Photo By Staff Sgt. Adam Goodly | YOKOTA AIR FORCE BASE, Japan -- PO2 William Rosencrans, AFN Tokyo mass communications...... read more read more
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In the Southwest of Japan, on the bank of the Shimanto River, you will find a tiny workshop called Kurogane Cutlery. For over five decades, the shop has been in operation, drawing participants from all over the world to create traditional Japanese knives. The knives, as well as blacksmithing master Nobuya Hayashi-san, are what drew PO2 William Rosencrans to participate in a three-day blacksmithing course.
"I have always wanted to try a blacksmithing course," said PO2 William Rosencrans, AFN Tokyo mass communications specialist. "I couldn't pass up the opportunity to make my very own traditional Japanese knives, and I'm so grateful to have Hayashi-san as my teacher."
For 26 years, Hayashi-san has worked at Kurogane Cutlery. He began as an apprentice, and when his master passed away, he took over the shop. He has had guests from all over the world come to his blacksmithing class, including many military members. "They can design and make any knives that they want, and I will help them throughout the process," stated Nobuya Hayashi-san, owner of Kurogane Cutlery.
Students can create custom knives or choose from many traditional Japanese-style cooking knives, which all have a unique purpose in the kitchen. For example, the deba knife is used primarily for fish, and the nakiri, which resembles western-style cleavers, is used mainly for cutting vegetables.
"It's a much more difficult process than I had imagined," said PO2 Rosencrans. "Blacksmithing demands a lot of arm strength, especially your forearms, but it's such an amazing and unique experience that not many people get to take part in."
While signing up for a blacksmithing course might be fun for some, the benefits go beyond just the individual's gain. Experiencing another culture helps people become connected to others, while at the same time creating a sense of empathy and understanding for them.
"If you're ever stationed outside of the U.S., I highly encourage you to get out and experience what life is like in that country," said PO2 Rosencrans. "Not everyone gets the chance to live abroad, so when you do, make the most of it and try new things."
| Date Taken: | 10.26.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 10.26.2021 17:34 |
| Story ID: | 408058 |
| Location: | SHIMANTO, JP |
| Web Views: | 89 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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