Fukui Co., Ltd 2024
- sakai kitchen
- STORY
- Fukui Co., Ltd 2024

A Long-Standing Wholesaler with Over 120 Years of History in a Manufacturing Town
The history of Sakai’s forged blades is deeply rooted, with evidence of tools for digging being produced in this area as early as the Kofun period (around the 5th century). During the Sengoku period (late 15th to late 16th century), Sakai thrived as a center of firearm production. By the early Edo period (early 17th century), the production of tobacco knives—used for cutting tobacco leaves—began, marking the origins of Sakai’s renowned knife-making tradition.
In this region, where the spirit of craftsmanship has been passed down through generations, Fukui Co., Ltd. was established in 1912. Since then, the company has focused on manufacturing and wholesaling Sakai forged blades, while also offering a range of products including agricultural and gardening tools, DIY tools, and outdoor equipment.
In 2021, marking its 109th anniversary, the company introduced its first in-house brand, “HADO,” centered around the concept of the “soul of craftsmanship.” This new initiative by the long-established company has been attracting attention throughout the industry.

A Man’s Dream of Becoming an Artisan and the Chairman’s Long-Held Vision
The team behind “HADO” includes artisans Tadataka Maruyama, Naohiro Nomura, and Takafumi Tsuda; Yoshio Ichikawa, who leads sales planning; Mai Kashiwagi from sales; and the sixth-generation president, Motonari Fukui—just six people, but a truly skilled and focused group.
Mr.Maruyama was the one who sparked the project’s start. “In 2015, I was responsible for sales and warehouse operations, but I found myself becoming more interested in the creative side. So, I approached the president and the chairman and told them, ‘I want to leave the company and become an artisan.’ To my surprise, the chairman replied, ‘Go and train outside for about three years, then come back. We’ll continue paying your salary during your training.’ I was shocked but thrilled. I thought, ‘I can’t let this chance slip by,’ so I decided to take the offer,” Mr.Maruyama recalls.

Actually, the chairman had long held a desire to produce knives in-house. This ambition aligned perfectly with Mr. Maruyama’s goal of becoming an artisan. In the spring of 2019, as Mr. Maruyama entered his third year of training, the workshop finally opened its doors.
Young Artisans with Unique Personalities Striving Together
In 2020, Mr. Nomura, a former colleague and close friend of Mr. Maruyama, joined the team.“Sakai forged knives have a strong character—both a strength and a challenge—and shaping them as intended can be difficult. But that’s what makes them so fascinating. We focus not only on sharpness but also on aesthetics, aiming to uplift the user’s spirit. We hope that our knives will be enjoyed not just by professionals, but also by everyday households,” says Mr. Nomura.

Mr. Tsuda, who joined the company in 2022, is 25 years old. At the company, it’s common to see young artisans sharing ideas and collaborating in a friendly, open atmosphere.
“I’ve been in this industry for about two years now, and being trusted to see projects through to completion makes the work very rewarding. In a time when mechanization is on the rise, the value of craftsmanship that preserves the art of handwork is truly special. We pay close attention to the smallest details to ensure that our products have a perfect feel, so I hope you’ll try them out and see the difference for yourself,” says Mr. Tsuda.

Crafting Knives That Are Soft, Gentle, and Blend Effortlessly into Everyday Life
The tranquil atmosphere of this youthful workshop is beautifully reflected in its products. “Unlike the traditional, solemn image of Japanese knives, HADO‘s designs are distinguished by their soft, gentle qualities that seamlessly fit into people’s daily lives. While we respect tradition, we prioritize the flexibility to embrace new ideas and innovations without being constrained by it,” explains Ms. Kashiwagi.

HADO‘s logo and illustrations are created by French artist Philippe Weisbecker. With a branding and marketing approach that distinguishes it from traditional Japanese knives, HADO effectively showcases the allure of meticulous craftsmanship to a global audience. Today, over 90% of their sales come from international markets.
“When we launched the brand, domestic demand was already saturated, so we shifted our focus to developing sales channels overseas. As a result, our knives are now available in more than 20 countries, primarily in France, the UK, the US, and Canada,” says Mr.Ichikawa.

President Fukui observes young artisans honing their skills through hard work and eagerly anticipates their future successes. “It’s incredibly encouraging to see our own brand thrive, especially since we’ve primarily focused on wholesale for many years. Our workshop is at the heart of what we do and serves as our foundation. This is a time when artisans are truly respected, and I want to bring in even more craftsmen to pursue unique craftsmanship that only we can offer,” Mr. Fukui states.

The new challenges facing this long-established company, which has been around for over 100 years, are just beginning. Its flexible approach to craftsmanship, inspired by youthful creativity, is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the Sakai knife industry.
edit/text Tomoyo Tsuchiya
photographer Yutaka Sato