Japanese kitchenware, admired for its quality and artistry, has gained worldwide popularity among food enthusiasts. In the update of 2024, we will present the top 20 must-have Japanese kitchen supplies available online, selected for their functional elegance. Whether you are a professional chef or a passionate home cook, these pieces will elevate your kitchen with authentic Japanese style.
1. Why Should We Buy Japanese Kitchenware?
The popularity of Japanese kitchenware is increasing, and it’s well-deserved. Here’s a look at the top benefits of selecting high end Japanese cookware for your culinary needs:
- Durable and virtually unbreakable: Known for being exceptionally durable and nearly unbreakable, Japanese kitchenware is used as plates, cooking utensils, and in plastics. Its resistance to shattering and scratching makes it more appealing than other types of dinnerware, withstanding daily use and wear remarkably well.
- High-quality, food-safe, and BPA-free:. Japanese kitchenware meets strict safety standards and is certified BPA-free. It is advised to avoid conventional ovens and microwaves, however, as high temperatures may compromise the material’s integrity.
- Ideal for entertaining, whether indoors or outdoors: Perfect for both indoor meals and outdoor occasions, Japanese kitchenware is suitable for a variety of settings. Use them at outdoor parties, barbecues, by the pool, on the patio, or even at weddings, all without fear of chipping or breaking.
- Sophisticated and budget-friendly: Offering a unique mix of sophistication and strength, Japanese kitchenware sets are affordable, practical, and chip-resistant, making them perfect for weddings, formal dinners, and family gatherings. These sets are also ideal gifts for weddings, housewarmings, and family-friendly meals.
2. The Best 20 Japanese Kitchenware From Top Brands
Let’s explore the top 20 must-have items from the best Japanese cookware brands that will elevate your cooking experience.
2.1. Zojirushi
Zojirushi has made its mark as a leading household product manufacturer, consistently using advanced technology to create innovative products that improve the convenience and comfort of daily routines. Top products from Zojirushi are rice cooker, bread maker, and food jar.
Rice Cooker
Named Best Overall in a lineup of eight competing models, Zojirushi’s high-tech rice cooker shines with numerous features and large capacity, ideal for rice aficionados and professionals. Its induction heating system is a standout, providing a level of precision that standard cookers cannot achieve.
It offers presets for white rice, brown rice, and porridge, as well as a timer for hot rice at breakfast. This 5.5-cup dry capacity cooker is ideal for those with plenty of countertop space, as it requires room. Though the controls might seem complicated, the clear instructions ensure easy use.
Bread Maker
The Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus earns top marks for quality and simplicity. Its large LCD control panel is easy to read and use, offering presets and programmable options for a customized breadmaking experience. The two dough blades mix evenly and support gluten development. The baked loaves have an even, golden crust, and cleaning is a breeze with the non-stick pan and easy-to-wash parts.
Food Jar
This Zojirushi insulated jar is an excellent choice for soups or thick stews. Its stainless steel construction and tight seal prevent leaks, even with foods prone to dripping, like rice and noodles. Vacuum insulation keeps meals hot or cold for hours, and the 11.8-ounce capacity offers a satisfying portion. The jar’s shape, similar to a compact coffee mug, makes it easy to eat from directly.
2.2. Tojiro
Tojiro knives trace their roots back to 1955, with the launch of a stainless steel fruit knife. Back then, stainless steel was often thought to lack the sharpness of carbon steel. TOJIRO took on the challenge, refining its knives for sharpness and performance. Now, its slogan is “More than just sharpness.” Tojiro’s most popular products include a chef’s knife set, a bread slicer, and a Nakiri knife.
Chef’s Knife Set
The Gyutou knife, similar in style to a Western chef’s knife, has a rounded blade designed for rocking as you chop and slice. The Tojiro DP ranked as a top performer in its class and matched up well against different knife styles. The Gyutou’s weight and thickness make it ideal for preparing vegetables and slicing meats.
Because the blade is too thin for cutting large bones or joints, a cleaver is recommended for those tasks. However, the Tojiro DP excels as a versatile knife, with a sharp edge that handles most light jobs well, effortlessly slicing through tomatoes without tearing the skin or releasing juice. This set includes the Tojiro DP along with a 4-inch paring knife.
Bread Slicer
With a design more akin to a meat slicer, the Tojiro Bread Slicer features a 10-inch serrated blade that narrows to a point. The blunt serrations cut smoothly through fruits, bread, and vegetables without damaging the soft crumb. Its unique blade length and serration style provide crisp, accurate cuts, earning it a reputation as the Best Choice for Precision.
