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.

The two are working side by side, not only continuing the legacy of their family's smithy, but also of other blacksmiths in the area that have closed down.

The uncle now handles the forging, while the younger craftsman is focused on sharpening, polishing, and final finishing.

The approach is collaborative. The younger smith speaks of surpassing the previous generation not out of pride, but out of responsibility, to keep improving what came before and ensure the forge evolves with the times.

"We’re a small forge, just the two of us. But this workshop has been around for over a hundred years. People still need knives and tools that last, even if the times change.We don’t think blades will ever disappear from daily life."

- Kawasaki-san, master forger at Kawasaki Blacksmith

"As long as people grow food, prepare meals, and work with their hands, there will be a need for sharp tools. That is why we are here. And we hope someone will carry this forward after us, just as we carried it from those before."

- Mizonami-san, master sharpener at Kawasaki Blacksmith and nephew of Kawasaki-san