Iyo Sakura Old Japanese Natural Whetstone 伊豫銘砥桜The stone is formed from crushed Iyoto whetstone that has been mixed with a ceramic binder and then baked. Sakura means Cherry Blossoms. You will like its pale cherry pink stone color. The cross sectional shape of the sharpening striation has a round bottom similar to that of a natural grindstone, so it is difficult to chip the blade and the finishing process can be done quickly. It is a rare product that has been discontinued despite being regretted.