Hi, I'm Shiba — the person behind this site, writing from Japan.
I believe Japanese cooking is delicate enough that a single knife can change the taste of a dish. To me, that's the essence of "wa no kokoro" (the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship) — caring not just about ingredients and tableware, but about the tools themselves.
Living in Japan, I can read Japanese makers' and retailers' information directly and visit places like the Sakai Knife Museum in person — research that is hard to do from overseas. Every recommendation here is based on comparing real product specs, cross-checking reviews from Japanese and international buyers, and talking directly with sellers when specs are unclear — with the goal of giving guidance that actually holds up once you're using the tool at home.
Some links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I've researched thoroughly enough to stand behind.
Questions or suggestions? Feel free to reach out.
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