The Burning Mosquito Blade: Knife Blacksmithing Techniques from the Edo Period

Details

• Private experience

• Location: Kayakimachi, Nagasaki

• 2 hours

• 5 people max. Minimum of 2 participants required.

• Offered in Japanese, with friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English
  (French/German/Spanish interpretation may be available upon request)

Molded to your Hand

A tradition cultivated over a long history and made possible due to the abundance of high quality soil and water, Nagasaki-made Kayaki Knives are peerless. Combining the Japanese characters for “mosquito” and “burning”, Kayaki blacksmithing is a traditional technique dating back to the Edo Period. The foreign process was developed by a disciple of the famous bladesmith Samanosuke Yoshida and involves artful applications of water and clay in the burnishing process. As contemporary cooking practices have changed, the Nagasaki blacksmiths have remained committed to the expert approach to making cutlery, with true value placed on tools and the tactile process. And what is the experience of using a traditional kayaki knife? The more you use it, the more it molds to your hand, and with their enduring sharpness, Kayaki knives are known for reliability. At the studio, see the storied tradition of these knives and find your very own knife for the ages.

What you’ll do

See Master blacksmiths in action and learn about the history of the Kayaki techniques.

What’s included

Guests will receive 1 knife per group

What to wear

Guests are encouraged to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

Who can attend

Children must be 12+

Availability

Everyday
Session 1 (10:00 - 12:00)
Session 2 (14:00 - 16:00)

Access

40 minutes by car from Nagasaki Station

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at least 14 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.