Japanese design is special to me for a reason: it's the epitome of functionality, thoughtfulness, and aesthetic beauty. I have a soft spot for Japanese product designs because they are always simple, sophisticated, and of great value. I love incorporating Japanese products into my space. They have a calming effect and can add a touch of class to any home. I also love using Japanese kitchen appliances and tools. Not only are they pretty to look at and comfortable to use, they are also highly functional and virtually trouble-free. They are foolproof designs that you can rely on to tackle food prep and other kitchen tasks. We have handpicked some of the finest Japanese kitchen tools for you.
1. Precision Ceramic Sashimi Knife
Called the Precision Ceramic Sashimi Knife, this kitchen tool is the epitome of Japanese craftsmanship and innovative design. Crafted with care, thoughtfulness, and advanced technology, this superior knife is designed to elevate the culinary art of sashimi and serves as an essential tool for professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts.
Click here to buy now: $299.00
Why is it noteworthy?
The sleek ceramic knife easily slices through delicate raw fish without damaging the tender parts of the fish. It works effortlessly and precisely. It features a lightweight, sharp blade, and because it is made of ceramic, it requires minimal maintenance and does not require frequent sharpening.
What we like
- Cutting sashimi with the skill of a skilled Japanese swordsman
- It helps you to make delicious food that looks good too
What I Don't Like
- More fragile than steel knives
- Can be difficult to sharpen if the need arises
2. Mitsubishi Bread Oven
Named the Mitsubishi Bread Oven, this waffle maker-like toaster toasts your bread to perfection. It has a classy veneer brown exterior that evokes the 80s. This toaster features a sealed insulation structure that allows it to toast your bread to perfection without releasing moisture.
Why is it noteworthy?
The bread oven comes with two plates that can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The plates seal the bread slices and transfer the heat, making it extremely convenient for you to prepare soft and fluffy toasted slices that are not at all dry.
What we like
- It features four convenient cooking settings: Toast, Frozen Toast, Toppings and French Toast.
- An elegant and beautiful appliance that will not be an eyesore on your dining table or kitchen counter.
What I Don't Like
- It can only toast one slice of bread, so it's not very efficient.
- Bread with less sugar takes longer to toast
3. PrecisionGrip Chopstick Tongs
Called PrecisionGrip Chopstick Tongs, these unique little tongs are shaped like chopsticks. They're perfect for picking up small foods, helping you control your portions and prevent overeating. You can even flip the tongs over the frying pan so you can cook your meal like a professional chef.
Click here to buy now: $19.00
Why is it noteworthy?
Chopstick tongs are perfect for making bento and eating sushi. The tongs are very easy to use and there is no mistake in how you hold and use them.
What we like
- Made from sustainable SUS821L1 stainless steel made from scrap and offcuts
What I Don't Like
- It is difficult to use for larger pieces or cuts, and is only ideal for small foods.
4. Stone-grilled set
Called the Ishiyaki Set, this kitchen appliance allows you to cook food in authentic teppanyaki style, bringing an authentic and enticing Japanese dining experience to your home. It functions as a tabletop Ishiyaki grill and allows you to cook meat the way you like it on your personalized grill set.
Why is it noteworthy?
Bring the Benihana experience to your home, allowing you to dry and grill your ingredients before serving. It comes with a board with an extra porcelain tray for your ingredients, and two bowls for soy sauce and wasabi, for the ultimate modern teppanyaki experience.
What we like
- Enjoy Benihana-style teppanyaki at home
- It is ideal for dry-cooking sashimi-style seafood such as tuna, salmon, and scallops, as well as meats such as beef.
What I Don't Like
- Bulky, space-consuming design
5. Playful Palm Grater
Named the Playful Palm Grater, this compact little grater adds a whimsical yet functional fun to your dining experience. Designed to fit in the palm of your hand, this grater allows you to neatly grate fresh ingredients to add to your food, elevating your dining experience to a gourmet level.
