Aramaki Workshop, Miyakonojo, Kyushu, Japan
"Aramaki Budogu Mokojo" 荒牧武道具木工所
Miyakonojo, Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan (southwest).
In business for more than 100 years, founded by the Aramaki family around 1920.
Currently run by the 3rd generation of the Aramaki family: Aramaki Yasuo, whose craftsman name is Kazuhiro.
Honors and titles: the "Ō-ju Hōshō"*, presented directly by the (former) Emperor of Japan.
A team of about fifteen craftsmen.
Average output of 250 pieces per day.
Origin of the wood: local Kyushu wood from the Kirishima Sankei forest
(except Kiri from Hokkaido, Shima Kokutan from Asia and Hon Kokutan from Africa).
Products: Standard Bokuto, Koryu Bokuto, Suburito, Shoto, Chuto, Wakizashi, Tanto, Jo, Bo, Mokuju, Yari, Naginata, Nunchaku, Tonfa, Hanbo, Tanbo.
Masamune's opinion:
The pieces made by the Aramaki workshop are unrivaled: it is regarded as the finest of the 4 workshops officially recognized by the Japanese government. Its fairly high prices reflect this quality, and the fact that the Aramaki workshop works only with Japanese retailers and large buyers (institutions such as the army and the police).
*"Ō-ju Hōshō" (黄綬褒章): the "Medal with Yellow Ribbon" is awarded to "those who, through diligence in their work, have become models for the people." Created in 1887, it was abolished almost immediately and only restored in 1955.