About Us
our origin story
Shokunin Store is an online Japanese artisan goods store, founded by a husband and wife team, united by a shared appreciation for Japanese craftsmanship. Lindsay is an Australian landscape designer specialised in high end boutique gardens. Yuko is a Japanese “cool hunter” who is passionate about promoting Japan’s craftsmanship and artistry.
a journey of discovery
During a visit to Japan, while fixing Yuko’s ancestor’s old house, Lindsay discovered the exceptional quality of Japanese tools at a DIY shop. A simple pair of thirty-dollar secateurs far exceeded his expectations, sparking a question: imagine what the top-of-the-range tools are like?
This curiosity led us to Sanjo in Niigata, a small town renowned for its centuries-old blacksmithing traditions and home to famous kitchen knife brands like Global and Tojiro. As a professional user, Lindsay was captivated by the exceptional craftsmanship he found there. He knew he had discovered something special worth sharing. Today, Shokunin Store proudly represents many other renowned blade-making regions across Japan, including Ono (Hyogo), Seki (Gifu), Tosa (Kochi), and others.
the secrets of japanese craftsmanship
Yuko and Lindsay then learned that the extraordinary performance of these tools is due to the unique way Japanese artisans create blade tools, a tradition rooted in the time of Samurai sword-making. Japanese blades are crafted using specially compounded steels designed to create a superior edge called “Hagane (鋼)”. They combine a harder steel “Hagane” for the cutting edge with a softer steel that is more workable, easier to sharpen, and less brittle. This method leverages the strengths of different steel characteristics, resulting in the sharpest, most durable, and long-lasting blades. Coupled with specialised sharpening techniques that take 8-10 years to master, this approach to blade-making is uniquely Japanese.
a mission to preserve and share
In 2020, Yuko took over the lead at Shokunin Store, driven by the realisation that simply selling these artisans’ products would not be enough to address the challenges they face. Mass-produced, cheaper alternatives were not only threatening the livelihoods of these artisans but also undermining the value of quality and sustainability in everyone’s lives. Yuko felt an urgency to do more and refocused the business on preserving these crafts by raising awareness and creating a deeper appreciation for their value and uniqueness.
expanding our range
Yuko now runs Shokunin Store with a dedicated team who joined her because they resonated with this mission and wanted to contribute to preserving these traditions while also bringing the finest Japanese craftsmanship to the world. We began with a focus on gardening tools but have since expanded our range to include homewares, tableware, and even food—all chosen with the same principle in mind: to offer the highest quality, authentic, and innovative products we are proud to represent and that meet the discerning tastes of our customers, who have a keen eye for exceptional craftsmanship, quality, and sustainability.
join the movement
By supporting Shokunin Store, you’re not just purchasing a premium product; you’re joining a movement that values quality, sustainability, and a stance against over-consumption while respecting traditions worth passing on to future generations. Together, we can help sustain these invaluable crafts, ensuring that the skills and knowledge of artisans not only survive but also empower all of us to lead more sustainable lives, while our customers enjoy products of the highest quality.