Tojiro Nakiri Knife
A Nakiri knife, with its rectangular blade, is crafted specifically for cutting vegetables, allowing for a straight downward cut rather than a rocking motion. The Tojiro Nakiri stands out with its eye-catching 37-layer Damascus steel blade. Its sharpness and nimbleness enable it to slice through hard vegetables like carrots without rocking, and the comfortable handle ensures a secure grip, minimizing hand fatigue.
2.3. Vermicular
With eight decades of craftsmanship and a dedication to showcasing the natural beauty of ingredients, Vermicular brings artistry to home cooking for chefs of all levels. Among their standout products are the Iron Induction Cooker and Frying Pan.
Iron Induction Cooker
Your traditional Japanese kitchenware may feel threatened, as this Vermicular multi-cooker appears ready to take their place. Beyond cooking rice, it is also a Dutch oven, slow cooker, and can even bake no-knead bread.
At the heart of this cooker is a musui, an enameled cast iron pot, placed within an induction-powered kamado that delivers precise, all-around heat. Its tightly sealed lid features a unique divot, creating an airtight environment that intensifies steam while releasing just enough to prevent boil-overs. This combination results in clean steaming with minimal additional water needed.
Frying Pan
The Vermicular Deep Frying Pan is designed with deep, sloped sides and a chic walnut handle that stays cool, adding elegance to any stove. Beyond aesthetics, it evenly cooks vegetables, rice, and eggs, and releases food with ease. It is as dependable as a traditional cast iron pan but significantly lighter. For a complete set, you can also purchase a matching glass lid.
2.4. Seki Japan
The knife-making heritage of Seki, spanning 800 years, began with swordsmiths Motoshige and Kaneshige, who arrived in the town at the close of the Kamakura period and the start of the Muromachi period. Their artisanal techniques and spirit of craftsmanship have been preserved across generations, making Seki internationally known as one of the top three cities in cutlery production.
Egg Spatula For Left Handed
The slotted nylon spatula is favored by users because it is perfect for Teflon surfaces and nonstick. Its gentle, flexible design allows for easy turning of omelets, pancakes, and other larger foods. The metal-reinforced handle adds sturdiness with just the right amount of give, and the Seki spatula is offered in both left- and right-handed versions.
Long Vegetable Peeler
The Seki thin-bladed peeler is excellent for peeling vegetables and fruits but also works beautifully for creating paper-thin slices, vegetable ribbons, or near-transparent cuts of scallions and onions. Its swiveling blade, independent from the handle, allows for precision and flexibility that a fixed blade lacks. It operates like a knife in its effectiveness but is slimmer and comes with a plastic safety cover for storage.
>>> Read more: Top 12 Best Japanese kitchen knife brands
2.5. Others Items From High-Quality Japanese Kitchenware Brands
Rounding out the list are top knives from some of Japan’s premier cookware brands. Let’s take a deeper look at them.
Mac Knife 8-Inch
Lightweight yet strong, the Mac 8-inch chef’s knife is perfect for heavy-duty use, featuring a sharp blade that slices through tomatoes and firm squash with ease. Its thin, hollow-edged blade keeps food from sticking, and the sturdy pakka wood handle ensures a comfortable, slip-resistant grip. The full-tang construction also allows for easy rocking while cutting.
Shun 8-Inch Knife
Shun is a go-to brand for many chefs and cooks due to its quality and the dependability of its sharp, lightweight knives. The Classic Blonde model exemplifies this, featuring 34 layers of stainless steel on each side of the blade and a comfortable birchwood handle.
Shun’s blade, with a slight curve influenced by Western design, is ideal for rocking while chopping or slicing, creating thin, precise cuts. With good care, hand-washing, drying, and proper storage, the knife can provide exceptional longevity.
Bento & Co Magewappa Maru
In the heart of Kyoto, Bento & Co. offers a lovely shopping experience. Their most refined bento box is the Magewappa, a wooden piece with smooth curves. Every meal feels special with this luxurious bento, as the cedar aroma infuses the food. Its natural wood allows the rice to breathe, preventing it from sticking as it would in plastic.
The Magewappa technique, a 400-year-old Japanese wood-bending method, is what makes this box unique. Bento & Co’s handmade box, if cared for and hand-washed, will endure for years as a wise investment. Not only is it visually impressive, but it also keeps food fresh without any sogginess.
Miyabi Bread Knife
You cannot talk about this knife without acknowledging its beauty. The blade, crafted in Damascus style with an oval shape, shallow serrations, and a pointed tip, is both unique and functional. Its elegantly shaped handle allows for additional pressure with ease, making the Kaizen II a sharp and comfortable choice overall.
