Established in 1872, the Mizuno Tanrenjo workshop is one of the most prestigious blacksmith workshops in Japan. Five generations of Mizuno blacksmiths have worked on projects of cultural significance and won accolades for their craftsmanship. The works of 2nd generation blacksmith Masanori Mizuno still hangs on top of the pagoda at Japan's first UNESCO site, and the 3rd generation Akiharu Mizuno - a portage of Japan's national treasure blacksmith Teiichi Tsukiyama - has won a prestigious award for his honyaki yanagiba. The Mizuno family workshop has received two royal visits by Prince Mikasa of Japan, who is personally a fan of their craftsmanship. Today Mizuno Tanrenjo is led by 5th generation master blacksmith - Jun Mizuno (a.k.a. Noritada Mizuno) whosesuperior craftsmanship and extraordinary honyaki works have been recognized by two of Japan’s top Ichinomiyas (shrines) which have commissioned his katanas to become the shrines’ permanent collections. Read More
