Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide in Osaka is renowned for its extensive selection of knives, arguably the largest in the city. The store's impressive display of knives covers an entire wall, creating a striking visual impact with each visit.
Besides knives, they offer whetstones and various kitchen tools, making it a beloved shop among both local homemakers and professional chefs.
The friendly staff are highly knowledgeable about knives, providing excellent customer service. If you visit Osaka, a trip to this esteemed store is highly recommended.
Brand Introduction
Nearly 70 years ago, Hisaka Tanaka founded our knife shop in Osaka. He was inspired by the philosophy of dedicating one's life to the mastery of a craft, as demonstrated by the renowned swordsmith Ichimonji Narimune.
This small brand, which began with a single-minded desire to promote Sakai knives, has continued to meet chefs' needs throughout Japan and beyond. Today, it is one of the few places on earth where you can find over 2,000 types of top-quality Sakai knives.
By combining the ultimate in sharpness and durability, our Sakai Ichimonji knives have grown to be loved by even the most discerning chefs. While most of our customer base are masters of traditional Japanese cuisine, our knives' quality has been sought after by leading culinary professionals around the world.
About SAKAI ICHIMONJI MITSUHIDE
Our History
Our founder, Hisaka Tanaka, was mobilized by schoolmen to work in an iron processing plant during World War II.
Just as the war had passed and peace had been restored, tragedy struck. Hisaka lost his father in 1945 and his mother in 1948 to illness.
Hisaka was 18 years old at the time, and he wanted to send his younger brother Umewaka (the current manager) to college. Through a relative's introduction, he worked at the Kawanishi Kitchen Store in Doguya-suji. Still, he held one thought in his heart.
The photo is the Teikoku Sharyo Works, where Hisaka Tanaka was employed. (1912, the time when it was on the name Umebachi Ironworks). Photo courtesy of Makoto Ikuta of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Real Estate Co., Ltd.
The Desire to Use Ironworking Skills to Make Knives.
He visited Sakai to learn how to make knives from a master craftsman.Hisaka Tanaka (center) introducing the knife-making process (1987).
Hisaka Tanaka is second from the left in the front row (1951).
It was there that Hisaka learned about craftsmanship, which was unbelievable even at that time.
He lowers the hammer in front of the 1,100-degree flame to discern the slightest difference in color and temper it to sharpen with great attention to detail. Hisaka learned to make knives with skill and soul, and his desire to spread this to the world grows stronger every day.
1953. With the permission of his business mentor Tsurukichi Kawanishi, Hisaka Tanaka opened his long-sought kitchen knife shop in Doguya-suji.
Our shop is one of the few places where chefs from all over Japan can come and pick up over 2,000 different kinds of knives in response to various requests. The craftsmanship and passion of Hisaka Tanaka, our founder, is still alive and well today.
Japanese Chef Knives by Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide
As we see the widespread of Japanese cuisine throughout the world, we can also find many different food cultures within Japan. Amidst this diversified food scene, there is a kitchenware street fondly called "the Kitchen of Japan" in Osaka's food capital. It is here within the Doguyasuji Lane that we have been situated for the past century.
Backed by the skills of the craftsmen who have been continuously improving their techniques for more than 600 years, the Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide brand has been trusted by top culinary masters for generations. Furthermore, we continue to evolve every aspect of our craft and customer service.
Through frequent interactions to respond to chefs' needs and building trusting relationships with master knife craftsmen, we now have grown to become the world's only knife store with more than 2,000 products.
If you visit Japan, we hope you will drop by our long-established shop where the spirits of true culinary masters and craftsmen meet. We look forward to providing you with our premium knives designed to last a lifetime.
Reference:https://global.ichimonji.co.jp/pages/about
In Osaka, Nenohi boasts an extensive selection of knives, arguably the largest in the city. The store offers a wide variety of products, ensuring that customers can find exactly what they need. The staff are known for their friendliness and deep knowledge of the knives, providing excellent customer service and expert advice. If you are visiting Osaka, a trip to this store is highly recommended to experience their exceptional range and service.
For more information and to explore their offerings, visit the Website.