Interview with Mr. Masayuki Yamada – The man behind Miyabi excellence

It was at the Seki factory, birthplace of Miyabi knives, that we met Mr. Masayuki Yamada, factory director and living memory of this exceptional manufacturer. On the occasion of the brand’s 20th anniversary, he opened the doors to his world, where traditional craftsmanship meets technological innovation, industrial excellence meets deep respect for people.

This conversation with Mr. Masayuki Yamada reveals more than an industrial strategy: a genuine philosophy of work and craftsmanship. At Miyabi, each knife is the result of a long journey, bridging tradition and innovation, artisan and user. From the very first minutes, our host emphasized one fundamental element: people. “Here, the company is not just about expecting something from its employees. It constantly asks what it can give them. We want to grow together.” In Seki, workplace well-being is not just a motto. It lies at the heart of a model built on respect, motivation, and exchange. “For a knife to truly be beautiful, beyond its quality and aesthetics, it must be crafted under the best possible conditions.” This philosophy guides every step of production, in a spirit of collaboration and stability. The technical and commercial teams have remained virtually unchanged for 15 years—a major strength for a company celebrating just 20 years.

The unique alliance of Japan and Germany
Miyabi is the meeting of two worlds: refined Japanese craftsmanship and German technological precision. “We are fortunate to belong to the Zwilling Group, with its 300 years of cutlery history. This partnership allows us to combine Japanese artisanal quality with advanced technologies developed in Germany.” The equipment in the Seki factory comes from Germany. But far from being a simple import, these machines have been adapted to Japanese requirements. “German experts came here to train our teams. Today, we know how to make both exceptional handcrafted knives and very high-quality industrial knives.” (Zwilling-branded knives are manufactured in Seki for the Japanese market, editor’s note). This technical know-how is supported by scientific expertise rare in Japan: metallurgy, heat treatment, specific formulas for each type of steel. “This is what allows us to maintain a technological edge that even The New York Times acknowledged: ten years ahead of our Japanese competitors.”

A total commitment to excellence
The Seki factory follows a rigorous manufacturing process with over 100 steps and constant quality control. “Our credo is excellence. Not as an exception, but as a standard.” Miyabi intends to remain true to this principle, even in the face of intensifying Asian competition. “Other Japanese brands are relocating to China. We are betting on quality, continuous innovation, and the Kaizen method, which drives the entire company toward permanent improvement.”

Special 20th anniversary – the “Iki”, the soul of Seki forged in a limited edition
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Miyabi launched “Iki,” an exceptional model inspired by the city of Gifu. Produced in a very limited edition (50 pieces per day), it embodies the pinnacle of the factory’s expertise. “Nine of Seki’s best master knife-makers were chosen to craft it. Each knife comes with an authenticity certificate, hand-stamped by its creator. It’s a way of reminding us—and it has become rare, making it all the more precious—that a master craftsman made this knife for you.”

A clear vision for the future
For Miyabi, the future is guided by three priorities: staying ahead in technology, remaining true to excellence, and getting ever closer to customer needs. “We are a very flexible factory. This allows us to respond quickly to market demands, such as those in the United States, where our products have become references at Williams Sonoma or Sur La Table.” The development of new models answers key moments: range renewals, specific requests from certain countries, or the desire to stand out. The brand is currently working on several long-term projects, such as creating a bespoke service, developing premium packaging to enhance products, or designing new storage solutions to showcase knives. “Our customers are so proud of their Miyabi knives that they tell us they want knife blocks to display them. All these projects are overseen by Genji Le, a talented product manager who joined the Japanese subsidiary of the Zwilling Group. Based in Tokyo, he visits the Seki factory regularly and knows it particularly well.”

The emotion of the artisan’s gesture
At the heart of everything lies emotion. That of the knife-maker who forges each blade with precision and passion. That of the customer who holds a rare object in their hands. “We want our customers to feel that a craftsman made this knife for them.” And in France, where Miyabi recently earned an impressive third place in a Figaro survey, the team continues its development with confidence and determination. “The ultimate goal is to become an essential reference.”

A special bond with France
“Today we have the privilege of welcoming the entire French team of the group to Seki—a moment as rare as it is precious. It’s a wonderful opportunity for exchange, allowing us to enrich our mutual understanding: they discover what defines the soul, the rigor, and the excellence of Miyabi, while we learn more about French customers’ expectations and how to better respond together. The French team has the advantage of relying daily on a privileged contact: Clément Bondefert, a Frenchman who has lived in Japan for nearly 20 years and has been heading our export department for almost ten years.”

Source: Home Fashion News Magazine – September 2025 (HFN58)