Kitchen Tools

Japanese kitchen tools for everyday preparation

If you regularly work with fresh wasabi, you’ll find the classic wasabi grater, shaped to turn a rhizome into a smooth paste for serving at the table. These graters are also well suited to ginger and garlic, producing the fine texture commonly used in Japanese cooking rather than coarse shreds.

For tofu dishes, a traditional tofu press helps remove excess moisture evenly. This creates firmer blocks that hold their shape when sliced, fried, baked or dressed, making it easier to achieve consistent results at home.

Cutting, grinding and mixing by hand

The collection includes Japanese cutting boards made from Hinoki cypress, valued for their lightness and subtle natural scent. Hinoki boards are gentle on knives and provide a stable surface for slicing fish, vegetables and herbs, helping reduce blade wear while offering enough resistance for precise cutting.

For hands-on preparation, a Suribachi mortar paired with a wooden pestle allows you to grind sesame seeds, miso, spices and aromatics by hand. The ridged interior creates friction that breaks ingredients down gradually, giving you more control over texture than electric grinders.

Caring for and using Japanese kitchen tools

Many Japanese kitchen tools are made from natural materials such as wood or ceramic and are designed for regular use. Wooden items should be washed by hand, dried thoroughly and stored somewhere well ventilated. Avoid soaking or dishwashers, as prolonged moisture and heat can damage the surface.

Most tools benefit from steady, everyday use rather than occasional handling. Over time, surfaces could soften slightly, edges might wear in naturally and tools will become easier to work with. With basic care, these kitchen tools are designed to last and to feel better in use the longer you keep them.

If you’re building a set of traditional Japanese kitchen tools or adding one special piece to your routine, explore the collection to find utensils that bring a touch of Japanese technique to everyday cooking.