Functionality and craftmanship: Japan’s best inventions you need at home

Japan’s reputation for its innovation and technology is renowned around the world.

The country has a history of being home to incredible creations and inventions, whether it be in the home or the international stage.

From simple tools to cool gadgets, here are some traditional Japanese tools you need to bring home with you to make your everyday life easier!

Tenugui towels

Tengui are traditional, smaller-sized towels made from thinner and lighter cotton than those found in most terry towels.

Because of this, they are commonly used not only as hand towels, but also as placemats, decoration, for wrapping gifts, and even as accessories.

They come in a large variety of colors and designs, and many souvenir shops sell ones with cultural symbols or cute characters such as Hello Kitty and Kuromi.

Hocho knives

Japan’s hocho knives are renowned for their sharpness, light weight, and durability.

Different hocho knives are used for varying foods, such as fish or vegetables, and all provide clean, smooth cuts.

They make a practical tool for every home as well as a perfect gift for anyone who loves to cook or bake!

Furoshiki

Furoshiki are wrapping cloths used throughout Japan to wrap and transport items and goods with ease.

Instead of using plastic bags or fragile paper bags, furoshiki offer a strong, versatile, and sustainable option that has been passed down throughout Japanese heritage.

They come in a wide variety of designs and patterns, and can be wrapped in many ways; from simple and quick to fun designs!

Shikki

Japan’s lacquerware and tableware, also known as shikki, are popular souvenirs due to their intricate and beautiful designs and usefulness in each kitchen.

The base of shikki are applied with natural urushi lacquer which gives the vessel a glossy and durable finish.

They often come in either simple colors or with traditional designs such as stork or cherry blossom trees.

They are a unique combination of functionality and Japanese craftsmanship that make for a great addition to all homes.

Ochoko

Ochoko are small glasses (usually only up to 3oz) with no handles, originally used for sake.

Like shikki, they combine art with practicality, as they are usually decorated with traditional colors or paintings.

Now, many travellers and locals use them as cups for tea or decoration as well as alcohol, and vintage ochoko sets have gained increased popularity.

Traditional designs and paintings bring tea time to life (Image source: xegxef)

Tawashi

Struggle to get all your dishes and cookware completely clean?

Tawashi are Japanese scrub brushes made from natural palm and plant fibres that are course and biodegradable.

The bristles are also flexible, unlike sponges, meaning they can reach grooves and dints that may be harder to clean with other utensils.

They help scrub away tough stains and spots in pots without having to resort to harsh chemicals that may damage surfaces.

Samegawa oroshi (graters)

Samegawa oroshi are graters created from harsh, dried shark skin, used most commonly in Japanese culture to grate wasabi root.

Shark skin has tiny teeth on the surface, meaning ingredients can be grated more fine and smoothly, whilst reducing the risk of accidentally hurting oneself.  

Yunomi and kyusu (teapot and teacup)

Yunomi and kyusu are traditional Japanese teacup and teapots, generally used to brew green tea.

Yunomi are handless teacups that often come in sets with kyusu, teapots with a long side handle and short spout; a popular souvenir idea for many travellers due to their rustic and traditional looks.

Many come glossed in color or engraved and painted with old-school Japanese art, featuring most commonly native flora and fauna.

Hashi (chopsticks)

Probably the most famous and popular souvenir from Japan, hashi are chopsticks used for eating almost every meal in the country.

In Japan, you can find different designs of chopsticks throughout many stores.

Some are decorated with traditional pictures and symbols, whilst others imitate Star Wars lightsabers or have Sanrio character charms on the end.

Stop using disposably chopsticks that can break and splinter easily from restaurants and get your very own ones during your trip!

Hashioki

Hashioki are chopstick rests that prevent chopsticks from touching tables whilst use.

Throughout Japan, they are one of the most common and most popular souvenir or gift ideas for travellers, as most stores offer a large range of hashioki designs.

Not only are they cute and personal, they offer a stylish way to keep both the table and your utensils clean.

Styles come in all forms, from cute cats to mini sushi pieces, there is genuinely a hashioki design for anyone and everyone.

Bento bako

Also known as the famous bento box, bento bako are lunch containers with separated compartments for different foods.

Most bento bako have compartments for rice, meat, salad, and a small dessert, with some coming as two- or even three-tiered.

They are a cute, space-savvy way to store meals and keep every lunch fresh.

Whether it’s for school lunches or office meals, bento bako make for a great container for any use.

Chasen and matcha chawan (matcha kits)

Matcha is incredibly popular around the world; being used for drinks and desserts alike.

But if you want a truly, authentic matcha, matcha sets are the way to go.

Chasen, bamboo whisks, are used to whisk matcha powder with water in matcha chawan, tea bowls, to create real whisked matcha.

They are a great gift idea for any matcha fan and mean you can save money for better quality matcha from your own home.

Fresh, homemade matcha is the only way to go! (Image source: mirkostoedter)

Edo Kiriko

Edo kiriko are intricately crafted glassware made using traditional Japanese craftmanship to create bright and unique designs.

Whether you are using them as drinking glasses or decoration, Edo Kiriko are beautiful and timeless displays of Japanese art, each piece being hand carved carefully into different shapes, sizes, and designs.

Makisu

Makisu are rolling mats made from bamboo used traditionally to roll sushi or omelets into perfect shape.

They provide a mess-free, fun way to make sure your favourite snacks are neatly packed and are a great activity in the home for cooks and kids alike.

There’s more to see…

At TokudAw, we want you to get the most out of each trip.

From cultural experiences to local shopping, let us show you the true hidden gems of Japan.

Our private, in-house transportation team will also take the stress out of transit, and make sure you get to each destination with comfort and ease.