Kokūzō – Timeless Grey from the Mountains of Ehime
The current Tōishiyama quarry is located on Mount Mizunashi. Next to it stands Mount Kokuzō, named after Kokūzō Bosatsu (Ākāśagarbha Bodhisattva), once worshipped there.
Stones from this area, known as Kokūzō, feature a quiet, ash-brown surface with no distinct pattern—simple, yet profoundly evocative. It’s as if a piece of the sky itself has been sealed within stone, holding the stillness of nature through the ages.
These stones are extremely hard and fine-grained, ideal for use as mid-finishing stones. When paired with a diamond plate or Nagura, they deliver a remarkably smooth sharpening experience.
Similar to Kokūzō Black, this variety tends to leave a subtle sheen on the blade—a soft, understated glow.
