"“God is in the details” reflects the spirit of a true craftsman."
-Shotaro Shimada
The region from northeastern Aomori Prefecture to the Sea of Japan is known for its numerous excavated iron-making sites, indicating a long history of iron production. Utilizing the characteristics of this land, the craft of Tsugaru Uchihamono was developed. For over 350 years, skilled craftsmanship has been passed down through generations, resulting in high-quality knives known for their sharpness and durability. In Aomori Prefecture, which is particularly famous for apple production, these blades have been widely used as pruning shears for thinning fruit and cutting branches. Today, however, the tradition faces the threat of disappearing. In response, the city of Hirosaki, for example, has begun recruiting new artisans through the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Program, aiming to train the next generation of Tsugaru Uchihamono craftsmen and preserve this valuable tradition.
Tsugaru Uchihamono are high-quality blades with exceptional sharpness, durability, and flexibility, handcrafted by experienced craftsmen. Over time, their form and function have evolved in response to changing societal needs. During the eras when samurai culture and agriculture flourished, the blacksmiths produced swords, agricultural tools, and firearms. In more recent years, their skills have been applied to crafting kitchen knives and farming tools. Today, the same techniques are even being utilized in the steel construction industry.
In response to the decline of craftsmen and the industry itself, a uniquely patterned kitchen knife was developed to add value through quality rather than price. Inspired by the Anmon Falls at the foot of the World Heritage Site Shirakami Sanchi, the knife features delicate and mystical wave-like patterns created using a special technique that involves layering and polishing multiple sheets of iron and steel. Its distinctive design has attracted significant attention overseas.
This video briefly shows the process of making Tsugaru-Uchihamono. You can see how precisely crafted blades can be made using the techniques that craftsmen have cultivated over many years. (JPN only)
Anmon is focusing on the unique design.
You can see the beauty of it in this short video. (No sound)
Tsugaru Uchihamono are not limited to kitchen knives. In Aomori, their craftsmanship is also applied to pruning shears, which are essential for apple cultivation. (JPY only)
Mikuni Blade Factory
三國刃物製作所
TEL: 0172-88-0555
Tazawa Blade Factory
田澤刃物製作所
TEL: 0172-32-1087
Nigara Forging Co., Ltd.
有限会社二唐刃物鍛造所
TEL: 0172-88-2881
Mikuni Uchihamono shop
三國打刃物店
TEL: 0172-33-2202
Like traditional arts such as chado and kado, Tsugaru Uchihamono is also experiencing a shrinking industry, with a declining number of craftsmen and users. I was deeply impressed by the efforts being made to keep this long-standing tradition alive, for example, by placing greater emphasis on design. The attitude of Mr. Tsuyoshi, the 8th-generation head of the Niagara Forging company, who continues his craft with the words of modernist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in mind—“God is in the details”—reflects the spirit of a true craftsman (ONESTORY, 2020). Rather than entrusting everything to machines, he demonstrates a commitment to creating with the heart and soul of a human being.
Aomori Manufacturing Creative Promotion. (n.d.). Tsugaruutihamono koutei. [Tsugaru Uchihamono: Process to make it.].
[Video]. https://amcp-aomori.jp/amcp-movie/10072101406500a-1101a/
Asahi Broadcasting Aomori Co., Ltd. (2025, February 20). リンゴ産業を支える陰の立役者せん定ばさみ製作 三國打刃物店.
[Mikuni Manufacturing Company shop which supports apple production]. [Video]. YouTube.
https://youtu.be/Gw5bb4g_apo?si=75gli-iMe6iUtkcz
Aomori Prefectural Government. (n.d.). Tsugaru Handcrafted Knives.
https://www.pref.aomori.lg.jp/soshiki/sangyo/chikikigyo/aomori_dento-kogei_tsugaruuchihamono.html
Iwate Migration Project. (2017, December 1). 伝統は絶やさない。「津軽打刃物」の名門「二唐刃物鍛造所」と歩む次の匠へ
[Carrying on tradition: Forging the future of Tsugaru Uchihamono with the masters at Nitagai Hamono]. Cocolococo. https://cocolococo.jp/21001
ONE STORY. (2022, October 5). 創業350年以上の伝統を誇る津軽打刃物を、次の世代へ伝え、世界に広げていく。
[Forging a future rooted in tradition: Nitagai Hamono and the enduring legacy of Tsugaru Uchihamono].
https://www.onestory-media.jp/post/?id=3687
Nikara Hamono Forging Workshop. (2009, July 22). Nigara blades Anmon series2 [Nigara Hamono Forging Workshop Anmon Series 2]
[Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/TvsK70-mjHU
By Shotaro Shimada