amenoma Vision

The goal of the amenoma brand is to fully utilize the skills of participating artisans and companies to create and promote products that possess high quality in every sense, including unprecedented new values, perspectives, and ease of use.

Not only in Japan, but many people all over the world are interested in Miki's cutlery and hardware industry and want to hold the products in their hands.

We aim to be a brand that sparks interest and curiosity.

Turning fantasies into reality.

We bring users' imaginations and desires to life through the techniques of Japanese blacksmiths.

Breaking free from the constraints of traditional manufacturing, they are pioneering the future of blacksmithing with bold ideas.

As AI continues to develop rapidly, amenoma will continue to cherish human creativity and promote the wonderfulness of "handmade" items.

Brand name etymology

The name originates from Amenomahitotsu-no-kami, a god of ironworking and blacksmithing who is associated with the Harima region and appears in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan).

There are accounts of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, hiding in the Heavenly Rock Cave in anger at the violent actions of her brother Susanoo, plunging the world into darkness. One such account describes the creation of the ritual implements used to lure Amaterasu out, and there are also descriptions of him as a god who controls fire.

The Tenmokuichi Shrine was built in ancient times as the birthplace of blacksmithing.

It was destroyed by fire once during the Sengoku period.

It was rebuilt in the Taisho era in what is now Nishiwaki City, Hyogo Prefecture. The "Fuigo Festival" is held there every year on the first Sunday of December.

Blacksmiths and metalworkers visit the shrine to pray for safety.

The amenoma logo is based on the "Mitsudomoe" (three right-facing tomoe) family crest of the Bessho family, who built Miki Castle and Meikatsu, and is inspired by a vortex of thought and technology. The brand's image color is "Aitetsu-iro" (indigo iron color), derived from iron.

History of Miki Hardware

Miki City in Hyogo Prefecture is said to be the first town in Japan known for its metalworking industry.

Its origins date back to around 550 AD. It began when blacksmiths from Yamato (Japan), who lived in this region, and blacksmiths from Baekje (an ancient Korean kingdom) interacted and practiced blacksmithing together.

The town's rise to prosperity as a metalworking center began during the Sengoku period (Warring States period).

At that time, Miki Castle, the residence of Bessho Nagaharu, who ruled this area, fell during a siege by Hashiba Hideyoshi (1578-1580).

In order to rebuild the town that had been devastated by a long war that lasted for about three years, the people who had scattered were called back by a tax exemption ceremony, and carpenters were gathered to help with the reconstruction, as were blacksmiths who made carpentry tools.

The quality of carpentry tools improved by adapting the forging techniques used for swords, which were in high demand during the Sengoku period.

Furthermore, production increased due to the discovery of high-quality iron sand in the surrounding area.

Once the town's reconstruction was largely complete, carpenters, whose work had decreased, went to work in other parts of the Kinki region and elsewhere. They brought in and sold the metalwork they had made in Miki.

The products were of high quality and became popular. Orders increased steadily, and the number of blacksmiths grew even further. During the Hōreki era (1751-1764), wholesalers were established for the procurement of raw materials and the sale of metal products.

Sales in Edo (present-day Tokyo) also began in 1804.

During the late Edo period, traveling merchants from Awa (present-day Tokushima) noticed the high quality of Miki metalwork and began selling it throughout the country, spreading its popularity.

Current Miki Hardware

During the late Edo period (around 1850), a wide variety of metal products were manufactured, including not only carpentry tools but also gardening and cooking utensils.

Along with Western culture, Western steel was imported, and the rationalization of the manufacturing process made mass production possible.

With the development of railways, sales channels will expand even further from being centered in the Kansai region to the entire country.

Modern factories utilizing machinery such as belt hammers and grinders are also increasing, leading to rapid growth.

After World War II (from 1945 onward), the entire country of Japan was reduced to a burnt-out wasteland, and the urgent task of rebuilding the devastated nation became paramount.

Miki Hardware plays a vital role in this as well.

For reconstruction, tools and equipment become necessary, leading to a surge in demand. Furthermore, changes in construction methods and lifestyles necessitate the evolution of these tools.

Miki metalwork has adapted to the needs of each era while preserving the traditional blacksmithing techniques, developing into one of Japan's leading all-metal product manufacturing centers.

By combining traditional techniques with the latest technology, we continue to develop and expand our sales channels worldwide.

The symbol of Miki metalwork: the "Metal Eagle."

The "Hardware Eagle" was created in 1952 as a symbol of Miki Hardware.

It was first unveiled at the Miki Hardware Fair (now the Miki Hardware Festival).

The tools and equipment made in Miki are assembled into parts, forming the shape of a majestic eagle.

Actively promoting Miki metalwork technology at events nationwide.

They have achieved great success and acclaim overseas, in places like New York and Germany.

Dozens of skilled workers spend about eight hours assembling it.

Maintenance is performed annually, and the Miki Industrial Cooperative Association Youth Division manages and operates the facility.

Currently, the fourth generation is active, and at the 2025 Osaka World Expo, they will showcase the excellence of Miki metalwork to people all over the world.

In 2023, the "Permanent Metal Eagle" was installed at Michi-no-Eki Miki (Roadside Station Miki). It has become a beloved new tourist attraction in Miki City.

Traditional training methods preserve the heritage.

In order to pass on traditional blacksmithing techniques, the "Miki Metalwork Traditional Forging Techniques Preservation Association, 5th Division" was established in 1985, comprised of five companies that manufacture saws, chisels, planes, trowels, and knives.

We conduct traditional metalworking techniques called "ancient forging" every month at the ancient forging hall located at Miki Metalwork Shrine.

Using bellows, a block of iron called "kera" is heated, and craftsmen, in rhythm, hammer the steel and fold it back and forth to remove impurities, creating tamahagane steel.

Every year on the first Sunday of December, the blacksmiths' New Year's ceremony, the "Fuigo Festival," is held, where they perform traditional forging rituals in ancient attire and pray to the god of fire for safety.

These five items were designated as "Traditional Crafts" by the Minister of International Trade and Industry in 1996.

This was also the moment when the techniques that Banshu Miki metalwork had cultivated over many years were officially recognized.

Owner's self-introduction

Founded on March 31, 2021

Through over 20 years of work at my previous company, I became very interested in the local hardware industry of Miki/Ono City, and I started my own company with the desire to work with blacksmiths to boost the production area.

By adding the essence of our products and the thoughts of our craftsmen, we will introduce ``the wonders of made in Japan products'' to the world.

Original products will also be released in due course.

I would appreciate hearing your biased delusions regarding hardware.

Please join us in making the Banshu blacksmith site “amenoma” more exciting! !

We also accept bespoke items for left-handed use, repair requests such as resharpening, and BtoB sales to retailers.

Please feel free to contact us.