Tadafusa (株式会社 忠房)

Hocho-Kobo Tadafusa

Against the backdrop of this rich blacksmithing tradition, Sone Torasaburo founded the company Tadafusa in 1948 (the 23rd year of the Shōwa era). He began producing a wide variety of knives—from sickles and short swords to kitchen knives—drawing on the forging techniques he had learned during his apprenticeship making hand-forged scales.

Over time, Tadafusa specialized in the production of fish knives and later developed kitchen knives for both private households and professional use—including specialized knives for soba preparation. Since its founding, the company has relied on genuine handcraftsmanship in every step of the production process and remains committed to its goal of crafting “the best products” for its customers with the utmost passion.

Tadafusa’s products have received multiple awards, including the Good Design Award and the Good Design Award for Small and Medium Enterprises, in recognition of the company’s continued development of hand-forged knives that meet the demands and expectations of modern times.

Looking ahead, Tadafusa remains dedicated to producing high-quality knives that fulfill customer expectations and reflect the spirit of the times. Just as the people of Sanjo once stood firm against the natural forces of the Ikarashi River, Tadafusa aims to share the spirit of this “City of Blacksmiths” with the world through its products.

Sanjo – A City of Blacksmiths
Ingenious Craftsmanship in the Heart of Niigata Prefecture

Once a rural area, Sanjo developed into a renowned center for metalworking from the early 17th century. According to legend, Otani Seibei brought blacksmiths from Edo to the region to initiate hand-forged nail production. With new forging techniques from Aizu, the craftsmen soon turned to specialized tools: sickles, saws, and most notably, high-quality kitchen and fish knives.

Tradition Meets Innovation

Sanjo—together with neighboring Tsubame—is part of the globally renowned TAKUMI Road, a network of Japanese regions known for exceptional craftsmanship.

The so-called Echigo-Sanjo Uchinamonō (打刃物) – hand-forged blades – were officially designated traditional crafts in 2009. These include knives, axes, sickles, levers, and nails.

The unique technique of free forging (“jiyū-tanzō”) compresses the metal, producing durable, sharp-edged products – crafted by hand in traditional charcoal-powered workshops.

Behind the Scenes – Workshops & Experiences

  • Sanjo Blacksmith Dojo – a hands-on workshop where visitors can grind or forge traditional Japanese nails, letter openers, and knives. Under the guidance of experienced smiths, one gains insight into centuries-old techniques.

  • Open Factories – Companies like Tojiro (kitchen knives), Suwada (nail care tools), Marunao (chopsticks), and others open their doors to tourists. These manufacturers produce trade goods such as copper kettles, steel hinges, and razors – a perfect fusion of tradition and precision.

  • TAKUMI Road experiences offer a chance to explore rare crafts: Hinoura Hamono, for instance, creates extremely high-end kitchen knives using ancient swordsmithing techniques, with waiting times of up to five years.

World-Class Products

Sanjo produces approximately 90% of all metal goods such as cutlery, kitchenware, and outdoor tools in Japan – many brands enjoy international recognition.

Copper pots, beer and sake cups, wooden cutting boards, and knives are not only functional but are celebrated worldwide as iconic design objects.

Conclusion

Sanjo is far more than just a manufacturing site – it is a living monument of Japanese craftsmanship, where centuries-old blacksmithing culture merges with modern design and precision technology. From charcoal kilns to open workshops, from samurai techniques to globally acclaimed kitchen knives – Sanjo is a unique place where the soul of craftsmanship can be truly felt.

If you’re seeking authentic souvenirs, exceptional workshops, and deep-rooted tradition, Sanjo is worth the journey – a masterpiece of Japanese industrial heritage.