Born in 1979. After serving Masami Asai's (Echizen Marukatsu) apprenticeship, went thru further apprenticeship with Kamotou Hamono in Takefu. Several years ago, once again, worked with Mr. Asai and inherited his techniques and 'Echizen Marukatsu' inscription. Nao Yamamoto is most noteworthy blacksmith today. Manufactures from kitchen knives to short sword and his talent is seen in wide area. Selecting stainless like VG10 Damascus, or Shirogami and Aogami based on purpose of use. His knife shaped fish bone was awarded Ars prize in 2013 All Nippon Knife Show in Kobe.
