A Tradition of Excellence: More Than Just Tools
Foundation - The Seeds of Craftsmanship
First Generation (Toyama Ryumatsu - 1861 onwards)
Founded in 1861 in Sanjo, Niigata, Toyama Ryumatsu used his samurai heritage to craft wooden-handled hedge shears (Ki-basami) at local request. He initially forged them from salvaged warship rivets and later refined his skills by studying pruning shear manufacturing in Tokyo.
Innovation & Diversification
Second Generation (Toyama Tomijiro - c. 1880s onwards)
The second generation, Toyama Tomijiro, expanded the product line to include metal-cutting shears. This era saw advanced tempering and steel-forging, enhancing tool durability and lifespan.
Refinement & Community Leadership
Third Generation (Toyama Hidekichi - c. 1906 onwards)
Toyama Hideyoshi founded "Toyama Hamono Seisakusho," refining sharpening and balance techniques. Gaining recognition for high-end shears, he led Sanjo’s shear association during WWII and later pioneered full-scale drop-forged pruning shear production.
Modernization, Expansion & Specialization
Fourth Generation (Toyama Hidehisa & Toyama Hideo - c. mid-20th Century onwards)
In the mid-20th century, the fourth generation modernized production with power presses and automatic grinding, expanding into pruning, bonsai, and ikebana shears. Manufacturing (Toyama Hamono - Hidehisa) and sales (Wakasa-ya Co., Ltd. - Hideo) were separated, while mechanization like NC grinding and laser marking enhanced tradition.
Integration & Global Vision
Fifth Generation (Toyama Hidenobu - 2020 - Present Day)
In February 2020, Hidenobu Toyama unified manufacturing and sales under Toyama Hamono Co., Ltd. for greater efficiency. The company upholds its legacy by blending tradition with innovation, emphasizing global expansion, sustainability, ethical sourcing, and eco-conscious production.
