Kenji Togashi

Kenji Togashi is a blacksmith from Sakai with over 55 years of experience. Starting his craft in 1967, Togashi became a certified Dentoukougeishi (Traditional Craftsman) in 1996 and was later honored as a Master of Traditional Crafts for his expert quenching technique. He is especially revered for forging impeccable honyaki knives – single-steel blades considered the pinnacle of forging skill. Togashi’s outstanding work earned him the Order of the Sacred Treasure. Working alongside his sons in a multi-generational forge, Togashi continues to uphold Sakai’s knife-making heritage, producing masterpieces treasured by chefs and collectors.