Kaji Kobo Hiromitsu, located in Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture, has been engaged in blacksmithing for nearly 200 years since the Tenpō era of the Edo period. While preserving the traditional sword-forging techniques of the past, they create products that suit modern lifestyles. The works of candlesticks, vases, frying pans, and more are all handmade by four craftsmen, including the 11th-generation successor, Shusuke Koto, and his father, the 10th-generation Hiroya Koto.

After graduating from the Faculty of Economics at Shinshu University, the 11th-generation Shusuke worked in a Tokyo company and at an art museum in Shimane before becoming a blacksmith. His proposals and promotions, informed by consumer perspective and cross-industry experience, are among Hiromitsu’s strengths. Shusuke interacts directly with customers, listening to their requests and overseeing both the design and final output. He often sketches on the spot, asking, “Would this shape be better? How about this length?” Sometimes, rather than fulfilling requests literally, he proposes, “If that’s what you want, wouldn’t this approach work better?” To realize the nuances customers expect, he may produce prototypes himself when larger numbers are required, while sharing the production process with his team.

In an age where most iron products are press- or machine-made, Hiromitsu insists on forging with charcoal, preserving traditional methods. Forging strengthens iron by evening its surface structure, making it durable. It also removes oxide film, reducing rust. The process involves heating the iron in fire, splashing water on it while hot to quench and rapidly contract, which removes oxides. Then the loosened oxide is hammered off. “When hammering, you feel the iron itself becoming more pliant,” Shusuke explains.

Blacksmithing is also affected by seasonal changes in temperature and light within the workshop. While the iron must be shaped between roughly 800–1000°C, in cold winter it cools too quickly, while in summer the heat is more stable but the work environment becomes harsh. Charcoal fire is ideal, as its airflow control allows flexibility against such external conditions. Instead of relying solely on welding, they also use the traditional kashime-dome riveting method where appropriate. Each piece is hand-forged step by step, meaning no two items are identical. The individuality of handmade work becomes the unique charm of each piece.

“At first, the more exhibitions we attended, the more losses we made,” recalls Munemasa. But gradually, they learned to capture customer demand. Sometimes, he walks through department stores to catch market trends for inspiration.

Not only the product but also its packaging, photography, and Instagram presence are emphasized. “The ideal is to deliver the right product, in the right way, to the right audience. Beyond the value of the object itself, artisans also need the ability to convey.”

Munemasa is particularly passionate about letting inbound customers witness the workshop firsthand. Seeing the reactions of overseas visitors to traditional Japanese craftsmanship boosts the motivation of the artisans. He also speaks about the potential of their original frying pan brand Tangetsu. Thanks to the excellent heat conduction of iron, it sears meat crisp on the outside while tender inside, and can be used just as effectively for vegetables or even toast. “Food cooked in this pan is truly delicious. I feel it’s my mission to help create delicious dining experiences.” He imagines a ripple effect where frying pans sell alongside the foods cooked in them.

Looking ahead, Munemasa says, “I want more people to visit our workshop, and of course I want to create new works. But first, I need to refine our existing products and rethink our presentation space.” He adds, “Our works—whether candlesticks or frying pans—are not essentials, but lifestyle tools. I want users to play with them from their own perspective. Of course, we respond to customer requests, but I hope they enjoy them freely.”

Hiromitsu’s ironworks, rooted in centuries-old forging techniques, are steadily blending into modern life.