Japan possesses a substantial heritage of traditional crafts that have been handed down and cultivated over many years, evolving into local and traditional industries throughout the country. These traditional crafts, created by artisans within the unique context of Japan’s climate and history, are highly esteemed for their cultural value. Nonetheless, contemporary times have introduced numerous challenges, such as a shortage of successors, difficulties in sourcing raw materials, developing demand, and improvements in working conditions. Among these, the dearth of successors represents a critical issue, potentially jeopardizing the continuation of Japan’s distinctive traditions and cultural practices, thereby threatening the very foundation of these industries. This study focuses on the industrial promotion policies and initiatives for successor training within the traditional knife industry of Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. The Sakai knife industry, particularly in the context of kitchen knives, is distinguished by a specialized division of labor encompassing forging, sharpening, and handle attachment. Wholesalers play a pivotal role in integrating these stages, stocking, and distributing the final products. This division of labor ensures the maintenance of high quality, with high-end professional products being the primary output, thus commanding a significant market share in the domestic commercial sector. Since the inscription of Washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, there has been an increased interest in Japanese kitchen knives, enhancing the international recognition of the Sakai brand. However, the Sakai knife industry faces significant challenges, including the difficulty of mass production and a critical shortage of skilled personnel and successors to transmit the techniques. In response, Sakai City has implemented various strategies through the collaboration of businesses, governmental bodies, and intermediary support organizations, achieving measurable success in both industrial promotion and human resource development. For the Sakai knife industry to sustain and thrive in the future, it is imperative to ensure the continuous availability of platforms for human resource development and vocational training. Additionally, there is a need for frameworks that facilitate the sustainable development of the entire traditional industry of Sakai forged knives, extending beyond the mere continuation of family businesses. This includes creating pathways for skilled craftsmen to achieve independence, thereby securing the longevity and vitality of this cultural heritage.
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