisans to perfect the balance and edge for your specific order. Your knife arrives fully finished — tailored just for you.

Made-to-order Japanese knives

Global Delivery from Sakai

Across the world, discerning cooks seek authentic Japanese knives from Sakai — Japan’s legendary knife-making city with over 600 years of tradition.
At KIREAJI, we work alongside master artisans in Sakai to fulfill that desire, shipping genuine handcrafted knives directly from the workshop to kitchens worldwide.

Global Delivery from Sakai

Yuzan: Guardian of a Forgotten Art

  • Master of Mizuyaki Honyaki

    Yuzan was renowned for his mastery of Mizuyaki Honyaki, a variant of Honyaki forging distinguished by rapid water quenching—resulting in exceptional hardness and edge retention. This technique is among the most challenging in Japanese bladesmithing and is practiced by very few.

  • Rarity and Esteem

    His knives were never produced on a large scale or widely sold; instead, each piece was made for discerning users or commissioned directly, lending them nearly museum-worthy status today.

  • A Legacy Transmitted

    While very little personal information is available, Yuzan's greatest contribution was the transmission of his skill and philosophy to his son, Shogo Yamatsuka, who has carried on the tradition of craftsmanship in Sakai.

The Master Craftsmen of Sakai Uchihamono

In Sakai, centuries-old techniques are carried forward by government-certified Traditional Craftsmen. Each knife is not just a tool but a living symbol of tradition, precision, and spirit—kept alive through their hands.

Sakai’s Traditional Craftsmen

Why Do 98% of Japan’s Chefs Trust Sakai Knives?

For over 600 years, Sakai has perfected a unique craft where each stage—forge, sharpen, finish—is mastered by specialists. This tradition makes Sakai the birthplace of Japan’s most trusted knives.

Why Do 98% of Japan’s Chefs Trust Sakai Knives?

The 98% Statistic: More Than a Number

According to the Sakai Tourism Bureau, “98% of Japanese chefs use Sakai knives.” This figure isn’t just a claim—it reflects the deep trust chefs place in Sakai’s centuries-old craftsmanship.

Sakai City Official English Site

Sakai’s Dwindling Masters: A Legacy at Risk

Once the heart of Japan’s finest cutlery, Sakai now has only a handful of blacksmiths left. With rising competition and fading interest among the young, new markets and fresh apprentices are vital to survival. Supporting these craftsmen means safeguarding a 600-year cultural legacy.

Sakai's Declining Japanese Knife Craftsmen

Shogo Yamatsuka

Shogo Yamatsuka, son of Yuzan, inherited his father’s forging techniques and rose to become a certified traditional craftsman in Sakai City. Today, he is recognized as a leading expert in Ginsan steel, carrying forward a legacy of precision and artistry.

Shogo Yamatsuka

The Soul of Craftsmanship

  • In Pursuit of the Perfect Knife

    A knife is not merely a tool—it is a mirror that reflects the soul of the chef and an expression of respect for the ingredient itself.

  • In the forge, we craftsmen pour our hearts and souls into every blade. Steel is heated, hammered, and refined through fire, then brought to life by sharpening it to perfection. This process demands unwavering focus—there is no room for compromise. For the truth of our work is revealed the instant the blade meets the chef’s hands, and ultimately, the ingredients.

  • I will never forget the words of a customer who once told me, “When I first filleted a fish with this knife, it felt as though I could hear the voice of the ingredient.” Hearing that gave me unparalleled joy. It reminded me that a knife is not just for cutting—it is a bridge, connecting the chef with the spirit of nature.

  • When people hear the words “traditional craft,” they may think of something old-fashioned, rigid, or distant. But in truth, tradition exists to enrich daily life. A finely crafted knife can make cooking more enjoyable, bring smiles to the table, and create unforgettable moments.

  • I encourage you to seek out your own “perfect knife.” When you find it, it will open a new world of discovery and joy, transforming the way you cook and deepening your connection to the craft.
Sakai Traditional Craftsmen Collection

How Japanese Knives Are Made: The Sakai Tradition

VIDEO PROVIDED: JAPAN TRADITIONAL CRAFTS AOYAMA SQUARE (YOUTUBE)

  • Sakai Forged Blades — Six Centuries of Unrivaled Craftsmanship

    Loved by chefs around the world and trusted by 98% of Japan’s top culinary professionals, Sakai knives are more than tools—they are the living legacy of over 600 years of master craftsmanship.

  • At KIREAJI, we work directly with the Shiroyama Knife Workshop in Sakai, Japan, ensuring every blade is hand-forged, finished to perfection, and shipped straight from the workshop to kitchens across the globe. No middlemen. No mass production. Only authentic, artisan-made knives, crafted to elevate your cooking for a lifetime.