Our Story

  • The Spirit of Sakai, in Your Hands

    “Where can I find a truly great knife?”
    This simple question inspired the beginning of KIREAJI. In a world where authentic craftsmanship is becoming rare, people everywhere still long for blades with soul. That is why we bring you knives forged in Sakai, the heart of Japanese tradition—delivered with care, connecting timeless craft to kitchens across the globe.

Our Story — From the Edge of Tradition to Your Kitchen

  • “Can a knife really change your life?”

  • I never asked myself that question—until I turned fifty.

    For most of my life, a knife was simply a tool.
    Nothing more.

    But later in life, I began to understand something deeper:
    a knife carries power.
    A knife carries stories.

    In March 2023, I launched KIREAJI, an online store devoted to authentic Japanese knives.

    The first six months passed in complete silence.
    No orders.
    No messages.

    I wondered if anyone would ever truly see the value in what we were trying to protect.

    Then, the first order arrived.

    Those who chose KIREAJI didn’t choose us for sharpness alone.
    They recognized something beyond the edge.

    They felt the soul behind each blade—
    the centuries of craft,
    the countless hours of care,
    and the quiet dedication of the artisans.

    This is the story of how it all began.

From Sushi Chef to Knife Sharpener

My journey began with sushi.

In Tokyo’s Tsukiji, I taught the art of sushi-making,
sharing Japanese food culture day after day.

In 2018, I moved to Toronto with a single dream:
to bring this culture to the world.

At first, sushi was my bridge to people.
But then, unexpectedly, a knife changed my path once again.

100 Knives, 100 Stories

When the pandemic halted in-person classes in 2020,
I turned to knife sharpening.

One friend’s knife became another.
And another.

By the end of the year, I had sharpened more than 100 knives.

Each blade told a story.
A worn edge.
Aged steel.
A handle shaped by years of daily life.

And every time I returned a knife, I heard the same question:

“Where can I find a truly high-quality Japanese knife?”

The Birth of KIREAJI

The answer became clear.

People weren’t searching for sharpness.
They were searching for authenticity.

Outside Japan, the market is flooded with mass-produced “Japanese-style” knives—
blades that imitate the look, but lack the soul.

I wanted to change that.

I decided to deliver the real thing:
knives forged by true artisans,
filled with history, spirit, and pride.

That decision led me back to Sakai—
a legendary city where knives have been crafted for over 600 years.

There, I partnered with Shiroyama Knife Workshop,
where care always comes before quantity,
and integrity guides every blade.

From forging and heat treatment
to sharpening and handle fitting,
each knife passes through dedicated human hands.

Every step preserves not only performance,
but the living spirit of Japanese craftsmanship.

KIREAJI: A Brand Born from a Single Question

  • KIREAJI began with a simple question asked by over a hundred people:
    “Where can I find a truly high-quality Japanese knife?”
    In a market flooded with imitations, the need for authenticity became clear.

    Rooted in 600 years of Sakai tradition, KIREAJI partners with true artisans to deliver blades shaped entirely by hand—not products, but vessels of craftsmanship and human stories.

Ⅰ. The True Meaning Behind the Name “KIREAJI”

  • “KIREAJI” is a uniquely Japanese word.

    It goes far beyond simply being “sharp.”
    It describes how a knife cuts,
    the sensation it creates,
    and even how it enhances flavor.

    This refined sensibility is what inspired the name KIREAJI—
    because I wanted to share not only Sakai’s knives,
    but the very essence of Japanese culture behind them.

  • Why Not Just ‘Japanese Knife’?

    When I launched our online store, many suggested naming it “Japanese Knife”
    to improve search results.

    But I chose otherwise.

    Because what I wanted to deliver was not an algorithm-friendly keyword,
    but a philosophy—
    craftsmanship, artistry, and spirit.

    KIREAJI is not about chasing clicks.
    It is about telling a story worth discovering.

  • Led by Belief, Not by Algorithms

    In today’s digital age, countless websites are reshaped
    to follow Google’s rankings.

    But I asked myself:

    “Are we still sharing meaning—
    or just reacting to numbers?”

    KIREAJI follows a different path.

    We exist not to be optimized into relevance,
    but to inspire those who seek authenticity.

  • Sharing “KIREAJI” With the World

    Our knives are more than tools.

    They awaken the senses,
    elevate cooking,
    and reshape how food is experienced    .

    At the heart of it all is the philosophy of KIREAJI—
    the spirit of Japanese cutting culture.

    By sharing that spirit with the world,
    we are not simply selling knives.

    We are carrying Japanese culture into the future.

    And that is why our journey will always be guided
    by this single name:

    KIREAJI.

Ⅱ. The KIREAJI Logo — More Than a Symbol, a Story of Harmony

  • Have you ever witnessed Diamond Fuji?

    It is the breathtaking moment
    when the sun aligns perfectly with the peak of Mt. Fuji—
    a rare phenomenon that appears only a few days each year,
    where earth and sky meet in perfect harmony.

    That moment inspired the KIREAJI logo.

    Just as Diamond Fuji unites two forces of nature,
    our mission is to bridge centuries-old Japanese craftsmanship
    with passionate cooks around the world.

  • A Craft at a Crossroads

    Today, Japanese knife-making stands at a crossroads.

    Master artisans are aging.
    The domestic market is shrinking.

    Yet beyond Japan’s borders,
    appreciation for authentic Japanese blades has never been stronger.

    This contrast—
    decline at home, reverence abroad—
    is exactly where KIREAJI finds its purpose.

  • A Blade as a Cultural Ambassador

    Each knife we deliver carries more than sharpness.

    It is a cultural ambassador—
    crafted in Sakai’s living tradition,
    refined for modern kitchens,
    and destined to connect people across borders.

