In the rural town of Shiroishi, Saga Prefecture, Kawasaki Kajiya has quietly supported everyday life for over a century. Run today by a third-generation master and his nephew, this small forge continues to craft blades the traditional way, by hand, with purpose, and always with the community in mind.
Kawasaki-san quit his job as an office worker 25 years ago, and became the third generation in his family's blacksmith business in the countryside of Saga Prefecture.
The smithy has an over 100 year long history, and is deeply tied within the community, crafting and repairing agricultural tools and kitchen knives for the locals.
Four years ago, Kawasaki-san's nephew Mizokami-san followed suit, quitting his job at the prefectural government and joining his uncle in the smithy.