農鍛冶職

のうかじしょく

Industry & Occupation

Engineering & Manufacturing

Classification

Summary

Traditional manufacturing occupation that forges, produces, and repairs farm tools and agricultural implements from metals such as iron.

Description

Farm blacksmiths heat metals in a furnace and forge them with a hammer to produce and repair agricultural tools such as hoes (kuwa), sickles (kama), and hoe tips. They handle the entire process from metal selection, heating temperature control, shaping by hammering, finishing polishing, and heat treatments like quenching and tempering. They work in small-scale workshops as sole proprietors or as traveling blacksmiths, visiting regions to fulfill custom orders from farmers or repair damaged tools. They are required to inherit traditional techniques while creatively improving durability and usability.

Future Outlook

While agriculture is mechanizing, niche demand remains due to interest in traditional hand-forging techniques and regional revitalization efforts. Expected to play roles in skill inheritance and as tourism resources.

Personality Traits

Cautious / Creative and inventive / Dexterous with hands and good at detailed work / Patient

Work Style

Facility Outsourcing / Sole Proprietor / Traveling Blacksmith / Workshop Employment

Career Path

見習い鍛冶工 → 職人 → 工房オーナー → 伝統工芸技術者

Required Skills

Forging Skills / Hand Finishing and Polishing Skills / Heat Treatment Knowledge / Metal Material Knowledge / Safety Management (Burn Prevention)

Recommended Skills

Basic CAD/CAM Knowledge / DIY / Metal Welding / Traditional Craft Techniques

Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)

Item Description
Attention to Detail & Accuracy Because fine shapes and finishing precision determine the quality of the finish.
Physical Stamina & Endurance Required for swinging hammers and working in high heat.

Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)

Item Description
Numerical & Quantitative Analysis Advanced calculations are unnecessary. Experience-based intuition is emphasized.
Collaboration & Teamwork Mainly proceeds with individual work.

Related Qualifications

  • Blade Manufacturing Technician
  • National Skills Test (Forging Operations)

Aliases

  • Blacksmith
  • Farm Tool Blacksmith
  • Farm Tool Blacksmith Worker

Related Jobs

  • Agricultural Machinery Mechanic
  • Blacksmith
  • Foundry Worker
  • Metal Fabricator

Tags

Keywords