HIKA Announces SUMINAMI Gyuto on Kickstarter: Japanese Swordcraft Meets Modern Tech. Pre-Launch Reservations Now Open

SUMINAMI brings together traditional Japanese sword-making craftsmanship and advanced modern manufacturing techniques.

東京都, JAPAN, October 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- HIKA, the consumer brand of Daiwa Gravure Co., Ltd., announces SUMINAMI, a Japanese-made Gyuto chef’s knife developed in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, one of Japan’s most renowned centers of blade craftsmanship.

Seki has a blade-making history spanning approximately 700 years. Techniques and principles rooted in traditional Japanese sword-making have been passed down through generations and have evolved into kitchen knives used by chefs and cooking enthusiasts around the world.

SUMINAMI was created to bring this heritage into the modern kitchen and introduce a new generation to the craftsmanship, culture, and people behind Japanese blade-making.

Bringing 700 Years of Tradition into the Modern Kitchen

SUMINAMI is a Gyuto chef’s knife featuring an AUS10 steel core and 67-layer Damascus steel construction. Its approximately 210 mm blade offers versatility for a wide range of ingredients and cooking styles, while the layered Damascus steel creates a distinctive flowing pattern.

The name “SUMINAMI” comes from two Japanese words: Sumi, meaning ink, and Nami, meaning wave. It was inspired by the blade’s dark appearance under certain lighting and its flowing, wave-like Damascus pattern.

SUMINAMI brings together principles rooted in traditional Japanese sword-making with modern steels, advanced manufacturing techniques, and contemporary product design.

Before developing SUMINAMI, the HIKA project team visited blade-making regions across Japan and met with craftspeople and manufacturers. The team was looking for more than simply a sharp knife. HIKA wanted to create a product that carried forward the history and techniques of Japanese blade-making while remaining relevant to the modern kitchen.

That search led the team to Seki City, where SUMINAMI was developed in collaboration with skilled craftspeople.

More Than a Knife

For HIKA, SUMINAMI is more than a Japanese-made kitchen knife. It is part of a broader effort to connect Japan’s regional craftsmanship and culture with people around the world.

“Japan is home to remarkable craftsmanship, culture, and stories that are still not widely known overseas. We want people to discover not only the product, but also the craftspeople, regions, and culture behind it. If one Japanese product can become a gateway to a deeper appreciation of Japan, we believe that can help carry traditional craftsmanship into the future.”

— Tamehira, Consumer Business Division, Daiwa Gravure Co., Ltd.

HIKA works with craftspeople and manufacturers throughout Japan to reinterpret traditional techniques and Japanese aesthetics for contemporary lifestyles.

Its philosophy is simple:

“Revitalize Japan through traditional craftsmanship — and inspire more people around the world to appreciate Japan.”

Bringing SUMINAMI to the World Through Kickstarter

HIKA will introduce SUMINAMI to customers around the world through Kickstarter. The pre-launch began on September 30, 2026, and the Kickstarter campaign is scheduled to launch on October 30, 2026.

The primary markets are North America and Europe, focusing on people interested in Japanese kitchen knives, cooking, craftsmanship, and Japanese culture.

Product Information

Product Name: HIKA SUMINAMI
Type: Gyuto / Chef’s Knife
Blade Length: Approx. 210 mm
Core Steel: AUS10
Construction: 67-Layer Damascus Steel
Made in: Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Pre-Launch Special Price: JPY 38,200
Pre-Launch Start: September 30, 2026
Kickstarter Launch: October 30, 2026
Pre-Launch Page: https://www.prelaunch.com/projects/suminami-suminami

About HIKA

HIKA connects Japanese craftsmanship and regional culture with modern lifestyles. Through products including kitchen knives, kitchen tools, and Japanese tea, HIKA aims to create new points of connection between Japan and people around the world.

More Information:
https://daiwagravure.co.jp/project-consumer/

Media Contact

Daiwa Gravure Co., Ltd.
Consumer Business Division
Manager: Tamehira
Email: r-tamehira@daiwagr.com
Japan

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