Our Thoughts on Pricing

  • One of KIREAJI's four core principles is "Preserve Culture, For the Future." This principle stems from our desire to pass on the traditional and excellent craftsmanship to future generations.

  • To achieve this, we ensure that our craftsmen are paid fair compensation for their skills, aiming to address the chronic shortage of successors in the industry.

  • With the changing times, more factories have been gradually closing down, and Japan as a whole has been plagued by a shortage of successors. If this continues, there is a risk that Japan's traditional techniques, which are highly valued worldwide, could disappear.

  • Therefore, we promise to sell our products at fair prices without offering discounts. We will also adjust our prices as necessary to account for currency fluctuations to ensure that we can continue to pay our craftsmen fairly.

  • To prevent our loyal customers from feeling disappointed upon seeing a lower price after their purchase, we will not reduce our product prices in the future. Please understand that the current price is the minimum price.

  • Furthermore, since the current price is the lowest selling price and given the increasing value of Sakai City knives and the current shortage of steel materials, we may be forced to raise our prices depending on market conditions. We kindly ask for your understanding regarding the potential for future price increases.

  • We will continue to strive to deliver the highest quality Japanese knives to our customers. We appreciate your understanding and support.
The Future of Japanese Knife Culture and the Fate of Yasuki Steel

Breathing Life into Tradition: Challenges and Efforts in Preserving Sakai’s Blade Industry

  • Sakai City in Osaka Prefecture, praised as the "Venice of the East" by the 16th-century missionary Gaspar Vilela, is a historic trade hub with a rich cultural heritage. Among its time-honored industries, Sakai Forged Blades stand as a symbol of exceptional craftsmanship, celebrated globally for their sharpness and precision. These blades have earned the official designation of "Traditional Craft" by Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

  • Sakai’s geographical and historical backdrop has fostered six recognized traditional industries—blades, incense, dyed cotton, kelp, bicycles, and tatami mats. Among these, Sakai blades hold a unique position, exemplifying the city’s dedication to excellence.

  • Current Challenges Facing the Industry

    Despite their legacy, Sakai Forged Blades face significant challenges:

    • Shifting lifestyles and the rise of modern, convenient products have reduced demand.
    • Intense price competition from cheaper, mass-produced goods.
    • An aging artisan workforce and a shortage of successors.
    • Limited domestic and international recognition of traditional crafts.

  • These challenges threaten the transmission of essential skills and knowledge to the next generation. The prolonged training periods, declining demand, and financial pressures discourage potential successors from joining the trade.

  • Initiatives to Foster Successors

    To secure the future of its blade industry, Sakai City has implemented diverse strategies for training the next generation of artisans. In 2015, in collaboration with the Sakai Blade Manufacturers’ Association, the city established the Sakai Blade Artisan Training Center. Aspiring craftsmen receive intensive one-year training, covering foundational to advanced techniques. Graduates from this program have begun making significant contributions to the local industry.

  • Moreover, Sakai City collaborated with local manufacturers to establish the Sakai Blade Artisan Training Center, where trainees develop fundamental skills before joining workshops to refine their expertise. Younger artisans have also formed a group called Wakaba-kai to promote Sakai blades through social media and engage with craftsmen from other regions. This modern outreach broadens the appeal of Sakai’s traditional crafts, fostering greater interest among the younger generation.

  • Preserving and Evolving Techniques

    Sakai City is not only preserving its traditions but also embracing innovative approaches to create new value. For example, the city initiated the Artisan Skill Succession Project in 2016, leveraging 3D scanners to digitize and document techniques such as blade sharpening, buff polishing, and distortion correction. By analyzing and quantifying these skills, the project ensures efficient transmission of expertise to future generations.

  • Efforts to promote Sakai blades domestically and internationally are also underway through the Sakai Traditional Crafts Center. These activities aim to position Sakai blades not merely as tools but as a cultural symbol recognized worldwide.

  • Looking Ahead

    The dedication and creativity of Sakai City’s craftsmen inspire people globally. By balancing the preservation of tradition with modern innovation, Sakai offers a model for sustainable industries and cultural heritage. The sharpness of Sakai blades is more than a testament to their craftsmanship; it represents the passion and skills of artisans. Through these efforts, Sakai’s legacy continues to thrive, breathing life into tradition for generations to come.

The Origin of Craftsmanship

  • Keeping the Flame of Tradition Alive

    The craft of blacksmithing is slowly fading away as times change. With the rise of mechanization, the demand for hand-forged blades has diminished. Yet, I am determined to preserve this tradition. This craft is not just about making things—it is the culture of our region and the very essence of our identity.

  • It’s not a matter of saying, “No one else is doing it, so let’s stop.” Instead, I believe, “Because no one else is doing it, we must protect it.” For over 600 years, this knowledge and skill have been passed down, and it is my mission to adapt it to modern life and pass it on to the next generation.

  • A blade is not just a tool; it carries the heart and soul of its maker. Each piece has the power to support someone’s life and bring them joy. This truth is what drives me to keep forging, day after day.

  • The flame of tradition must never die. With that unwavering resolve, I continue to stoke the fire and shape the iron with my hands.
Sakai Traditional Craftsmen Collection

  • 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.