― The Aesthetics of Cutting ―
A blade is never just a tool.
Since ancient times, the act of cutting—whether to pierce or to sever—has stood as a mirror of culture and spirit.
In the West, the sword was forged as a weapon of straight lines, designed to slash and to thrust, born of a philosophy of sheer force, breaking and penetrating.
In Japan, the sword evolved for a different purpose: to slice cleanly with a single stroke.
Its gentle curve, the inevitable “sori,” was born to enable a pulling cut that severs with minimal effort and maximum effect.
This was not only efficiency—it was the embodiment of “the aesthetics of cutting,” a reflection of the samurai’s soul itself.
This philosophy found its way into the culinary arts, refined into the form of the Japanese knife.
The Yanagiba draws through the flesh of fish, the Usuba glides to shave vegetables.
Each motion preserves the life of the ingredient, delivering beauty in every cross-section.
Here lies a uniquely Japanese philosophy: the elevation of cutting into an art form.
― Why MIKURIYA Chooses Nenohi ―
The reason MIKURIYA chooses Nenohi is clear.
It is no different from a samurai choosing his blade—for the chef, it is a mirror of the soul.
To face the ingredient is to face oneself.
Every thought, every emotion of the chef flows into the edge, and through it, into the dish.
To wield a Nenohi knife is both an act of resolve and a discipline that elevates the self.
― To Possess a Living Cultural Treasure ―
The high-end models of Nenohi are far beyond the realm of kitchen tools.
They are soul-forged creations, born of master blacksmiths, sharpeners, and lacquer artists—custodians of traditional craft who give a part of their very lives to each blade.
Handles and scabbards are adorned with ebony, buffalo horn, and precious metals, finished in Wajima lacquer, inlaid with maki-e and radiant mother-of-pearl.
No two are ever the same; each carries a singular identity.
They are, in truth, contemporary cultural treasures—objects that confer prestige upon their bearer and demand to be passed down as heritage.
A single knife presented by MIKURIYA is not only for chefs, but also for discerning investors and collectors.
It is a piece one must acquire now—an heirloom whose possession is a mark of distinction, destined to shine across generations.
― MIKURIYA Released to the World ―
As a chef and as a steward of culture, I have staked my very name on choosing Nenohi.
And under the name MIKURIYA, I now bring its philosophy and aesthetics to the world.
“One single knife untainted by compromise”—this unwavering creed defines every creation.
A MIKURIYA knife transcends cuisine, transcends artistry, and carries culture itself into the future.
It is never mere ownership.
It is to embody the aesthetics of cutting in one’s own hand—
and to be adorned with timeless prestige.
Produced by DaisharinZamurai / Mitsuyoshi Iwai