Tools + Prep
Kasane Bunka Knife
$ 135.00 USD
Existing at the intersection between a nakiri and gyuto knife, a “bunka” (meaning culture) knife is an all-purpose workhorse that may just be your next favorite chefs knife. With its easily maneuverable 6.5” length, it will make quick work of vegetables, fish, meat, and even some detail work using its triangular tip area. The blade is made of a high carbon stainless steel honed with Sumikama’s “zero edge” pre sharpening technology that gives it both lasting sharpness and rigidity right out of the box.
About Seki City
Sumikama Cutlery is located in Seki City, a city synonymous with knife production in Japan. Over 780 years ago, the city attracted swordsmiths whose creations were revered throughout the country. When swords fell out of fashion, the industry turned its attention to cutlery that holds the same level of reverence as the swords of the past.
Materials: Blade: High Carbon Stainless Steel, Handle: Cherry Wood, Clasp: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: Full length: 12”; Blade length: 6.5”, Weight: 3.53 oz.
Care: Always use caution when handling. Avoid cutting through or on hard materials. Handwash with mild soap and dry immediately. Maintain sharpness with regular honing and sharpen when necessary.
Seki City, Japan
Kasane Petty Paring Knife
$ 98.00 USD
A petty knife features a short blade (4.92” in this case) that makes it perfect for peeling small vegetables and fruit, doing precision work on prized cuts of meat, and even as a steak knife. The blade is made of a high carbon stainless steel honed with Sumikama’s “zero edge” pre sharpening technology that gives it both lasting sharpness and rigidity right out of the box.
About Seki City
Sumikama Cutlery is located in Seki City, a city synonymous with knife production in Japan. Over 780 years ago, the city attracted swordsmiths whose creations were revered throughout the country. When swords fell out of fashion, the industry turned its attention to cutlery that holds the same level of reverence as the swords of the past.
Materials: Blade: High Carbon Stainless Steel, Handle: Cherry Wood, Clasp: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: Full length: 9.45”; Blade length: 4.92”, Weight: 2.12 oz.
Care: Always use caution when handling. Avoid cutting through or on hard materials. Handwash with mild soap and dry immediately. Maintain sharpness with regular honing and sharpen when necessary.
Seki City, Japan
Kasane Bread Knife
$ 135.00 USD
With its combination of both large and small serrated teeth, the Kasane Bread Knife is ready to cleanly slice soft rolls and crusty baguettes. With its 8.27” length and ergonomic handle, you can make long and smooth cuts with ample room for your knuckles. The blade is made of a high carbon stainless steel honed with Sumikama’s “zero edge” pre sharpening technology that gives it both lasting sharpness and rigidity right out of the box.
About Seki City
Sumikama Cutlery is located in Seki City, a city synonymous with knife production in Japan. Over 780 years ago, the city attracted swordsmiths whose creations were revered throughout the country. When swords fell out of fashion, the industry turned its attention to cutlery that holds the same level of reverence as the swords of the past.
Materials: Blade: High Carbon Stainless Steel, Handle: Cherry Wood, Clasp: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: Full length: 13.78”; Blade length: 8.27”, Weight: 3.70 oz.
Care: Always use caution when handling. Avoid cutting through or on hard materials. Handwash with mild soap and dry immediately. Maintain sharpness with regular honing and sharpen when necessary.
Seki City, Japan
YURI Santoku Knife
$ 190.00 USD
The quintessential, all-purpose Japanese chef's knife, a Santoku blade is simply a must-have in every kitchen. Shizu Hamono's YURI range was developed in consultation with female chefs, modifying traditional knife silhouettes to improve ease of use during long hours of work in professional kitchens.
About Seki City
Shizu Hamono Cutlery is located in Seki City, a city synonymous with knife production in Japan. Over 780 years ago, the city attracted swordsmiths whose creations were revered throughout the country. When swords fell out of fashion, the industry turned its attention to cutlery, producing knives that garner the same level of reverence as the swords of the past.
