50 Years of Excellent Knife-Making – 50th Anniversary

Nenohi was founded in March 1975 and will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025.

The company was born from the vision of former president Norio Sawada and his wife Noriko Sawada, who continues to support the business to this day.

Norio had previously worked as a sales representative at a knife manufacturer in Tokyo, where he stood out through exceptional sales success. Through his daily interactions with professional chefs, he developed a strong conviction: chefs deserved better knives than those available on the market.

Since he couldn’t realize his vision within his then-position, Norio made the bold decision to resign and establish his own shop – “Nenohi.”

Early Years and a Vision of Quality

In its early years, Nenohi operated solely as a retail business, sourcing knives through wholesalers based on Norio’s previous industry connections. At the time, this was the only system in the knife business – direct relationships with craftsmen were strictly prohibited. Nevertheless, Norio remained focused on one central goal: the highest quality. His passion for delivering “better knives” grew even stronger after founding his own business.

The Pivotal Encounter with Master Sharpener Ino

A defining moment came when a customer complained about a knife allegedly sharpened by Osakazu Ino. It turned out the wholesaler had been selling inferior knives under Ino’s name – a fact confirmed by the master himself. Norio immediately flew to Sakai to apologize and personally establish a working relationship with Ino.

This move led to a groundbreaking partnership: Nenohi began selling genuine masterpieces by Osakazu Ino, made specifically for professional chefs.

After Ino’s generation, his relative Chuichi Ino took over the collaboration, working closely with Norio to develop high-quality, stainless Japanese knives. Later, Yusuke Sawada joined in the development – together they created the now internationally acclaimed “Kaede” series.

From Trade to In-House Production

The project to develop new knives proved so technically demanding that many manufacturers dropped out. There were even unfinished knife remnants. But it was from this challenge that Nenohi’s identity as a manufacturer brand emerged – a turning point in the evolution of today’s technologies.

A Lasting Legacy

But certain core values have always remained:

• “Deliver exceptional knives”

• “Never release a single inferior product”

Noriko Sawada describes the international recognition Nenohi has earned among top chefs as “like a dream.” The constant demand stands as proof of their uncompromising dedication.

Geographical Location & History 

Nakai (足柄上郡中井町) is located in the Ashigarakami District of Kanagawa Prefecture, nestled between the mountains and the Sagami Basin. The town is rich in history and culture and is characterized by traditional crafts and workshops that have been passed down for generations.

Local Crafts

1. Dashi Floats & Wood Carving
   Four of the traditional, elaborately carved festival floats (Dashi) from the regions of Tanaka, Miyamoto, Fujisawa, and Hanbun-gata in Nakai have been officially designated as “mobile cultural properties” since the 1970s. The wood carvings on these floats impress with their precision and regional stylistic diversity – sometimes urban and elegant, other times rustic and powerful.

2. Bamboo Weaving
   Nakai is also known for its finely crafted bamboo weavings, such as pen holder baskets. The techniques of double round weaving (nijū wagoami) and Ajiro-style weaving give these products an elegant and refined structure.

3. Ceramics & Pottery
   Local ceramic workshops invite visitors to try their hand at traditional Shippo-yaki (七宝焼) enamel art. This enamel technique from Nakai produces modern jewelry pieces with a clear connection to Japanese tradition.

4. Everyday Culture & Folk Art
   Nakai’s local history museum features around 1,500 everyday items from the Edo to Meiji periods – including lamps, agricultural tools, and ceramics. Many of the exhibits can be touched, offering visitors a hands-on experience of everyday life in historical Japan.

Conclusion

Nakai stands out for its remarkable variety of traditional crafts that combine artistry with community spirit:

• The Dashi floats unite wood carving and cultural expression.

• Bamboo weavings showcase delicate craftsmanship for everyday use.

• Ceramic workshops preserve enamel artistry in the Shippo-yaki style.

• The local museum documents traditional customs with interactive access.

In this small town, regional identity, cultural heritage, and living craftsmanship merge in an impressive and vibrant way.