Historical background

The history of 鍛冶技術 (blacksmithing) in Akita developed from the manufacture of swords and sword fittings during the Edo period. During the Edo period, the Akita clan heavily protected blacksmithing techniques. As a result, blacksmithing towns were formed in the castle towns of the Akita region. During this period, each region strongly reflected regional characteristics, with a variety of tools and products being produced depending on the needs of local life, such as tools for mountain work and hunting weapons in mountainous areas, and agricultural tools and fishing gear in coastal areas. 

Gojome prospered as a center of transportation in the Edo area, and there were several workshops for various types of manufacturing from the Middle Ages to the Early Modern times. Knives in Gojome originally developed from field blacksmithing with sickles and hoes. The blacksmiths of Gojome have the oldest history in Akita Prefecture. The excellent hammered blades are made by Gojome goldsmiths who are considered almost stubbornly faithful to the tradition. The metallic workshop was established in the 14th century, which later included a goldsmith workshop. Additionally, there were ceramic, paper, and other workshops. The foundry was particularly successful, and the tradition has been passed on to the Gojome Hammered Blades. Gojome Hammered Blades were initially developed for the needs of warriors, but as forestry became active in the surrounding mountains, the foundries began producing iron tools for agriculture and forestry. After the Gojome market opened in 1593, the town attracted many kinds of artisans. The town had blacksmiths for saws, keys, wheels, and other kinds of items.

As the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras passed, the Uchi-Hamono industry in Akita declined, following the same trend as the rest of the country. The main factors behind this decline were changes in the industrial structure, intensifying competition between production areas, and the spread of inexpensive mass-produced goods. With concerns about a lack of successors, craftsmen continue to make steady efforts to preserve traditions and pass on their skills.

Characteristics

Forged blades are produced in Kita Akita city, Akita city, and Gojome city. Currently, they mainly produce cooking knives, machetes, and agricultural implements. Blades are made of ingots and steel. Craftsmen repeat heating and striking them by hand, molding, quenching, and polishing them to create the products. The craftsmen’s techniques and experiences are seen throughout the whole process. Their usability and the techniques by craftsmen are not seen in mass-produced products and are highly evaluated. It is believed that it takes at least five years of training to become a Gojome blacksmith. The hammering technique of Gojome ensures that the blades stay sharp for a long time. At the National Tree Planting Festival in 1968 at Tazawako, Semboku City, hoes, sickles, saws, and other tools were all Gojome-made. While the recent mechanization of forestry has reduced the need for Gojome Hammered Blades in forestry, the technique found a market for knives for consumers and continues to enjoy a high reputation. Knives in Gojome town are characterized by sharpness. Gojome blacksmiths has a 500-year history of knife making. Their knives are known for being incredibly sharp. The red-hot iron is struck over and over again, and the steel that forms the blade is also struck. The knives are painstakingly handcrafted, with five knives made a day, tempered using the intuition of a craftsman with many years of experience. Our craftsmen aim to create ‘Knives that will last a lifetime’, tools that are closely connected to our daily lives. In addition, kitchen, forestry tools, and landscaping scissors are also made upon request.