About HITOHIRA
Founded in 2016, HITOHIRA is a Tokyo-based specialist shop dedicated to Japanese kitchen knives, whetstones, and traditional cookware.
What began as an export and wholesale business supplying renowned knife shops overseas has grown into a globally trusted brand used by professional chefs and home cooks around the world. Today, we carry a curated catalog of over 3,000 items sourced from master blacksmiths across Japan.
In addition to our online store, we have been welcoming visitors to our physical shop and workshop in Setagaya, Tokyo since 2022, offering in-person sales, professional sharpening, and knife repair services.
1: Our Values
Substance Over Surface
When looking at a Japanese kitchen knife, it is easy to be captivated by its visual aesthetic. However, the true quality of a blade lies hidden where the eye cannot see—within the steel itself and the craftsmanship behind it.
At HITOHIRA, we select our products based on substance rather than mere appearance. We do not sell tools meant solely for display; we offer tools built to be used, cherished, and relied upon every day in the kitchen.
2: Our Journey
2016: Foundation
Founded HITOHIRA as a Japanese knife specialist, launching export sales to leading international knife retailers alongside our global e-commerce store.
2022: First Retail Store in Kamimachi
Opened our first brick-and-mortar shop in Kamimachi, Setagaya (Tokyo). Starting from a tiny 5-square-meter space, we began accepting walk-in repair and sharpening requests from the local community.
2024: Relocation & Expansion to Sangenjaya
We have relocated our shop to Sangenjaya, right here in Setagaya.
Along with displaying over 300 types of knives, we have expanded our workshop facilities, which now feature two 3-foot rotary whetstones. In addition to exploring our wide variety of knives, visitors can peek into the workshop and enjoy live knife-sharpening demonstrations.
Located about 10 minutes from Shibuya and 20 minutes from Shinjuku by train, our new store is even more convenient to visit. We look forward to welcoming you.
3: Commitments
Experienced and Knowledgeable Team
Our team includes knife craftsmen, sharpeners, and experienced specialists with diverse backgrounds—from blacksmiths and knife shop pros to chefs and home cooks.
With our rich knowledge and hands-on expertise, we are here to help you find the perfect knife.
Direct Connections with Craftsmen and Regional Artisans
We maintain close, meaningful relationships with blacksmiths and sharpeners across Japan. We regularly visit their blacksmith workshops, and they frequently visit our store in Tokyo.
Furthermore, many natural whetstones (tennen toishi) displayed in our shop are hand-selected by our in-house sharpeners visiting the original mining regions.
Hand-Sharpened Before Handing Over
Brand-new factory knives are rarely at their peak sharpness right out of the box. To ensure your blade performs effortlessly from your very first cut, every knife is inspected and hand-sharpened in our workshop before being handed to you.
Furthermore, we offer a complimentary first re-sharpening service when brought to our Tokyo shop for all knives purchased from us - reflecting our lifelong commitment to taking full responsibility for the tools we sell.
4: Our Global Partners
Our Partners in 9 Countries and 13 Locations
HITOHIRA knives are currently available at selected specialty knife shops in 9 countries and 13 locations worldwide. (as of October 2026)
We partner exclusively with professional knife shops that offer in-house sharpening and maintenance. Each of our knives is finished by hand, one at a time, and deserves the same care long after it leaves the shop. That is why we work only with partners who can support you with maintenance and resharpening for years to come.
We invite you to visit a partner shop near you and experience the sharpness and feel of our knives in your own hand.
View HITOHIRA Global Retailers
5: Press & Recognition
2026
・America's Test Kitchen – Best Gyuto 2026
Our "Hitohira FJ VG-10 Wa Gyuto 210mm Ho Wood Handle" was selected as a top recommended gyuto (Japanese chef's knife) by America's Test Kitchen, one of the most trusted culinary review programs in the United States.
・BLOSSOM JAPAN (ISSUE NO.0 TOKYO)
・TBS "KING'S BRUNCH" (Nationwide TV Segment) – Jan 31
・The Lettuceclub DAIDOKORO (ISSUE. 1)
・J-WAVE "STEP ONE" (Tokyo Radio Station) – May 21
2025
Won the Mayor of Setagaya Award, the top prize in the Retail & Service Division, at the Setagaya Kirari Shining Independent Store Awards, which honor outstanding independent shops in Setagaya City, Tokyo.
・Japan Brand Collection 2025
2024
・Kajiwara Shobo Book: "Blacksmith Kenji Togashi - Sakai Uchihamono"
Honored to be featured as one of the "Five Essential Knife Shops" in the biography documenting the life's work of legendary Sakai blacksmith Kenji Togashi (recipient of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Single Rays).
・Japan Brand Collection 2024
2022
・SAISON PLATINUM AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD "PT MAGAZINE"