Toyama Hamono stands out with products that unite time-honored craftsmanship and modern innovation. Our handmade scissors, pruning tools, and bonsai shears are as beautiful as they are comfortable and highly functional—supporting every task with ease.
Exceptional Tradition, Value Beyond Tools
Carrying forward the traditional techniques of Sanjō, Niigata, Toyama Hamono has upheld Japanese craftsmanship since the 1850s. Our founder, Ryūmatsu Toyama, moved from Wakasa Province (present-day Fukui Prefecture) to Sanjō, where he embraced Japan’s metalworking heritage. Renowned for blade-making, Sanjō is a town whose pride lives on in our products. By uniting time-honored technique with modern innovation, we create tools that deliver outstanding performance and beauty.
Founding the Craft
First Generation (Ryūmatsu Toyama — founded 1861)
In 1861, in Sanjō, Niigata, Ryūmatsu Toyama—guided by a samurai’s pride—founded our workshop and began making branch loppers (“kibasami”) at the request of local clients. He first forged shears from metal reclaimed from warships, then traveled to Tokyo to learn pruning-shear making, further refining his craft.
Innovation and Diversification
Second Generation (Tomijirō Toyama — from the 1880s)
Tomijirō expanded the product line to include shears for cutting metal. During this period, advances in steel heat treatment (quenching) and forging dramatically improved tool durability and service life.
Refining the Craft
Third Generation (Hidekichi Toyama — from 1906)
Hidekichi Toyama founded “Toyama Hamono Works,” honing advanced polishing techniques and balance tuning. Recognized for premium shears, he led Sanjō’s Scissors Makers’ Association during World War II and later pioneered full-scale drop-forged production of pruning shears. This wording emphasizes Hidekichi Toyama’s concrete achievements, highlighting his technical innovations and leadership.
An Era of Evolution
Fourth Generation (Hidehisa Toyama & Hideo Toyama — from the mid-20th century)
In the mid-20th century, the fourth generation modernized production by introducing power presses and automatic polishing machines, and expanded the line to pruning shears, bonsai shears, and ikebana shears. They separated manufacturing (Toyama Hamono — led by Hidehisa) from sales (Wakasa-ya Co., Ltd. — led by Hideo), advancing mechanization with NC grinders and laser marking to further strengthen tradition.
A Global Vision
Fifth Generation (Hidenobu Toyama — 2020–Present)
In February 2020, Hidenobu Toyama unified manufacturing and sales as Toyama Hamono Co., Ltd., enabling more efficient operations. While safeguarding tradition, he continues to pursue innovation with a strong emphasis on global expansion, sustainability, ethical material sourcing, and environmentally responsible production.
Featured collection
T201PG Mini Garden Shears ”Okubo” Style, Pink
