Presentation of the Artisans: Traditional Japanese Workshops

Models : AS200, AS250, WA300, WA600, KS200, Karategi, Iaidogi & Kendogi, and Soft Belts.

Located in the countryside, the Aichi Workshop is the biggest workshop in the Aichi region. Founded almost a century ago, it supplies some of the most famous brands in Japan. What made the Aichi workshop so famous is the outstanding quality of the cotton fabric. Aichi was one of the first cotton producers in Japan, renowned in the whole country. Today, the local production is so small it is limited to very expensive items and towels. However, the artisanal knowledge is still in this region, a region that was and is one of the most dynamic in the sewing/garment production.

Models : KS100 and KS300

KuSakura, inventor of the modern Judogi, is the only manufacturer controlling the entire production chain from fabric weaving to quality control of the finished item.
KuSakura is the number one company of the industry, and, to our eyes, the most ethical of all, which is why our partnership with them has been so successful over the years. They no only provide a guaranteed fast production without compromising on a high quality finish, but also an incredible support to their own craftsmen.
Seido is the only brand for which KuSakura produces OEM products.

Model: Keiko Tetron Hakama.

This small workshop, renowned for its high-quality Kendo and Iaido Hakama, is in one of the most beautiful villages in Japan. Although this atelier tried to bring an Aikido Hakama on the market, the result was not convincing. Together, we entirely redesigned the Aikido Hakama and came up with the model we offer today: Using a solid, reliable, but classic, Tetron fabric, focusing on reinforcements and an adapted back plate part. We could create a good Aikido Hakama, that convices as the most durable and robust product available.

Models: all traditional models (except the Keiko Tetron Aikido Hakama).

Undoubtedly, the oldest workshop in Japan for hand-sewn Hakama, with a century old history. Supplier for many famous brands, it produced Kendo, Iaido, Kyudo, Sado, and Aikido Hakama. As far as we know, it is the last workshop fabricating hand-sewn Aikido Hakama. Due to the cost of the production process and the high level of skills required, it is very unlikely that any other workshop could duplicate their Hakama: The workshop set the standards for the first Aikido Hakama with the company Iwata, with which we are acquainted.

Models : Slim, Slim Reinforced, Shushi and Silk.

This large workshop in Osaka’s suburb has been making belts for almost a century. Modern, clean, and well-equipped, it is one of the most “high tech” ateliers we are working with. We have collaborated with many belt makers in the past, but for integrated embroideries, this workshop definitely raised the bar. The skills of the artisans to center an integrated embroidery are probably unmatched. “Westerners” name embroideries can, sometimes, be a little confusing for Japanese artisans; some letters do not exist in the embroidery font, but the workshop always does its best to fulfill our customer’s desires.

Run by two brothers, it is the smallest of the four workshops. Nidome’s older brother is the most skillful craftsman we have met so far in Japan. All too humble, Nidome is a very friendly and adorable old man, with amazing expertise. Unfortunately, his work for the Japanese army consumes most of his time, and we barely receive a few dozen weapons per month. Obviously, we want him to do those that require the highest competence: Sunuke, Tsubaki, and custom made white oak Bokken.

Read more about Nidome’s workshop on our blog : History of the Japanese Bokken & interview with master Nidome Yoshiaki

Master Aramaki is, as master Nidome, famous for his highly skilled work. Awarded with the emperor's “Blue Ribbon Medal”, Aramaki is the biggest workshop, with more than a dozen artisans. Aramaki’s workshop is also the last one still working Hon Kokutan (African Ebony) and Hon Biwa (Japanese loquat) for collection pieces and offering high quality Sunuke and Camellia weapons. About half of Seido’s weapons come from Aramaki’s workshop.

Read more about Aramaki's workshop on our blog : Handmade Bokken, Jo, Tanto, …: At the workshop Aramaki Bokuto Mokojo

Horinouchi’s workshop was about the same size as Aramaki’s. Horinouchi had the widest catalog and great knowledge of all types of weapons. Because it held the biggest production capacity, his closing in September 2019 completely shook up the industry and the community.
Seido has managed to transfer most of Horinouchi's knowledge to the other workshops.

Read more about Horinouchi on our blog: Different Types and Shapes of Japanese Wooden Swords : A visit at the Horinouchi workshop

We are keeping this workshop listed here for a while, by respect for the craftsmen.

Matsuzaki is a small workshop with only a few artisans. Supplier of some of the most famous Japanese brands, such as KuSakura, Matsuzaki is more focused on “standard” weapons made from, e.g., red or white oak. Matsuzaki’s son is now working in the workshop and will take over in a few years; like most of our suppliers, this atelier is a family business.

There are only a few, 3 or 4, weapon bag workshops left in Japan. Most practitioners are not willing to provide the means required to buy “made in Japan”, just for a bag, and therefore, this industry suffered a lot during the past few years. Mr. Hashizume, who runs this atelier, shares our ethics and high-quality standards. Before we started working with him, there was not a single company in Japan producing carry bags, especially made for Aikido weapons. At Seido, as an Aikido equipment specialist, we put a lot of effort into these products to fill the void that existed. Thanks to Mr. Hashizume, we were able, together, to create multiple models with different characteristics that cover the needs of most Aikidoists. All that, while keeping our “100% made in Japan” standards at the highest.

Minosaka is one of the very few Iaito workshops in Japan and despite its small size, it is famous in and outside Japan. Only a few artisans work there; about 20 pieces are produced a day, and there isa lot of attention to detail. Most of the Kanagu (pieces) used are oxidized to give it an ancient look, and the finish of the blade (Yokote line) is outstanding… Minosaka’s staff is also very friendly, always ready to answer request we have to fulfill our customer’s desires.

Read more about Minosaka on our blog : The origin and manufacture of the Iaito, replica of the Japanese sword, the Katana : Visits to the Minosaka Workshop.