Materials: Blade: 3-layer Steel, Handle: Wood
Dimensions: Full length: 12.2”; Blade length: 7.48”, Weight: 3.17 oz.
Care: Always use caution when handling. Avoid cutting through or on hard materials. Handwash with mild soap and dry immediately. Maintain sharpness with regular honing and sharpen when necessary.
Seki City, Japan
YURI Nakiri Knife
$ 155.00 USD
The Nakiri is a traditional vegetable knife, updated with a thinner blade for better balance. Shizu Hamono's YURI range was developed in consultation with female chefs, modifying traditional knife silhouettes to improve ease of use during long hours of work in professional kitchens.
About Seki City
Shizu Hamono Cutlery is located in Seki City, a city synonymous with knife production in Japan. Over 780 years ago, the city attracted swordsmiths whose creations were revered throughout the country. When swords fell out of fashion, the industry turned its attention to cutlery, producing knives that garner the same level of reverence as the swords of the past.
Materials: Blade: 3-layer Steel, Handle: Wood
Dimensions: Full length: 11.61”; Blade length: 6.88”, Weight: 3.88 oz.
Care: Always use caution when handling. Avoid cutting through or on hard materials. Handwash with mild soap and dry immediately. Maintain sharpness with regular honing and sharpen when necessary.
Seki City, Japan
YURI Petit Knife
$ 130.00 USD
Akin to a utility knife, the Japanese Petit (or Petty) knife is ideal for precision work like slicing cheese, peeling fruit, or making decorative garnishes. Shizu Hamono's YURI range was developed in consultation with female chefs, modifying traditional knife silhouettes to improve ease of use during long hours of work in professional kitchens.
About Seki City
Shizu Hamono Cutlery is located in Seki City, a city synonymous with knife production in Japan. Over 780 years ago, the city attracted swordsmiths whose creations were revered throughout the country. When swords fell out of fashion, the industry turned its attention to cutlery, producing knives that garner the same level of reverence as the swords of the past.
Materials: Blade: 3-layer Steel, Handle: Wood
Dimensions: Full length: 9.84”; Blade length: 5.51”, Weight: 2.29 oz.
Care: Always use caution when handling. Avoid cutting through or on hard materials. Handwash with mild soap and dry immediately. Maintain sharpness with regular honing and sharpen when necessary.
Seki City, Japan
YAMATO Deba Knife
$ 202.00 USD
Shizu Hamono's YAMATO knives sport double-edged blades for either left- or right-handed users and are hammered to help food slide off the knife during cutting. With its wider blade, the Deba Knife is ideal for breaking down fish, poultry, or large cuts of meat.
About Seki City
Shizu Hamono Cutlery is located in Seki City, a city synonymous with knife production in Japan. Over 780 years ago, the city attracted swordsmiths whose creations were revered throughout the country. When swords fell out of fashion, the industry turned its attention to cutlery, producing knives that garner the same level of reverence as the swords of the past.
Materials: Blade: 3-layer Steel, Handle: Wood
Dimensions: Full length: 11.41”; Blade length: 6.29”, Weight: 5.29 oz.
Care: Always use caution when handling. Avoid cutting through or on hard materials. Handwash with mild soap and dry immediately. Maintain sharpness with regular honing and sharpen when necessary.
Seki City, Japan
YAMATO Santoku Knife
$ 190.00 USD
An all-purpose chef's knife, a Santoku will make quick work of meat, vegetables, and fish. The Shizu Hamono's YAMATO knives sport double-edged blades for either left or right-handed users, hammered to allow the easy release of food during cutting.
About Seki City
Shizu Hamono Cutlery is located in Seki City, a city synonymous with knife production in Japan. Over 780 years ago, the city attracted swordsmiths whose creations were revered throughout the country. When swords fell out of fashion, the industry turned its attention to cutlery, producing knives that garner the same level of reverence as the swords of the past.
Materials: Blade: 3-layer Steel, Handle: Wood
Dimensions: Full length: 12.2”; Blade length: 7.2”, Weight: 4.58 oz.