Click here to buy now: $25
Why is it noteworthy?
The palm grater looks like a rolled up piece of paper and is made from a single sheet of aluminum alloy. The grater comes in a variety of cool colors to choose from, so you can choose the one that best suits your kitchen and personal taste.
What we like
- It has a firm grip and is easy to use
- Turn the tedious task of grating into something fun and exciting
What I Don't Like
- Although the size of the grater is very cute and convenient, it is not the best design for grating large amounts of ingredients.
6. Lassen Chopsticks
Lassen (spiral chopsticks) were designed by nendo for Hashikura Matsukan. They are the perfect blend of fun and functionality – a quintessentially Japanese product. The chopsticks can be combined into one convenient unit or removed when needed.
Why is it noteworthy?
Sticking the chopsticks together and separating them feels like playing with a jigsaw puzzle. Using chopsticks becomes a fun and interactive experience, bringing joy to everyday meals. And because the chopsticks can be easily combined, you don't have to worry about losing one of them.
What we like
- An interesting product that combines fun and functionality
- Handcrafted by craftsmen
What I Don't Like
- The design is fairly new and different to traditional chopsticks, so it may take some time to get used to.
7. Plate grater
This little product, called a plate grater, looks like a small plate and can be placed on the table. Once on the table, it can be used to grate fresh ingredients for your meals. It combines the functions of a plate and a grater. You can add fresh garnishes to your meals to create gourmet style dishes.
Click here to buy now: $65
Why is it noteworthy?
The plate grater has dual function and an aesthetically pleasing design that allows you to elevate a basic meal with fresh garnishes.
What we like
- It's perfect for grating fresh ingredients to add to your meals or create a gourmet feel.
What I Don't Like
- It may take some time for users to get used to it
8. Slim Folding Dish Rack
Welcome to the Slim Fold Dish Rack! This unique dish rack is portable and can be taken anywhere. It features a patent pending spring mechanism that allows for easy adjustment and folding. The dish rack unfolds when needed, making it extremely easy to set up and use.
Click here to buy now: $75.00
Why is it noteworthy?
Featuring a minimalist and sturdy design, with ample ventilation and enough space to store your dishes, plates and various utensils, this dish rack is a great addition to your kitchen or outdoor camping.
What we like
- Easy to clean, maintain and set up
- Flexible, foldable form makes it easy to carry anywhere
What I Don't Like
- The wire on the rack is thin, making it difficult to place dishes on it.
9. Hinoki Essence Cutting Board
Introducing the Hinoki Essence Cutting Board. This is a beautiful wooden cutting board that allows you to cut your ingredients without any hassle. Made from majestic Hinoki wood, it has a medium hardness that makes it durable and therefore won't scratch your knives. The cutting board is minimalistic and visually appealing.
Click here to buy now: $59.00
Why is it noteworthy?
Simple yet stunning, the Hinoki Essence Cutting Board is made from premium Hinoki wood and is the perfect companion to our Precision Ceramic Sashimi Knife. Together, the two create a beautiful and functional combination for all your cutting needs.
What we like
- Made from cypress wood that doesn't put strain on the knife
- It has a water-resistant silicone coating to prevent damage.
What I Don't Like
- Requires special care to maintain and can be tedious
10. Sanko Electric Lunchbox Rice Cooker
Called the Sanko Electric Lunchbox Rice Cooker, this portable rice cooker will cook you hot rice whenever you need it. The rice cooker is small and easy to carry and is designed to cook one serving of rice in a short amount of time. A light will come on when the rice is done.
Why is it noteworthy?
This rice cooker is perfect for those who travel a lot and need fresh rice for dinner. It can cook 6 ounces of rice at a time and also comes with a convenient measuring cup.
What we like
- Easy to carry design
- You can eat from the corner
What I Don't Like
- There doesn't seem to be much choice in size or color
