Forge an Anchor Using Japanese Blacksmithing Techniques

【OUTLINE】 

In this experience, you will learn how to forge scaled-down replicas of anchors used by ships sailing in the Seto Inland Sea with a method derived from Japanese sword-smithing techniques passed down through history. Learn from the craftsman who protects and maintains this traditional industry of the historic post town of Tomonoura.

【HIGHLIGHTS】 

• Undergo a traditional forging experience derived from the forging technique Tomo Kaji, used for making Japanese swords.
  
• Witness the dynamic craftsmanship up close.
• In Tomoura, which is a historic port town, make a Tangjin Ikari anchor, one of the oldest anchor types.
• Take your anchor home as a souvenir. It is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand!
• Learn a traditional forging skill with a local craftsman.

【SCHEDULE】

① Gather at Sangyo Cooperation→ ② Factory tour (about 15 minutes) → ③ Blacksmith experience 1 "Demonstration and explanation by skilled craftsmen" (about 30 minutes) → ④ Blacksmith experience 2 (about 90 minutes) → ⑤ Exhibition room tour (30 minutes degree)

【DETAILS】

Explore the history of the historic port town of Tomonoura by making an original anchor. You will experience the process of baking iron to the point where it is about to melt on an open flame and hitting it with a hammer to shape it into an anchor. Learn the traditional techniques while breaking a sweat with local craftsmen. You can choose from three different sizes of anchors and take one home with you as a souvenir. 

After your experience, we highly recommend strolling through Tomonoura, a town with an astounding view of the sea, that has also been featured in Ponyo, a Studio Ghibli film and Hollywood films. 

【THINGS TO NOTE】 

• Time：3 hours
• Meeting point：Sangyo Corporation Third Factory
  26-31, Tomochoushiroji, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, 720-0202
• Access：Fukuyama Station (Bus Stop ＃5) - Get off at “Tekko danchi mae” (29 minutes ride)
• Language support： Japanese, English
  
• Included：Rental of gloves and workshop apron
• Participation requirements：
  ・Participants should be over 16 years old
  ・Please wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty
• Free Wi-Fi：Yes
• Toilet：Yes (Western-style)
• Other things to note：
  ・Because fire is used in the forging process, please wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty in, such as those made of cotton.
  ・Air hammers and hydraulic presses cannot be used for safety reasons, so the work must be forge manually. *Craftsmen will assist in forging some difficult processes.
• Additional information regarding photo used in the advertisement:
  ・In the actual experience, we will forge something smaller than what was displayed for safety reasons.
  ・Some photos are for illustration purposes only and may differ from the actual experience.
  

【HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES】

・Face masks required for travelers in public areas
・Face masks required for guides in public areas
・Face masks provided for travelers as needed
・Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
・Social distancing enforced throughout the experience
・Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
・Gear/equipment sanitized between uses
・Guides required to regularly wash hands
・Regular temperature checks for staff
・Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
・Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

7 to 4 days before the tour date: 40% of the tour price
3 to 2 days before the tour date: 60% of the tour price
The day before the tour date, on the day of the tour: 100% of the tour price
※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.