Sanjo Industry

The industry of Sanjo is believed to have started in 1625 when the local magistrate Ootani Seibei wished to assist the the local farmers whom were suffering from the Ikarashi river floods. Nail makers from Edo (current Tokyo) were invited by Ootani to instruct the farmers with the skill of nail making as a second form of employment. Hence resulting in the beginning of the Sanjo industry.

Sanjo has a tradition of forging kitchen knifes and other hand tools, and these blacksmithing skills eventually lead to the creation of more products, starting with work tools. This has lead to the development of carpentry tools, measuring devices, outdoor/camping equipment, refridgeration units, heaters and other metalware, ironware products. Sanjo is still growing as a city based on metal goods.