Sanjo Industry

  With the beginning of manufacturing Japanese traditional nails, soon other edged tools and farming tools were also produced in Sanjo. With the production of other tools, the market for proper wooden handles was also established. In the past, farmers prepared their own wooden handles with whatever lumber they could find, but soon specialized wooden handle makers for the many various hardware tools began to appear. The birth of the general handyman shops are considered to be the origin of Sanjos wood industry.

  In the 1860s there are records that a number of registered hilt and handle fitters existed in Sanjo. Since then, the market for farming tools and handy tools increased and the need for more wood products also followed suit. The wood products which are available today are all produced by experts in their own specialized field, and the specialization of the wood product profession began around the late 1940s and early 1950s.

  Over a 100 odd years have gone by, but traditional wood products are still made today. Over many years, the craftsmen's skill has increased, and the introduction of new technology is also assisting the craftsmen to keep up with todays needs. As a result, new products are constantly being created to this day.