Here is a comment from Mr. Kenji Yoshii:
“Thank you very much for coming all the way to Kanazawa the other day to honor me with the awards and prize money. I feel that it is a great honor to receive such a prestigious award. It’s unfortunate that there was no award ceremony, but it was even more meaningful to be able to talk with Mr. Nakano for nearly two hours. I learned much, and was re-energized at this time when it is easy to lose one’s motivation and optimism. I am inspired to be diligent and to continue to move forward little by little. I look forward to your continued guidance and encouragement. Thank you again.”

Here is a comment from Ms. Ayumi Saito, granddaughter of Ms. Hirao:
“Thank you very much for coming such a long way today. I started making the ondako in the hopes that various people would get to see it and learn about it and to receive recognition through this award is a great honor. My grandmother was moved to tears when she received the award and we have placed it on my grandfather’s altar. Recently I’ve heard one moving story after another. My grandmother has been reading the book we received aloud. It’s a source of inspiration for me and I want to continue to do my best to keep the ondako tradition alive. With great thanks to everyone I will continue to do my part. Thank you very much.”

Here is a comment from Mr. Kihara:
“It is a tremendous honor to receive this great award and I would like to share the joy of receiving it with the staff and all related parties. I am humbled and feel very grateful. On my behalf, this award will play a major role in preserving the traditional technique of tatara that has been handed down in Okuizumo and will help to supply tamahagane, or traditional Japanese steel, nationwide. I would like to inform the other blacksmiths and acting chief blacksmith and everyone about this great honor and continue to pass along this tradition to future generations.”