Nigara Hamono is a historic smithy with a 350-year tradition. It has been active in the city of Hirosaki since the early Edo Period, when it started making swords for the Tsugaru clan. With over a hundred forging shops in the region during that era, Nigara Hamono stands as a testament to Tsugaru Uchihamono's rich history and artistry.
Iron production has a long history in the Tsugaru region near Mount Iwaki. Artifacts made from iron used during the Nara Period (710-794) and early Heian Period (794-1192) have been found around the city of Hirosaki, indicating there was a vast amount of ironworks in the region. The presence of Kaji-machi, or the blacksmith town, further signifies the historical significance of the region.
For more than 350 years, Nigara Hamono has been a distinguished family of swordsmiths. Initially appointed by the region of Tsugaru to craft Japanese swords, the smithy transitioned to knife-making after the traditional swordsmithing techniques gained recognition during World War II.
While sword production ceased in 1965, Nigara Hamono continues to preserve traditional forging techniques, showcasing its artistry through Honuchi knives – authentic Japanese knives made with traditional methods – which exemplify the skill and experience accumulated throughout numerous generations of blacksmiths.
With their crafted items being officially certified as Aomori Prefecture Traditional Crafts in December 2007, Nigara Hamono stands as a living testament to the enduring traditional craftsmanship rooted in the town of Hirosaki, Japan.
The current head blacksmith of Nigara Hamono, Tsuyoshi Yoshizawa, who works alongside his father Toshi Yoshizawa, is an eighth-generation blacksmith with a passion for knives, art, and music. His famous Nigara Anmon design is the result of his love of Andy Warhol’s artwork.
