#MAZDADISCOVERS

The Japanese craft of knife making

ABOUT MAZDA DIS­COVERS

 

Our #MazdaDiscovers YouTube series brings you up close and personal with some of the world's most unique craftsmen. Like Mazda, these artisans are dedicated to combining traditional techniques with a modern approach, crafting extraordinary objects, art, and culinary experiences. Their inspiring stories are narrated by YouTube creators who share a similar passion for their craft.

SIXTH EPISODE

 

The sixth episode of #MazdaDiscovers features Benjamin Jaworskyj, who travels from Germany to Tokyo, Japan, to meet a renowned family in the world of knife making – the Hiratas. Just as Mazda's Takumi Masters breathe life into new car designs, the Hirata family masters their artistry to create sublime pieces of functional art. Sukehira Hirata, a master swordsmith, and his wife Nodoka, a steel specialist, blend centuries-old methods with their unique touches to create unparalleled knives.

 

With 15 years of experience under her belt, Nodoka Hirata took up the knife-making craft to support her husband. According to her, it takes about five years to master the basic technique, but learning in knife making is a continuous journey. They strive for the perfect balance in steel making, which is said to be the hardest part of the process.

 

In their workshop, they not only manufacture knives and swords but also produce the steel themselves using a unique technique called 'Tatara'. It's worth noting that Nodoka is the only woman known in Japan who uses this technique, a fact she takes great pride in.

It takes the Hirata family about a week to make a cooking knife as they produce the steel first. The process is similar to that of making a traditional Japanese sword, the Katana. The family pours their heart and soul into even a simple cooking knife, reflecting the same care for detail and perfection that Mazda imbibes in its car designs.

In essence, the craft of knife making isn't just about producing a functional tool; it's about the journey of creation, the fine-tuning of techniques, and the pursuit of perfection that reflects the spirit of Mazda's own craftsmanship.

Benjamin's journey into the heart of Japanese craftsmanship was an unforgettable experience, offering a deep understanding of culture, tradition, and artisan skill. Through his camera, he captured moments of inspiration that will remain with him forever. Just as these pictures preserve the memory of this adventure, the same spirit of precision and passion drives Mazda's dedication to create cars that spark joy in every journey.

ALL EPISODES

EPISODE 1

The first episode follows the Boisset brothers Mikel and Alex, filmmakers from Spain, as they take the Mazda CX-5 from Madrid to Lisbon to meet the founder of wooden surfboard shapers Yoni Surfboards.

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EPISODE 2

The second episode in our #MazdaDiscovers series sees German YouTubers, Lilia and Kai, travel from Cologne to Rome to meet one of Italy's most well known nonnas, Nonna Nerina, who’s on a mission to share her traditional craft of pasta making with the next generation.

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EPISODE 3

The third episode of #MazdaDiscovers follows Joe Allam, as he travels from London to Paris to meet one of Europe's most well-renowned Japanese lacquer and kintsugi artists, Nicolas Pinon.

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EPISODE 4

In the fourth episode of #MazdaDiscovers we meet Rodolphe Miez as he travels from Versailles to Zurich to meet one Europe’s famous hat makers, Eric Blum.

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EPISODE 5

In episode five of #MazdaDiscovers, see filmmaker Erik Hedenfalk drive from Gothenburg to Copenhagen to visit Pernille Snedker Hansen at her marbeling studio.

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EPISODE 6

The sixth episode of #MazdaDiscovers features Benjamin Jaworskyj, who travels from Germany to Tokyo, Japan, to meet a renowned family in the world of knife making – the Hiratas.

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EPISODE 7

In episode seven of #MazdaDiscovers we join Joe Allam on an enlightening journey through Japan into the world of Kaiseki where he meets Master Chef Tadashi Takahashi.

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EPISODE 8

In the eighth episode of #MazdaDiscovers, we follow Ellis Van Jason as he embarks on a journey from the Swiss Alps to the city of Berlin where he meets Markus Shimizu, the face of Mimi Ferments.

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