Third generation blacksmith at Kitaoka Knife Manufacturing. Unusual in Echizen, they specialize in single-edged knives such as Deba knives and Yanagiba knives.

Due to the Japanese food boom, Japanese knives are attracting more and more attention overseas, and we are receiving many orders from top chefs in Western Europe. The suminagashi series is especially popular, and the ripples and patterns that emerge when folded over and over again give a sense of elegance and style.

He has received many awards (departments), including the Award for Successor of Traditional Crafts, the Japan Traditional Crafts Association Gold Award, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award, and the Autumn Order of the Sacred Treasure.