Care: Always use caution when handling. Avoid cutting through or on hard materials. Handwash with mild soap and dry immediately. Maintain sharpness with regular honing and sharpen when necessary.
Seki City, Japan
YAMATO Yanagiba Knife
$ 202.00 USD
Long and narrow, the Yanagiba knife excels at precision slicing of fish and meat. Shizu Hamono's YAMATO knives sport double-edged blades for either left or right-handed users, hammered to allow the easy release of food during cutting.
About Seki City
Shizu Hamono Cutlery is located in Seki City, a city synonymous with knife production in Japan. Over 780 years ago, the city attracted swordsmiths whose creations were revered throughout the country. When swords fell out of fashion, the industry turned its attention to cutlery, producing knives that garner the same level of reverence as the swords of the past.
Materials: Blade: 3-layer Steel, Handle: Wood
Dimensions: Full length: 13”; Blade length: 8”, Weight: 4.58 oz.
Care: Always use caution when handling. Avoid cutting through or on hard materials. Handwash with mild soap and dry immediately. Maintain sharpness with regular honing and sharpen when necessary.
Seki City, Japan
Paulownia Cutting Board
$ 52.00 USD
Made from cherished paulownia wood, this cutting board is incredibly lightweight but hardy enough for your daily food prep needs. Paulownia is a quick-drying wood that resists the growth of bacteria, and its soft texture will not dull your blades. When scratched or gouged, paulownia can heal itself by absorbing water, thus minimizing the appearance of damage.
About Paulownia Trees
Paulownia (or kiri in Japanese) is known as the “Princess Tree” and is closely tied to female identity. In Japan, it was once customary to plant a paulownia tree when a baby girl was born, with some wealthy families planting up to three saplings per daughter. The fast-growing tree would mature as the girl did, so that when she reached the age of marriage it could be cut down and made into wooden articles for her dowry. On her marriage day, her parents would present her with a chest of paulownia wood carved from the tree in which to store kimono and other fine garments.
Materials: Paulownia wood
Dimensions:
Small: 11.8" L x 7.5" W x 0.6" H
Large: 16.55" L x 9.45" W x 0.7" H
Care: Hand wash. Rub regularly with mineral oil to prolong life.
Tokyo, Japan
Fuapri Cookie Cutter
$ 20.00 USD
Easily personalize your baked goods with the Fuapri Cookie Cutter, available in 9 intricate designs. Each cookie cutter is made from FDA-approved PLA resin, an eco-friendly material created using plant-derived lactic acids, such as the starch found in corn and potatoes. Cookies not your thing? These cutters can also be used to make eye-catching ceramics!
Try your favorite design with this sugar cookie recipe or any other cookie that holds its shape well.
About Fuapri
With nothing more than a wish for fun cookies and a 3-D printer, the founder of Fuapri set out to create a unique method of self-expression all could enjoy. Today, the brand offers more than 100 different designs, adding a dash of whimsy to any cookie recipe.
Materials: PLA resin
Dimensions: Varies; 1.8-4.1" L x 1.6-2.75" W
Care: Hand wash and dry thoroughly. Not microwave- or dishwasher-safe. Heat resistant up to temperatures of 140° F; do not place near fire or expose to bleach.
Kobe, Japan
Moku Linen Apron
$ 98.00 USD
From the minds behind one of our most popular towel lines comes the Moku Linen Apron, a lightweight kitchen accessory made from a soft cotton-linen blend. Slow-woven on vintage Toyoda looms in Imabari, the unofficial towel capital of Japan, these aprons boast an impressive pedigree made evident by their innovative design: terry cloth on one side for greater absorbency and waffled linen on the other to speed up drying. Worn up around the neck or folded down at the waist, the Moku Linen Apron will quickly become a fixture in your cooking escapades.
About Kontex
Gentle on the skin and kind to the environment, Kontex textiles are crafted in Imabari, Japan, using centuries-old techniques, as they have been since the company’s founding in 1934. Each product is made from fine, garment-quality thread gently woven on traditional low-speed looms to achieve unparalleled softness, then washed in snowmelt from the slopes of Mt. Ishizuchi. The end result is apparel that’s incredibly soft, absorbent, and free from impurities - the perfect addition to any wardrobe.
