(かじや)

かじや
noun
blacksmith; smithy
occupationculture
1. blacksmith; smithy
A person who forges metal, especially iron, into tools, blades, and other implements. Also refers to the blacksmith's workshop.
I bought a kitchen knife at the blacksmith's.
(むかし)どの(むら)鍛冶屋(かじや)がいた。
In the old days, every village had a blacksmith.
My grandfather was born into a family of blacksmiths going back generations.

A traditional occupation closely tied to Japanese metalworking culture. While the profession has declined, 鍛冶屋(かじや) remains well-known through place names, surnames, and the continuing tradition of 刀鍛冶(かたなかじ) (swordsmiths). The () suffix indicates both the person and the shop.

Common collocations

Cultural note

Many Japanese surnames (鍛冶(かじ), 金田(かねだ)) and place names derive from this profession, reflecting its historical importance. Traditional 鍛冶(かじ) techniques are still practiced for Japanese kitchen knives and swords.