Mr. Junichi Takagi is only maker of adzes (Chouna) left in Japan. He was born in 1937. He began his apprenticeship at age 15 and three years later was joined by his younger brother Toshio. After 46 years, they continue to work together and form a perfect pair. After heating a piece of steel Junichi holds snf manipulates the piece and Toshio swings the 20 pound hammer. Their products are hand made in every sense of the word.

Recently, Mr. Takagi was invited to a Kezurou Kai (Hand plane contest) where he was told that his adzes were marvelous. But he says, "We shouldn't be too proud and arrogant. We must try to continue to make our cutlery ever better.