Materials: 60% cotton, 40% linen
Dimensions: 31.75" W (99" W with straps) x 31.5" H
Care: Machine wash with cold water and mild detergent. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners. Hang or tumble dry low.
Imabari, Japan
Bento Box - 500ml
$ 45.00 USD
This simple yet handsome bento box will make even the most mundane lunch a feast for your eyes. It features a movable partition for keeping wet and dry separate and a natural wooden lid made from aged cedar harvested from Kochi Prefecture.
About Bento
Bento is a typically homemade meal that is common in Japanese cuisine that is served in single-portion containers or boxes that range from pre-packaged and disposable bento boxes bought at convenience stores, to artisan-made boxes. Many people put significant time and effort into bento boxes for their loved ones, and there are currently many different styles of bento.
Materials: Polypropylene, Natural Wood (Cedar)
Dimensions: 7" L x 3.43" W x 2.36" H
Care: Only the main body and partition can be used in the microwave or dishwasher.
Shizuoka, Japan
Bento Box - 1000ml
$ 65.00 USD
This simple yet handsome bento box will make even the most mundane lunch a feast for your eyes. It features a movable partition for keeping wet and dry separate and a natural wooden lid made from aged cedar harvested from Kochi Prefecture.
About Bento
Bento is a typically homemade meal that is common in Japanese cuisine that is served in single-portion containers or boxes that range from pre-packaged and disposable bento boxes bought at convenience stores, to artisan-made boxes. Many people put significant time and effort into bento boxes for their loved ones, and there are currently many different styles of bento.
Materials: Polypropylene, Natural Wood (Cedar)
Dimensions: 7" L x 7" W x 2.36" H
Care: Only the main body and partition can be used in the microwave or dishwasher.
Shizuoka, Japan
Kitchen and Serving Chopsticks
$ 11.00 USD
Tapered at both ends, these versatile chopsticks can be used for cooking or serving up to two separate dishes, reducing clutter on the table or in the kitchen. The three-sided shape of each barrel conveniently prevents the chopsticks from rolling away when set down on a counter or table, and their visually striking designs add a splash of color to any occasion.
See the full Yamachiku collection here or visit the rikumo journal to learn how the company realized its goal of revitalizing Japan's bamboo chopstick industry.
About Yamachiku
Founded in 1963 in Kumamoto Prefecture, Yamachiku is known throughout Japan for their thoughtfully designed chopsticks. At every stage of the production process - from forestry to packaging - Yamachiku relies on the expertise of skilled artisans who turn locally harvested moso bamboo into colorful tableware. In addition to its role as a traditional material for chopsticks, bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource, owing to its fast growth and abundance in the Kumamoto region.
Materials: Bamboo, polyurethane, food-grade paint
Dimensions: Length: 12.9”
Care: Hand wash gently and air dry. Do not put in dishwasher.
Kumamoto, Japan
Ceramic Motoshige Suribachi Mortar
$ 28.00 USD
Make quick work of seeds and spices with this modern update of the traditional Japanese mortar and pestle combination. Designed in an effort to bring age-old handicrafts to contemporary kitchens and beautiful enough to double as a serving vessel, this suribachi features a silicone base to prevent slipping while in use. Pairs with the Wooden Surikogi Pestle.
Take a peek at how these pieces are made in this video.
About Suribachi and Surikogi
A suribachi is a sturdy Japanese mortar with an unglazed interior that features many small grooves to help mash and bruise seeds, herbs, and spices more efficiently. These ridges - called kushi no me - bring out subtle aromatic compounds when worked with a wooden pestle, or surikogi.
Materials: Ceramic, silicone
Dimensions:
Small: 4.25" D x 2.5" H
Medium: 5.25" D x 3.5" H
Care: Hand wash with mild soap and a soft brush. Dry both mortar and pestle thoroughly before storing.
