Originally an ivory craftsman, Kenji Yamamoto became a thrower and founded the company in 1912 (Meiji 45) as Yamamoto Kenji Wood Works. They are the only company in Hokuriku that specializes in the production of Japanese kitchen knives. Their main product is made from seitan, one of the three most famous karaki woods, and shipped to kitchen knife manufacturers and blacksmiths throughout Japan. In 2020, they opened a factory shop and are trying new things such as selling Japanese knives and collaborating with lacquerware.