Meet the Craftsman
The Hands Behind the Blade.
Craftsman profile
Hirohito’s passion for sharpening was sparked in childhood, when he was deeply moved by the transformation of raw metal into a finely honed blade capable of cutting with precision.
Captivated by the depth and artistry of sharpening, he taught himself the craft and eventually became a professional togishi.
Today, he devotes himself to each blade with sincerity and focus, continually seeking new discoveries and higher levels of skill—sharing the beauty of sharpening with others along the way.
To sharpen a blade is to respect it.
Sharpening is not just maintenance — it’s care, respect, and renewal. I treat each knife as a tool that holds the memories and spirit of the person who uses it.
Q&A with craftsmen
- Q:Why did you become a sharpener?
A:Sharpening is a simple act — just water and a whetstone — yet it holds incredible depth.
There’s a quiet satisfaction in bringing a blade back to life, and even greater joy when that sharpness brings delight to the people who use it. - Q:What’s the most memorable knife you’ve worked on?
A:The knives that were most difficult to sharpen are the ones I remember most.
In the moment, I may have wanted to give up — but looking back, each challenge became a meaningful part of my journey. - Q:What does “a good knife” mean to you?
A:A good knife not only has excellent sharpness and edge retention — it also improves the more you care for it.
And I’m here to help you do just that.