Hi all
I actually just visited Tadatsuna (Nagata Hamono) in Sakai on Thurs, 28 June. I had a look in the modest shop/showroom, met Nagata-san, his wife, and daughters, and even his or his wife's mother, who seem to live in the attached house. He also showed me the adjoining workshop where they grind, attach handles and sharpen/polish. I watched him put the finishing touches on a slick mirror-finish usuba. Great visit.
Anyway, the operation is modest, like the front shop, and along with Nagata there were 2 other men - all there would be space for - up to things in the workshop. Nonetheless, I can report that they seemed busy and there certainly seemed to be no stop in business.
Maybe this thread started because someone noticed the itkichenknife.com site is down? I don't know why, but I got their card when I left and it lists
www.hamono21.co.jp as the site address. All in Japanese, but if you know the kanji you'll spot it there.
I hadn't read this thread before my visit and so didn't investigate. Was just there to see what I could see and perhaps buy something. (Budgeting, but very happy to leave with a Shirogami #2 kirouchi nakiri.)
Hope this helps
Kev