Knife & Scissors

A number of ancient graves exist in Sakai most represented by the Mozu Tumulus Group. During the 5th century a group of people came together that would create the tools required to build these ancient graves. This development is said to be the foundation of developing blacksmith technology in Japan.

During the 16th century when tobacco was first brought to Japan from Portugal, people began planting tobacco in Japan and crafting knives for cutting tobacco leaves. Because the knives made for cutting tobacco leaves in Sakai were superior to import knives, during the Edo period the feudal government included a special stamp, by the name of "Sakai-kiwame," on the knives and sold them throughout Japan.

As described above, the origin of knives made in Sakai were knives for cutting tobacco and the foundation for creating the industry was established during this time.
In March 1982 the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry designated the Sakai Uchihamono which took over the superior traditional technology as a traditional craft and in October 2007, Sakai Hamono and Sakai Uchihamono were registered as a trademark of the region. Currently, many of the knives used by Japanese chefs are said to be made in Sakai.

Manufacturer's Association	Sakai Hamono Commerce and Industry Joint Association
Location	1-1-30 Zaimoku-cho nishi, Sakai-ku, Sakai 590-0941 (inside the Sakai Hamono Traditional Industrial Museum)
Phone	072-227-1001
Fax	072-238-8906
HP(URL)	http://www.sakaihamono.or.jp/main.html