  • A Promise in a Mark

    The KIREAJI logo reflects this promise.

    It is not just branding.
    It is a legacy passed from hand to hand, blade to blade.

    When you see our logo,
    know that it represents the rare beauty of alignment—
    a perfect meeting between tradition and the world that now welcomes it.


  • The Meaning Behind the KIREAJI Logo

  • The KIREAJI logo is inspired by Diamond Fuji,
    a rare moment when the sun aligns perfectly with Mt. Fuji’s peak.
    This alignment symbolizes how KIREAJI connects cooks, artisans, and cultures.

    Below it, the blade represents our purpose:
    carrying Japan’s knife heritage into the future through knives crafted entirely by hand.

Ⅲ. Sharing the True Spirit of Japanese Knives with the World

  • While living in Toronto, I discovered a surprising truth.

    Many knives labeled “Made in Sakai”
    are not truly forged by Sakai’s master artisans.

    They may look convincing.
    But the difference becomes clear the moment you hold one.

    A genuine Sakai knife reveals itself through
    unmatched sharpness,
    enduring strength,
    and perfect balance in the hand.

  • One of our readers from Australia, Mr. G, expressed it best:

    “Countless knives claim to be ‘Made in Japan,’ yet few are created by real Japanese craftsmen.
    I’ve felt the disappointment of buying a blade that looked authentic,
    but lacked the soul and quality of the true thing.”

    It is voices like his that ignite our mission at KIREAJI.

    Voices from Readers on the Blog 

  • Rooted in Sakai, Guided by Craft

    We have partnered with Shiroyama Knife Workshop in Sakai—
    a forge known for honoring centuries-old traditions
    while embracing thoughtful innovation.

    Sakai is a legendary city where knife-making has been refined
    for over 600 years.

    Here, heritage and mastery live on in every blade.

    Shiroyama Knife Workshop 

  • More Than a Tool

    Each knife we deliver is not just a tool.

    It is meticulously handcrafted,
    carrying the spirit of the artisan
    and the legacy of Sakai’s timeless craft.

    At KIREAJI, we don’t simply sell knives.

    We share an experience—
    a living connection to tradition
    that transforms cooking into art.

  • When you choose KIREAJI,
    you hold more than steel.

    You hold the soul of Sakai’s artisans—
    the promise of true craftsmanship,
    delivered to your kitchen, anywhere in the world.
Global Delivery from Sakai

Ⅳ. Bridging Tradition and the Future

  • KIREAJI was founded with a single mission:
    to carry Japan’s timeless knife-making heritage
    into the hands of a new generation around the world.

    In Sakai, the legendary city of blades,
    more than 600 years of tradition now faces a profound challenge.

    Master blacksmiths are aging.
    Successors are few.
    What was once a thriving community of artisans
    has dwindled to a precious handful.

    Yet in every workshop,
    the fire of craftsmanship still burns—
    quietly, steadily, and with unwavering pride.

  • What we offer at KIREAJI is not just steel and edge.

    Each knife is a living story—
    shaped by generations of skill, passion, and artistry.

    From the hammer of the blacksmith
    to the hands of the sharpener,
    every detail carries the soul of Sakai.

  • When you hold a KIREAJI knife,
    you hold more than a tool.

    You hold a bridge—
    connecting the hearts of Japanese artisans
    with kitchens across the world,
    linking past to future,
    tradition to innovation.

  • These blades are not merely instruments.

    They are enduring testaments
    to human dedication,
    cultural legacy,
    and the spirit of true craftsmanship.
Crisis of Sakai Cutlery: Impact of Decreasing Blacksmiths and Approaches to Address the Issue

Ⅴ. Looking Ahead — Staying True to Our Mission

  • At KIREAJI, we are still writing the first chapters of our story.

    But every step we take is guided by the same unwavering mission:
    to honor tradition while sharing authentic Japanese craftsmanship with the world.

    Right now, we are working hand in hand with
    Shiroyama Knife Workshop in Sakai
    on a new series of blades,
    while also preparing educational content
    that helps cooks everywhere sharpen with confidence and care.

  • But above all, we make this promise:

    We will never lose sight of our beginnings.

    Every knife we deliver is one we truly believe in— a blade that carries heritage, craftsmanship, and a piece of our soul.

  • Because a kitchen is more than a place to cook.

    It is where you create,
    where you unwind,
    and where you live your values.

    And for those who feel the same,
    KIREAJI is here as your partner—
    bringing you not just a tool,
    but a quiet transformation.

    A knife that becomes part of you.

  • Toru I
    Founder, KIREAJI
    Former Sushi Chef, Knife Sharpener, and Lifelong Knife Enthusiast

The Soul of Craftsmanship

  • KIREAJI Is More Than Sharpness—It Is the Life Within a Blade

    When most people hear KIREAJI (切れ味), they imagine a knife that cuts with ease.
    But to us craftsmen, true KIREAJI means how a knife interacts with the ingredient, the chef, and ultimately the dish.

  • A finely honed blade does more than slice cleanly—it preserves the natural fibers of vegetables, protects the delicate texture of fish, and draws out the hidden flavors within every ingredient. The difference is not only seen, but tasted.

  • And yet, the best KIREAJI is never absolute. It changes depending on who is cutting, what is being cut, and what dish is being created. A razor-sharp edge may be essential for sashimi, while a slightly more forgiving blade may be wiser when working with bones. The art lies in finding harmony between blade, ingredient, and purpose.

  • As artisans, when we forge and sharpen, we are not simply making a “sharp knife.” We are striving to create a partner that helps you bring out the soul of your cooking. That is the true meaning of KIREAJI—and the spirit we dedicate to every blade.
Sakai Traditional Craftsmen Collection

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.