HIKA brings Seki swordcraft to Kickstarter with SUMINAMI chef’s knife

HIKA, the consumer brand of Daiwa Gravure Co., Ltd., is launching SUMINAMI, a Japan-made Gyuto chef’s knife developed in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture. The Kickstarter pre-launch opened Sept. 30, with the full campaign set for Oct. 30, as the company targets knife buyers in North America and Europe.

Why it matters: - SUMINAMI is designed to connect centuries of Japanese blade-making with home cooks and chefs outside Japan. - HIKA is using Kickstarter to reach buyers in North America and Europe who want Japanese kitchen knives, craftsmanship and culture. - The knife sits at the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern manufacturing, a positioning that could help Japanese regional makers reach a broader audience.

What happened: - HIKA announced SUMINAMI, a Japanese-made Gyuto chef’s knife developed in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture. - The pre-launch campaign began Sept. 30, 2026. - The Kickstarter campaign is scheduled to launch Oct. 30, 2026. - HIKA is the consumer brand of Daiwa Gravure Co., Ltd.

The details: - SUMINAMI features an AUS10 steel core and 67-layer Damascus steel construction. - The blade is approximately 210 mm long. - The Damascus pattern creates a flowing look, and the knife’s dark appearance inspired the name SUMINAMI. - The name combines Sumi, meaning ink, and Nami, meaning wave. - Seki City has a blade-making history spanning about 700 years. - Traditional Japanese sword-making techniques and principles have been passed down in Seki and adapted into kitchen knives. - HIKA developed SUMINAMI after visiting blade-making regions across Japan and meeting craftspeople and manufacturers. - The project team chose Seki City after searching for a knife that would preserve Japanese blade-making history and still fit modern kitchens. - The pre-launch special price is JPY 38,200. - The listed pre-launch page is More information. - The company also provided additional project details. - HIKA shared social links including Instagram and YouTube.

Between the lines: - HIKA is framing SUMINAMI as more than a knife, positioning it as an entry point to Japanese regional craftsmanship and culture. - The message suggests the company wants buyers to value the story and provenance behind the product, not just the blade specifications. - The Kickstarter route also signals a direct-to-consumer strategy aimed at testing international demand before a wider rollout. - HIKA says its broader philosophy is to revitalize Japan through traditional craftsmanship and encourage more people around the world to appreciate Japan.

What's next: - HIKA plans to launch the Kickstarter campaign on Oct. 30, 2026. - The company will focus on overseas interest from North America and Europe. - HIKA will continue presenting SUMINAMI as part of a broader lineup that includes kitchen knives, kitchen tools and Japanese tea.

The bottom line: - SUMINAMI is HIKA’s pitch that centuries-old Seki swordcraft can still compete in the modern kitchen, and on a global crowdfunding stage.