Founded in 2018 by Shinya Kobayashi, Mujun Workshop is a collaborative atelier dedicated to traditional blade making and the training of future blacksmiths. After Shinya was confronted with the critical state of the craft, he sought to preserve this know-how that is increasingly threatened by rising energy costs and a shortage of successors. Located in Ono, within the historic Banshu region of Hyogo Prefecture, the atelier is situated in a landscape where knife making has thrived since the 16th century.

At Mujun Workshop, retired master craftspeople pass on their knowledge to apprentices through the traditional method of so-hizukuri tanzo, which involves forging blades entirely by hand. Beyond the forge, the atelier promotes the local and responsible production of everyday tools and objects. Under Shinya's direction, Mujun Workshop is also developing a rural forest revitalisation project in Shimane Prefecture, aiming to safeguard the region's natural resources and cultural heritage.