Hello, my name is Yosuke Kamata, the fourth generation of Kamata Hakensha.　

Today, I would like to introduce a photo book.

It is titled “Sakai Uchihamono Forge Craftsman: Togashi Kenji” and is published by Kajiwara Shobo.

This craftsman. He is a traditional craftsman who manufactures cutlery in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture.

In fact, I, Kamata Yosuke, was employed by Togashi Manufacturing Co., Ltd. about ten years ago.

Before entering his current family business, he went to Osaka for a year to study the work of local craftsmen, and was fortunate enough to work at Togashi’s factory.

Sakai City in Osaka Prefecture is famous for the production of handmade kitchen knives (Japanese kitchen knives).

Among them, Mr. Kenji Togashi is a veteran blacksmith craftsman who has been engaged in his profession for nearly 50 years and is also a certified traditional craftsman.

He produces knives using a very advanced technique called “Hon Forging,” in which Yasugi steel from Hitachi Metals, a traditional steel material, is heated in a kettle, hammered, and formed into the shape of a kitchen knife.

The title “hammered blades” refers to precious blades made using this difficult technique.

Many traditional Japanese kitchen knives, such as “Yanagiba” and “Deba” knives, are made using this technique, and many Japanese kitchen knives are made at Mr. Togashi’s factory every day.

We are pleased to announce the release of this photo book in commemoration of Mr. Kenji Togashi, who is celebrating the culmination of his career as a blacksmith.

Although my writing is immature, I have included some of the stories I witnessed during the year I was under your care.

Although it is poorly written, I have also written about the episodes I was able to see during the year I was a part of the book.

I hope you will purchase the photo book and read it.

Also, if you are interested in hammered knives, please stop by Kamata Hakensha Co. when you come to Kappabashi.

We will be happy to show you many of Mr. Kenji Togashi’s works.

See you soon.

Yosuke Kamata, 4th generation of Kappabashi Kamata Hakensha.

*This is a translation by a translation tool.