Canadian Blacksmith living in Japan

[Brian]

Came across this guy the other day on TikTok. Watched a few of his videos, and find them very interesting.
I think his name is Jesse Cunningham, and he is living in Shikoku, and working with/as a blacksmith. Although not strictly Nihonto related, they are making Tamahagane, and forging kitchen knives and chisels etc, using fairly traditional methods. Interesting life there too.
He seems to entertain visiting tourists, and giving courses in making your own knife. Although stock is limited, what I saw was very well priced and attractively done. Lots of snippets showing forging, polishing etc etc.
Doesn't seem to be headed towards sword making, but a very interesting account if you have TikTok.
https://www.tiktok.com/@jessemadeinjapan

Also on Instagram under https://www.instagram.com/jessethedeshi/
Here is a Youtube video. Looks like a really interesting outing for those visiting Japan who are able. Does anyone here know Jesse?
 

 

[chinaski]

Oh wow, I have watched their videos before, but I had no idea he was working as a Blacksmith.  I found some of their videos when I was looking up Akiya houses in Japan.  

[Brian]

Must say, his videos make me want to pack up and move to that area tomorrow. What a stunning area, streams to swim in, woods and a really cute dog.
Akiya life is really tempting, even with all the pitfalls. He's really talented too. What a pleasant couple. His blacksmithing course making your own knife is now on my list of things to do oneday.

[OceanoNox]

10 hours ago, Brian said:

Akiya life is really tempting, even with all the pitfalls.

I considered it, and probably would have if I weren't married (my wife is very much into newly build stuff). The main issue, as far as I am aware, is water pipes (and termites, but one should be able to inspect that fairly easily). The reduced price may mean nothing if one needs to hire an excavator to dig and replace the water lines.

Another thing that is done, is to demolish an old house without destroying the wooden beams, and reuse them to make a new house. You get the aged looks but with a more sound structure.