The Kikuichi Story

Based in Nara, Japan, Kikuichi Cutlery has been producing handmade Japanese blades for over 750 years. Using samurai sword making techniques, our Japanese kitchen knives are revered by chefs worldwide

Kikuichi Cutlery has a history of bladesmithing dating back to the days of the samurai.  The company was established in the 13th century during Japan’s Kamakura period (1185-1333) which saw not only the rise of the Samurai class, but also of the sword smiths who elevated the art of sword making to new heights. At the time, five schools were competing to forge weapons for Nara’s famous warrior monks. One particular maker, Kanenaga of the Tegai school, was renowned for his superior skills as a sword maker and made the Tegai school the leading sword makers in all of Japan. It is from this master craftsman that Kikuichi Monjushiro Kanenaga, Inc. was born.Kikuichi Cutlery has been operating within the same family for 4 generations.  With the retirement of Yasuo Matsuoka in 2017 after more than 50 years at the head of the company, the reins of the company passed down to a new generation, current President and CEO, Ikuyo Yanagisawa.  Ms. Yanagisawa is the first woman in Japan to ever be in a leadership role of one of Japan’s most storied cutlery companies.

Osaka based filmmaker Hotaka Matsumura collaborated with Kikuichi and its artisans to create this portrait of a timeless company that is not afraid to change with the times.