Encountering Exquisite Japanese Tools: A Treasure Trove of Knives and Tableware – Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shotengai

● The History of Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shotengai

Kushikatsu, takoyaki, okonomiyaki—Osaka, the 'City of Delicious Food,' is overflowing with local specialties.

In the Namba area, where countless restaurants are concentrated, there is a shopping street renowned for its astonishing variety of cooking and kitchen utensils: Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shotengai. This shopping street has a long history. It is said to have originated from the pilgrimage route that ran from Hozen-ji Temple in Sennichimae to the monthly memorial day of Kobo Daishi at Shitenno-ji Temple, and to Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, famous for the Toka Ebisu festival. At that time, used tool shops and general stores lined the road, marking the beginnings of 'Doguyasuji.' As wholesalers and specialty manufacturers gradually gathered, it developed into a shopping street that supports Osaka's chefs.

Osaka Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shotengai

Today, the street is covered by an arcade and stretches about 150 meters. Here you can find everything from common kitchen items like tableware, knives, pots, and frying pans to takoyaki griddles and food samples.

For cooking enthusiasts, Doguyasuji Shotengai is truly a paradise. Below, I introduce some uniquely Japanese tools crafted by skilled artisans.

● Over 2,000 Knives and Scissors at the Specialty Store 'Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide'

To reach Doguyasuji Shotengai, it's about a five-minute walk from the nearest station, Namba. There are two entrances to the shopping street: one near the Namba Grand Kagetsu theater and the other facing Nansan-dori. The character '道' (dogu) in 'Doguyasuji' is very prominent, making it easy to find.

The first store I visited is a specialty shop for blades such as knives and scissors: 'Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide.'

The gleaming Japanese sword displayed at the entrance is said to be the family heirloom 'Ichimonji Naritoshi,' a famous blade passed down through generations. Japanese knives are renowned worldwide for their sharpness and durability—a skill inherited from the techniques of Japanese sword-making.

Over 2,000 Knives and Scissors at the Specialty Store 'Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide'

Inside the store, a wide variety of exquisite knives line the shelves. The number is truly astonishing—over 2,000 types! Among them, the most popular among foreign visitors is the 'santoku' knife, a versatile Japanese all-purpose knife for meat, fish, and vegetables. Recommended items from the top are the 'Ichimonji Ripple V10 Tsuchime Damascus Santoku' and the 'Ichimonji Essence Shiro-2 Steel Kuroyaki Wa-style Santoku.' Both convey the artisan's heart, with natural designs that exude a sense of luxury.

The Damascus knife, with its unique wood-grain pattern, is made by repeatedly layering two types of steel of different hardness. The beautiful pattern forged by the artisan's hand makes each knife unique, with a special charm.

The Kuroyaki (black oxidized) knife, as its name suggests, has a black sheen on the surface, giving it a very cool impression. While highly design-oriented, it also boasts excellent sharpness and blade durability. I also recommend Japanese-made kitchen scissors—simple in appearance but extremely sharp. I tried cutting paper, and it sliced through smoothly and effortlessly, with a satisfying feel.

Other items include whetstones for sharpening knives. There are not only synthetic whetstones of different grits but also a section featuring precious natural whetstones collected only from specific locations. The staff will advise on how to choose the right whetstone and how to sharpen, so you can purchase them along with your knife.

Moreover, the store offers a very thoughtful service: free engraving of your name on the knife! Even foreigners can have their names carved in corresponding Chinese characters, making it a unique, personal knife.

The store's website is available in English, French, Italian, Korean, and Chinese (Simplified and Traditional). They also offer online shopping for overseas customers, so even if you can't make it to Osaka, be sure to check out the website.

● For Colorful Lacquerware Tableware and Chopsticks, Visit 'Osaka Lacquerware'

Next, I went to 'Osaka Lacquerware,' a store selling lacquerware and chopsticks. The interior is spacious and uncluttered, with a neat display of various bowls, chopsticks, and lunch boxes.

Lacquerware refers to tableware made by repeatedly applying a refined lacquer (urushi) from the sap of the lacquer tree. The lacquerware mainly showcased and sold here is commercial-grade, made from resin and coated with resin coating. Since these are often used in Japanese restaurants and inns, many people may have seen them.

For Colorful Lacquerware Tableware and Chopsticks, Visit 'Osaka Lacquerware'

In the popular souvenir chopstick section, over 300 types of chopsticks are displayed. There is such a wide variety that you could use a different pair every day—I was truly amazed. With so many designs, it's a joy to admire each one. Prices start from as low as 99 yen (tax included), making them very attractive for buying as gifts.

There is also a rich selection of 'meoto-bashi' (husband-and-wife chopsticks) sold in pairs. And there are even rare gold-plated chopsticks!

Opposite the chopsticks, there is a row of various bowls, each with different shapes and colors, making you want to buy them all.

The 'ichimatsu' (checkered) pattern bowl, a traditional Japanese design, is also very beautiful. Using such Japanese tableware to enjoy washoku (Japanese cuisine) seems to make it taste even better.

The more antique, high-grade lacquerware is also popular. The luster is exceptionally charming, and the delicate designs are like works of art. Even just looking at them feels elegant and pleasing to the eye.

Looking at beautiful tableware, I am reminded that the presentation of delicious food is equally important.

At this store, you can experience Japan's food culture, so I highly recommend buying something as a gift for yourself or for friends and family.

● Modern Master Craftsmanship at 'Nambu Tekki – Sachi Kogei'

Finally, I introduce 'Sachi Kogei,' a direct-sale store of Nambu Tekki (Nambu ironware), a traditional craft gaining popularity worldwide.

Nambu Tekki is a general term for iron castings originating from Morioka City and Oshu City in Iwate Prefecture, each with its own history. Sachi Kogei handles iron kettles and teapots made using traditional techniques that have been passed down since the late Heian period (1086–1180).

Direct-sale Store of Traditional Craft Nambu Tekki 'Sachi Kogei'

Entering the store, you see many iron kettles and teapots on display. Each piece exudes a sense of weight, deep charm, and solemnity.

Sachi Kogei is also the direct-sale store for the works of Sato Katsuhisa, a traditional craftsman of Nambu Tekki. Mr. Sato is currently the only traditional Nambu Tekki artisan to receive the 'Modern Master Craftsman' award, a global honor recognizing outstanding technical skills. In 2004, he was also awarded the 'Medal with Yellow Ribbon.' In 2015, he presented his works to the Pope, truly establishing him as a leading figure among Nambu Tekki craftsmen!

Work Presented to the Pope: 'Mushikui Kodai Hada' (Ancient Worm-Eaten Texture)

These are iron sand kettles made from rare iron sand material, allowing you to feel the heavy texture of iron. They are decorated with cherry blossom patterns, giving them a very Japanese design.

Other items include colorful Nambu Tekki, which are mainly popular among European customers. These are works from the Oshu workshop. While boasting excellent heat retention, they also serve as stylish interior decorations, making your everyday afternoon tea time more wonderful.

These are also beautiful! The Nambu Tekki wind chimes are very cute and highly recommended. Their sound is softer than glass wind chimes, with a clear, high-pitched tone like healing music—the timbre has a soothing power. It would also be nice to have one at home as a decorative item.

● Find Tools That Will Last a Lifetime

These are the beautiful Japanese tools I discovered at Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shotengai. If used with care, they can last for a very long time. So, I encourage you to also look for tools that will accompany you for a lifetime.

The more you use them, the more you will love them, and they will enrich your life in many ways.

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