Shimane, Japan
Wooden Surikogi Pestle
$ 6.00 USD
This wooden pestle (or surikogi) is made from sustainably harvested wood and is soft enough to maximize the life of your suribachi. Designed to pair perfectly with our Ceramic Motoshige Suribachi Mortar.
Take a peek at how these pieces are made in this video.
About Suribachi and Surikogi
A suribachi is a sturdy Japanese mortar with an unglazed interior that features many small groves to help mash and bruise seeds, herbs, and spices more efficiently. These ridges - called kushi no me - bring out subtle aromatic compounds when worked with a wooden pestle, or surikogi.
Materials: Wood
Dimensions:
Small: 7" L x 1" D
Medium: 9.5" L x 1.25" D
Care: Hand wash with mild soap and a soft brush. Dry both mortar and pestle thoroughly before storing.
Shimane, Japan
Handmade Pot Holder
$ 34.00 USD
This handmade artisan pot holder helps you lift handled pots and pans safely. Made by hand-sewing swatches of surplus and scrap fabric, every potholder is one of a kind and made in Noriko Nakao's workshop in Nagoya.
How to Use: Grip the outside of the potholder, using the hollow inside to safely grip the handle of a hot pot or pan.
Please note: Each Handmade Pot Holder is made from available fabric and therefore unique. Photos demonstrate the overall design of each, but the final product may differ somewhat in color or pattern. The high quality and charming aesthetics of Noriko Nakao's work are uniform across every piece, however. Please contact us at info@rikumo.com with any questions.
About Noriko Nakao
Noriko Nakao is a multidisciplinary artist from Nagoya, Japan, who started making ceramic arts in 1998. She has exhibited in several solo and group exhibitions throughout Japan. Everything she creates is one-of-a-kind and is the result of her inspiration at the moment of creation. Her hope is to make something that will make your daily life a little more fun.
Materials: Outer: Cotton, Filling: Polyester
Dimensions: Height: 4” Diameter: 4"
Care: Hand wash only.
Nagoya, Japan
Shikoku Straw Trivet
$ 28.00 USD
Hand-woven by skilled craftspeople and still smelling of fresh hay, the Shikoku Straw Trivet brings a decidedly natural element to the dinner table. Its thick construction ensures that hot cookware stays well away from vulnerable surfaces, and the variety of sizes available allows you to adapt to any meal. Perhaps best of all, however, is the way this beautifully dappled trivet looks hanging on the wall within easy reach, serving as both functional kitchenware and organic decor.
About Shikoku Straw
The straw comprising the Shikoku Straw Trivet comes from an unusual species of a common staple crop: purple rice. It is from this inky foodstuff that the trivet gets its distinctive color, making it a dye-free - and therefore truly natural - material.
Materials: Straw
Dimensions:
Small: 5.7" D x 0.9" H
Medium: 7.5" D x 0.9" H
Large: 9.05" D x 0.9" H
Care: Keep dry. Store away from humidity.
Miyagi, Japan
CAYA Oven Mitt
$ 26.00 USD
Slip on this sleek CAYA Oven Mitt when it's time to handle those heavier pieces of hot cookware. An outer layer of cotton mesh keeps the mitt breathable while an inner layer of padding provides extra heat protection, and the built-in hanging tab makes storage a breeze. Note: This mitt was designed to fit small hands.
See the full CAYA collection here.
About CAYA
The CAYA line of bags and kitchenware takes its name from the Japanese word kaya, a term for the material in mosquito netting. As the use of these nets fell out of favor in Japan, kaya found new life in a wide variety of home goods, thanks to its unique texture, its impressive durability, and the ease with which it can be cleaned and maintained. All CAYA products are made in Nara, the traditional home of kaya craftworks.
Materials: 100% cotton
Dimensions: 9.85" L x 6.7" W
Care: Wash by hand or in a mesh laundry bag, then allow to air dry. Do not put in dryer. Some minor color loss may occur over time.
Nara, Japan
CAYA Pot Holder
$ 10.00 USD