The blacksmiths of Gojome have the oldest history in Akita Prefecture as this profession began in the Middle Ages. The excellent hammered blades are made by Gojome goldsmiths who are considered almost stubbornly faithful to the tradition.
Gojome prospered as a center of transportation in the area, and there were several workshops for various types of manufacturing in the Middle Ages to the Early Modern times. The metallic workshop was established in the midst of the 14th century, which later included a goldsmith workshop. Additionally, there were ceramic, paper, and other workshops. The foundry was particularly successful, and the tradition has been passed on to the Gojome Hammered Blades.
Gojome Hammered Blades were initially developed for the needs of warriors, but as forestry became active in the surrounding mountains, the foundries began producing iron tools for agriculture and forestry. After the Gojome market opened in 1593, the town attracted many kinds of artisans. The town had blacksmiths for saws, keys, wheels, and other kinds of items.
It is believed that it takes at least five years of training to become a Gojome blacksmith. The hammering technique of Gojome ensures that the blades stay sharp for a long time. At the National Tree Planting Festival in 1968 at Tazawako, Semboku City, hoes, sickles, saws, and other tools were all Gojome-made. While the recent mechanization of forestry has reduced the need for Gojome Hammered Blades in forestry, the technique found a market for knives for consumers and continues to enjoy a high reputation.
