KIREAJI's 4P-Strategy

  • At KIREAJI, we value our relationship with customers above all else. As proof of this commitment, we've decided to disclose our four business strategies that are typically kept as trade secrets. We hope that by sharing our philosophy on Product, Price, Place, and Promotion, you'll develop a deeper trust in the KIREAJI brand.

Product: Uncompromising Commitment to Quality

  • Each KIREAJI Japanese knife is crafted with soul by skilled artisans. However, the quality isn't determined by the steel material alone.

  • Forging, heat treatment, and sharpening—the precision and care in these three crucial processes define the true value of a knife.

  • Even with the same steel, the final product can vary significantly. For instance, in pre-heat treatment manufacturing: while some makers reduce the standard 20 steps to 12 for cost-cutting, others increase it to 30 for ultimate sharpness. These differences create entirely different knives.

  • Our goal isn't simply to provide a cooking tool. We aim to be an irreplaceable partner that transforms daily cooking into a richer experience.
All Japanese Knives from Sakai City

Price: Unwavering Commitment to Artisans and Customers

  • KIREAJI maintains fair pricing. We do not offer discounts. This is because discounting would devalue our products and threaten fair compensation for our artisans.

  • To ensure customers never feel disappointed by later price drops, we have no plans for future price reductions.
Our Thoughts on Pricing

Place: Direct Partnerships with Traditional Workshops

  • To achieve the ideal of "high quality at controlled costs," KIREAJI chose direct partnerships with traditional workshops in Sakai City.

  • By eliminating intermediaries, we reduce unnecessary costs. This results in high-quality products with excellent cost performance. Limiting sales to our online shop further helps control costs.

Promotion: Delivering Valuable Content

  • KIREAJI does not spend on advertising. Instead, we focus our resources on improving product quality and delivering valuable content to our customers.

  • If you're satisfied with our knives, please recommend them to your family and friends. This natural word-of-mouth is the most valuable "advertising" for us.

Four Commitments to Building Trust

  • Product, Price, Place, and Promotion—in all these aspects, KIREAJI prioritizes integrity above all.

  • Our unchanging mission is to continue providing the finest Japanese knives that become an extension of our customers' hands.

The Timeless Art of Sakai Forged Blades: Embracing Tradition and Innovation for the Future

  • Among Japan's most revered traditional crafts is Sakai Forged Blades, known for their exceptional sharpness and exquisite craftsmanship. These blades captivate chefs and artisans worldwide. Yet, behind this artistry lies a critical challenge: how to cultivate and pass on these skills to future generations.

  • Challenges in Nurturing New Craftspeople and Innovative Solutions

    The Sakai Forged Blades industry thrives on specialized craftsmanship, where each step in the production process is expertly divided among artisans. However, with most businesses being small-scale, providing the time and resources to train newcomers is a significant hurdle. To address this, Sakai City and local industry groups have introduced several initiatives.

  • One notable example is the Sakai Blades Artisan Training Center. This program offers beginners a year-long training, from foundational skills to hands-on practice. By shifting the early stages of training from individual businesses to a collective effort, this initiative has successfully reduced the burden on business owners. Many trainees who complete the program go on to secure employment in the industry, contributing to the preservation of these skills.

  • Aiming for a Sustainable Tradition

    Equally vital is creating an environment where artisans can envision a promising future while honing their craft. In this regard, the example set by Takefu Knife Village in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, provides valuable insights. This initiative established a shared workshop and developed a unified brand, revitalizing the local craft industry as a community effort. For Sakai, similar measures, such as support for independent ventures and the creation of shared manufacturing spaces, could lay the foundation for artisans to thrive long-term.

  • Unlocking Global Potential

    In recent years, Sakai Forged Blades have gained acclaim beyond Japan. The Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum attracts foreign visitors seeking premium Japanese knives, and buyers from Europe and North America recognize their unmatched quality. This growing demand underscores how Sakai's traditional techniques are valued not just as practical tools but as cultural treasures.

  • Forging a Path to the Future

    To ensure that the art of Sakai Forged Blades continues to flourish, preserving tradition alone is not enough. The industry must also adapt to modern challenges. Providing young artisans with opportunities to innovate and ensuring that their craftsmanship reaches global audiences are essential steps.

  • Sakai’s traditional blade-making is not only a cornerstone of the region’s identity but also a cultural asset of international significance. The efforts of the next generation of artisans will undoubtedly bridge the gap between heritage and modernity, connecting the local with the global.

The Origin of Craftsmanship

  • Carving Trust into the Future

    "Preserving the trust built by our ancestors and weaving it into the fabric of the next 100 years—that is the mission of every artisan."

  • Knife-making is not merely about creating a tool. Each blade is the culmination of generations of skill, sweat, and dedication. It is our duty and pride to carry forward the legacy of trust forged by those who came before us.

  • A knife is more than an instrument for preparing food—it is a bridge that enriches the dining experience and brings people together. By delivering the joy of sharpness and the comfort of craftsmanship, we fulfill our role as artisans.

  • To pass on the techniques and trust built by our ancestors, we face the forge every day with care and resolve. With every blade we craft, we aim to carve a story of trust that lasts another hundred years, ensuring our tradition lives on in the hands and hearts of future generations.
Sakai Traditional Craftsmen Collection

VIDEO PROVIDED: JAPAN TRADITIONAL CRAFTS AOYAMA SQUARE (YOUTUBE)

  • Be Cautious with Inexpensive Knives

  • Buying a cheap knife may mean that the steel used is of low quality. Low-quality steel tends to lose its sharpness quickly, which can ultimately reduce the efficiency of your cooking tasks.

    At KIREAJI, we provide authentic Japanese knives crafted by trusted craftsmen from knife-making workshops in Sakai City. Each knife is handcrafted with care, ensuring you receive a reliable and high-quality product that brings peace of mind.