It won't be possible without Seki

We go to Japan regularly. It is our job, but above all our passion. However, without it, a more than 24-hour travelling would be a great ordeal, even suffering. Add to that the unpleasant eastern jet lag and the "entrance tax" is in the world. But then there are the endless positives resulting from the pleasant people, the electrifying atmosphere of blacksmith workshops, sophisticated transportation, delicious cuisine and unforgettable moments spent with friends. Of course, here and there fate will try to throw you away with some innocent trick in the form of an ultra-small hotel room with a view of the wall of a neighboring tower block, an incoming typhoon or a delivery time of more than two years for your dream knife. But pleasant experiences clearly prevail.

Traditional hotel in Seki

Of each trip, Seki will definitely reserve the longest stay. Logically, however, it is the capital of Japanese cutlery and therefore the ideal place for our study stay. And especially the beginning of our journey more than 20 years ago. This is where our friend, tutor and supplier in one person Katsumi took us in. In addition to introducing us to the secrets of Japanese knives, he supplies us with his top-notch products of the KASUMI brand. He also introduced us to one of the most respected blacksmiths of Japanese authentic swords. We greatly appreciate this privilege, because only a very small circle of the public is honored with it. We did not disappoint the trust placed in us and have already imported two certified katanas for our customers. We also have other important suppliers in Seki. Brands such as MCUSTA, ZANMAI, HATTORI, MASAHIRO, KANETSUGU and SUNCRAFT do not need any special introduction to connoisseurs.

Hikari 639

The most comfortable and at the same time most interesting way from Tokyo to Seki is by the Shinkansen bullet train. But even so, you have to work out the logistics down to the last detail. There are no bullet train stations in every city and Seki doesn't even have a railway. A shocking fact for Japan. The journey from Tokyo takes two hours and, if visibility is good, you will be delighted with the majesty of Mount Fuji. We get off in Gifu Hashima, about a 40-minute drive from Seki. Our business partner is waiting for us here. We sit in the "director's chair" - a popular MPV car in Japan - and we take over the first day's program. A quick lunch at a noodle house, a visit to the production facilities, a transfer to the showroom, and from there the office. Then we jump to the hotel to drop off our luggage and dinner will be at a chef's sushi restaurant. Do you mind if our Brazilian importer joins us? The pace of the day, which ends well after midnight, helps to minimize the symptoms of jet lag.

Our temporary stay

In Seki we stay exclusively in a traditional hotel. Large spaces with a minimum of furniture. Where is the bed? What for? We sleep on tatami. Instead of chairs, a few cushions, a table with "cut off" legs. But the hot spa is a must, as is the hearty Japanese breakfast. Before that, a morning run in the adjacent bamboo forest is a good idea. While waiting for our partner's car to arrive, we pass the time by walking along the Nagara River, famous for its fishing with the help of cormorants.

Cormoran fishing boat

In the morning we have work to do at the company. We need to fine-tune orders and clarify open specifications. We are also promised a presentation of new products, which we consider the most important moment of the day. After an express lunch, we will head to Furumachi. At the site where excavations confirmed a blacksmithing center from the Muromachi period, a pavilion with finds of blacksmith tools has been built today. The second part is dedicated to the current production of knives. We also find famous pieces from our suppliers here. Spending less than 2 hours here is simply unforgivable. We will have to postpone the Kobayashi Heat tempering shop until tomorrow. Time in Seki flies at a crazy pace...

Furumachi pavilón