In this age where anyone can easily share information through SNS, we feel that responsibility for one’s own words has become thin because of that ease. There is a tendency to focus only on superficial aspects like “how to get numbers” or “how to look right,” and the space for deep discussion on the essence of a subject is being lost.
This is also true in the world of knives. Because knives are a deep and specialized field, it is difficult for many people to judge the truth when baseless statements or biased corporate information are shared. As a result, incorrect information and biased knowledge spread, creating a situation where the voices of small shops or individuals are hard to hear, no matter how much “truth” they try to convey, due to the difference in influence.
Precisely because this industry deals with professional tools, we feel it is time to reconsider how we share information and the responsibility that comes with it.
Deep expertise brings the weight of caution, making it harder to speak out
Ironically, in this world, there is an aspect where the more capable a person is, the more they feel their own inadequacy, while those less capable tend to be overconfident. For this reason, we feel that the act of sharing information—which carries a heavy responsibility—is extremely difficult for those who are truly trying to master their craft.
In today’s SNS environment, where making bold assertions and having a strong impact are the only things valued, it is ironic that those with shallow knowledge find it easier to post casually, while those with deep knowledge are at an overwhelming disadvantage. This is because the more you understand the essence of things, the less you are able to lightly “declare” a single answer.
For example, Mr. Fujiwara and Mr. Kakinuma are constantly facing their knives and continuing their research, even outside of filming. Despite having such vast knowledge, the reason they refrain from casual posting is, of course, that research and production are their main business, but also because they have a strong sense of responsibility not to spread incorrect information.
Even just before sharing something, the two of them will study again from scratch and verify the facts. Honestly, this level of thoroughness is not something everyone can do. We are deeply impressed every day by their resolve as communicators and their sincere spirit of valuing the user.
The importance of entertainment and the risks hidden behind it
Of course, entertainment elements are not all bad. Interesting experiments and impactful expressions resonate with many people, and for those who have no initial interest, the starting point is always “fun.” We believe that letting people intuitively experience the appeal of something is a very important role as a preliminary step before they dive into specialized knowledge.
However, a major problem here is that it is extremely difficult for the audience to distinguish between “entertainment” and “the real thing.” For example, if someone performs a stunt cutting a plastic bottle to show the sharpness of a knife, someone with knowledge can watch it simply as “fun entertainment.” But many others will judge based on that, thinking, “A sharp knife is supposed to be able to cut through a plastic bottle” or “A knife that can’t do that is of poor quality.”
You might think people should know better if they thought about it calmly, but we frequently receive questions based on these superficial images. While fun is necessary as an entry point, the current situation—where misunderstandings are unintentionally created and negatively affect the industry as a whole—is an issue that we on the broadcasting side must constantly reflect on and think about deeply.
Feeling uncomfortable with posts that only aim to “look good”
Among the posts designed to make products “look good,” there are, frankly, some that we find malicious. We see quite a few insincere posts aimed solely at selling to those who clearly lack knowledge.
Of course, pursuing profit is necessary in any industry, and we have no intention of denying that aspect of economic activity. However, there is a current situation where heavy words like “Japanese tradition” and “sharpness” are consumed lightly, as if anything is fine as long as the business succeeds.
As we share information while being by the side of these two men every day, witnessing authentic knife-making and their pride, it makes us feel sad every time we see this situation.
The importance of discussion, knowledge, and experience
What is needed to solve these issues is a place for constructive discussion, reliable knowledge, and above all, experiencing these things for yourself. Today, much of the information flooding the market involves conflicting interests, making it difficult to determine what is true. Furthermore, we feel that rather than “dialogue to find answers together,” there is a stronger tendency to simply label things as right or wrong.
To avoid being misled, it is necessary for the customers—the users—to equip themselves with correct knowledge and the ability to view things objectively. We intend to take responsibility for our own communication and provide you with a variety of perspectives and knowledge. Of course, what we share is not absolute in every respect, as technology and information are constantly evolving.
That is why we hope you will not simply take all information at face value, but instead value the process of experiencing and thinking for yourself. We would be happy if, through that accumulation of experience, you could feel a closer connection to knives as tools and enjoy them more deeply.
