Miki Fujimoto's First Knife Sharpening Experience at Kai Corporation Event

On May 9 and 10, 2025, Kai Corporation, a global knife manufacturer based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, hosted a unique event titled "Kaidai, Let's Start Sharpening" at Grand Front Osaka. The event emphasized the significance of knife maintenance with a special showcase featuring their original vehicle, the "TOGI CAR®".

On the first day, renowned talent Miki Fujimoto took the stage to share her thoughts and experiences, marking her very first attempt at knife sharpening using a whetstone. With her, she discussed family kitchen dynamics and the role of proper knife care.

Event Overview

- Date: May 9, 2025 (Friday) 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Venue: Grand Front Osaka North Building 1F Knowledge Plaza (3-1 Ofukucho, Kita-ku, Osaka City)
- Guest Speaker: Miki Fujimoto
- Kai Corporation Knife Meister: Yasuhiro Hayashi
- Activities:

- Explanation of the event.
- Knife sharpening seminar and hands-on experience.
- "Miki's Vegetable Cutting Challenge" to test skills with freshly sharpened knives.
- Talk session with Miki Fujimoto.

About "Let's Start Sharpening"

Kai Corporation initiated the "Sharpening Activity" to promote sustainable knife use, as research revealed that 40% of people do not maintain their knives. This initiative aims to revitalize knife performance and encourage users to care for their utensils. The event was part of a series of activities across various regions in Japan, executed via the TOGI CAR®.

Miki Fujimoto's Insightful Experience

Miki graced the stage wearing a blue apron reminiscent of the TOGI CAR®. She shared her reservations about sharpening knives with whetstones, admitting that despite having owned a whetstone, she had yet to attempt using one. "I thought it looked difficult," she confessed, reflecting her apprehension but excitement for the occasion.

Following her, Kai's Knife Meister, Yasuhiro Hayashi, explained the benefits of knife sharpening. He revealed findings from a previous taste test research using sensory devices, which concluded that sharp knives allow food to be cut without crushing its cells, thus preserving inherent flavors. Hayashi then proceeded to teach Miki the correct way to sharpen a knife using a whetstone.

During her first attempt, Miki used a knife that hadn’t been sharpened for four months on a tomato. Her reaction was one of surprise and frustration as she exclaimed, "Oh no!" when the knife slipped on the tomato surface, humorously likening it to playing the violin due to the poor cutting performance.

Yasuhiro Hayashi proceeded to share five critical pointers for knife sharpening with a whetstone, emphasizing the need to maintain a consistent angle while sharpening. "If you lose track of the angle, use your pinky to check it," he advised.

Once Miki practiced sharpening and gained confidence, she expressed relief, saying, "I was oddly intimidated by the idea of sharpening a knife with a whetstone, but learning the tips made it manageable. I might even start sharpening knives during late-night hours at home!"

Experiencing the Quality of a Newly Sharpened Knife

To demonstrate the effectiveness of a well-sharpened knife, Miki tackled cutting an avocado and a pumpkin. Although cutting into the avocado seed is typically discouraged, Miki managed to slice through it, sharing her concerns beforehand, saying, "Is this going to cut through?" After expertly slicing it in half, she seemed genuinely impressed. When cutting into the pumpkin, she remarked, "The moment the knife touched the skin, the blade went in effortlessly!" The enhancements in cutting quality made her enthusiastic about replicating that experience at home.

A Conversational Session with Miki Fujimoto

During a talk session, Miki, who is also a popular "mama-talent," spoke about teaching her children kitchen skills. She noted, "My eldest has been using a smaller adult-sized knife since she was 3 or 4 to cut soft foods. My second child, now in his second year of junior high, helps chop ingredients when we’re short on time." She emphasized how cooking fosters communication within their family.

Miki also shared her experience with a new game released in collaboration with the children's social experience app, "Gokkoland," titled "Home Knife Experience." She found it entertaining and remarked, "Even adults can enjoy and easily play the game! Plus, it provides a simulated experience for women who often miss out on shaving, which is an exciting twist."

The Culinary Skills of Miki's Husband

When asked about her husband's knife skills, Miki offered a humorous critique, rating him at "40 points." She noted that he often whips up chicken dishes like oyakodon due to his muscular physique and expressed expectations for his culinary skills to improve in the future.

A Quick Look at Miki Fujimoto’s Strong Traits

Post-sharpening, when asked about her own standout traits, Miki identified her determinative nature, stating, "Once I decide something, I stick with it. I possess a strong will. I communicate my thoughts candidly without pondering about being liked, allowing for clear expression."

Profile: Miki Fujimoto

Miki Fujimoto, born February 26, 1985, in Takikawa, Hokkaido, is a celebrated singer and talent. She debuted in March 2002 with her first single "Aenai Nagai Sunday." After marrying comedian Tomoharu Shoji in 2009, they welcomed three children between 2012 and 2020. Miki has won accolades including the 2016 Best Mother Award in the entertainment category and the Partner of the Year 2018 award. With over 900,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel, "Hello! Mikitty," she continues to inspire fans. Her upcoming book, "Mikity's Quotes: Always Facing Forward," will be released in 2024.

About Kai Corporation

Founded in 1908 in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, known as the birthplace of blades, Kai Corporation manufactures grooming tools, kitchen utensils, and medical blades, comprising a product line of over 10,000 items. They manage the entire production chain, from planning and development to sales and logistics.

Head Office: Chiyoda, Tokyo, Iwamotocho 3-9-5
CEO: Hiroaki Endo
Visit Kai Corporation