Mikawa Nagura

Similar to other naguros, Mikawa is traditionally used to create an abrasive suspension on natural sharpening stone. This type of stone is quarried from the Junmikawa Shiro mine in the Kitashitara district of Aichi Prefecture. The rock found there consists of 10 to 12 layers, depending on the area mined. Of these layers, there are 8 usable layers and 4 of them are the most popular. In the areas where there are 12 exploitable layers, there are two different Tenjyo layers as well as Yae Botan and Botan, which are very similar. As with all Japanese natural stones, each individual stone may vary.