Zero Japanese Ceramic Coffee Dripper
Made for single-cup brewing, Zero Ceramic Coffee Dripper makes pour-overs a breeze. This Japanese ceramic kitchenware sits steadily on your cup, with two holes at the bottom ensuring a steady coffee flow. Peek holes help you monitor the level to prevent overfilling. Zero Japan offers the dripper in three colors: brown, tomato, and blue jeans.
Global Sai Bread Knife
In a relatively short time, Global has become one of the best Japanese brand cookware and gained a reputation for quality lightweight knives, and the Sai Bread Knife holds true to this. Though a bit more expensive, its ergonomic handle adds value. The dimpled, ultra-thin hammered blade keeps food from sticking, and the sharp teeth make quick work of crusty bread, creating thin, consistent slices with ease.
Masamoto Vg Santoku Knife
The Santoku knife is crafted for all-purpose use, excelling in both chopping and slicing. The Masamoto Santoku, with a minimalist design, proved superior in our tests. Featuring a 7-inch blade and a full-tang, bolstered handle, it enables smooth slicing and chopping with minimal hand strain.
Yoshihiro Fillet Knife
Yoshihiro Fillet Knife is a compact, thick knife with a powerful blade ideal for slicing through small bones or removing fish heads and tails. The Yoshihiro Kasuma Deba has a 7-inch high-carbon Shiroko steel blade with a single-bevel edge, well-suited for cartilage and meat. Its durable and thick blade provides safety during butchering, especially when hands are wet.
Kikuichi Sujihiki Knife
Choosing the “best” knife for slicing sushi or sashimi can lead to endless options, as each type has its distinct purpose. For a reliable, all-purpose Sujihiki at home, Kikuichi’s model is recommended. While ideal for fish, it also serves well as a carving knife for meats. Kikuichi’s 700-year legacy makes it one of the best Japanese cookware brands.
Moma Flatware
Sori Yanagi’s design philosophy blended traditional craftsmanship with simple, practical aesthetics, as seen in this five-piece flatware set. With its flowing lines and minimalist charm, this set is a favorite for its functionality and beauty, enhancing the dining experience with understated elegance.
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3. Tips For Long-Term Care Of Japanese Kitchenware
More care is needed when handling, washing, and storing Japanese style kitchenware, but the reward of experiencing genuine Japanese flavors is worth the effort. Here are a few methods to help preserve some traditional Japanese cookware:
- Bamboo Chopsticks: Bamboo chopsticks need minimal upkeep, though they benefit from gentle handling. Wash in warm, soapy water, but avoid long soaking to keep them from warping. Fully drying them before storage helps maintain their shape and prevents mold. Because they are lightweight, you can easily keep them organized by bundling or placing them in a utensil holder.
- Japanese Knives: To preserve the quality of Japanese knives, it is essential to wash them by hand rather than using a dishwasher. Rinse immediately after use with mild soap and a soft sponge, then dry with a clean towel. Store the knives safely in a block, on a magnetic rack, or in a chef’s case. For the best results when sharpening, practice using a whetstone.
- Real Soup Bowls: Keep your miso soup bowls out of the dishwasher, whether they are lacquer or wooden, as the wash cycle is too harsh. Hand washing is recommended. Protect these bowls from sunlight to prevent fading; wrapping them in a soft cloth and storing them in a cabinet is particularly wise if you are in a dry climate.
4. Buying Japanese Kitchenware On Janbox
For those outside Japan aiming to buy Japanese cookware, Janbox makes it easy. Just search by product or brand name and choose from a wide selection. Whether you need a Zojirushi bread maker or a Vermicular frying pan, we are here to help you find it! Through Janbox, you can conveniently browse top Japanese e-commerce platforms like Amazon Japan, Mercari, Rakuten, and many others.
Janbox is one of the most popular proxy shopping websites, simplifying online shopping in Japan with its reliable services and international shipping. Acting as an intermediary, we handle the entire process from ordering from local retailers to shipping and customs clearance, ensuring a smooth experience for you.
With our competitive service fees, shoppers save on every purchase and can take full advantage of our valuable incentive programs. Additionally, each customer is entitled to dependable transportation insurance and a wide selection of payment methods. If you have any questions, the skilled and dedicated Janbox customer service team is ready to assist you in finding the best and most cost-effective products whenever you need.
>>> Read more: Shipping From Japan To USA – Cost & FAQs
Conclusion
The 2024 essential Japanese kitchenware collection includes everything to bring precision, style, and joy to your culinary journey. Each piece is carefully designed to be both beautiful and functional. Visit Janbox now to purchase these must-have items to upgrade your kitchen and refine your cooking expertise.
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