Additive-Free Japanese Gluten-Free Rice Noodles With a Longer Shelf Life In today’s food industry, sustainability is no longer just about packaging. It is also about creating foods that genuinely solve problems — reducing food waste, lowering energy consumption, simplifying ingredients, and making healthy food more practical for everyday life. At Shokunin Store, this philosophy is reflected in Okomen, our additive-free Japanese gluten-free rice noodles. Unlike many fresh gluten-free noodles that spoil quickly or require refrigeration, Okomen was developed to maintain a satisfying semi-fresh texture while remaining shelf stable for months at room temperature — without preservatives or unnecessary additives. The result is a product designed not only for convenience, but also ... Continue Reading
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Recipe: Spinach with Walnut Dressing (Horenso no Kurumi-ae)
This classic Japanese side dish highlights how a good dashi can completely transform simple ingredients. Using a high-quality dashi sachet brings a clean, layered umami that elevates the natural sweetness of spinach and the richness of nuts—without the need for heavy seasoning. Method 1. Toast a handful of walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for about a minute, until fragrant. Roughly chop, then grind using a mortar and pestle until finely crushed. 2. In a bowl, combine the ground walnuts with dashi (prepared from a premium dashi sachet or liquid stock), sugar, mirin, and soy sauce. Mix until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, loosen it gradually with a little water or extra mirin until it reaches a creamy consistency. 3. Blanch the spinach briefly, then transfer ... Continue Reading
What to Do with Leftover olive marinade oil (No Bits!) – Strain and Reuse Guide with Recipe
What can you do with leftover olive marinade oil in a jar? Cleaning these jars after finishing olives used to be one of my least favrourite chores in the kitchen but now, I don't mind it so much thanks to my tools. I first use our small precision Clever Tong – Japanese Hygienic Kitchen Tongs to pick out the last olives from the jar. Then, I strain the remaining oil through my Ultra-Fine Stainless Steel Strainer – 200 Mesh. The result is a clear, golden oil with no oregano, chilli flakes, or garlic bits left behind—just clean infused oil. If you’ve ever wondered what to do with leftover olive oil, this simple step makes it easy to either dispose of it cleanly or reuse it as a base for dressings or light cooking. To safely reuse the oil, it’s important to keep things clean from ... Continue Reading
Choosing the Right Tool for the Oysters You Love
Standard vs Single Seed Oyster Knife There’s a moment, just before an oyster opens, where everything comes down to feel. A slight resistance. A gentle twist. Then—release. For something so simple, oyster shucking is surprisingly nuanced. And for those who seek out exceptional oysters—whether from the rivers of New South Wales or the cold waters of Tasmania—the experience rarely stops at the oyster itself. It extends to how it is opened. At Shokunin Store, our Japanese Stainless Steel Oyster Shucker is offered in two variations: They may appear similar at first glance. But each is shaped by a different kind of oyster—and a different way of opening them. The Oyster Comes First Across Australia and New Zealand, oysters are increasingly defined by their ... Continue Reading
Why most Miso Soup Tastes Flat — And How Proper Dashi Changes Everything
Let’s clear something up. Miso soup is not just miso paste dissolved in hot water. In fact, I recently came across a market stall serving miso soup exactly like this—just miso dissolved in hot water. Unsurprisingly, it was simply salty. Flat. One-dimensional. Missing something. That “something” is what the Japanese have understood all along: Dashi. Think of Dashi as the Soul of the Soup If miso is the flavour (like the tomato in your tomato soup), then dashi is the foundation. It’s the equivalent of a beautifully made stock in Western cooking —the quiet backbone that makes everything else shine. But here’s the part many people get wrong: 👉 Dashi is the main source of umami in miso soup—not the miso. Miso brings saltiness, body, and character. Dashi ... Continue Reading
A Guide to Daily & Monthly Maintenance of your Garden Tools
How to make your garden scissors last Keeping your hand-forged Japanese tools in good condition doesn’t just extend their life—it helps them work better, feel better in hand, and honour the craftsmanship behind them. Whether you’re using secateurs, shears, or garden knives, proper maintenance keeps them performing at their best and helps prevent long-term wear. We’re often asked: Here’s our step-by-step guide to caring for your tools—both daily and monthly. Daily Maintenance – The Simple Habit That Matters 1. Wipe after every use. Always. Moisture is the enemy of any blade. If your tools get wet—either from plant sap or water - the best practice is wipe them dry immediately with a clean cloth. 2. Sap matters too. Some plants, like jasmine, release a heavy sap that ... Continue Reading
Cloud Pruning and Topiary Workshop in Adelaide
Celebrating Craftsmanship, Garden Artistry, and Tools That Inspire I recently travelled to Adelaide to support a cloud pruning workshop hosted by award-winning topiary artist Craig Sullivan of Hedgehogs Gardens. Craig is known for his remarkable ability to transform ordinary trees into living works of art. His cloud pruning not only shapes beautiful landscapes but also helps preserve trees that might otherwise be removed. With thoughtful technique and the right tools, garden maintenance becomes something far more enduring—an art form in itself. Supporting Artists with Handcrafted Tools At Shokunin Store, we focus on tools that reflect true craftsmanship. One of our proudest offerings, the exclusive Kihachi Curved Topiary Shears, is designed specifically for artists like ... Continue Reading
Time to Do Winter Pruning – Here Are the Essentials
It’s the end of May, and that means for those of us in the Southern Hemisphere, the winter pruning season has arrived. Whether you're cutting back deciduous trees, shaping citrus, or tidying up spent growth, this is the season when having the right tool in your hand makes all the difference. This winter, we’re highlighting four essential Japanese pruning tools—crafted for precision, comfort, and longevity. Power Meets Precision: Masamune Loppers Robust yet surprisingly smooth, these loppers are ideal for thicker, woody branches. These are like secateurs with a reach. Forged for power and precision, the serrated edge allows you to prune with control and minimal strain. Their hand-sharpened blades glide cleanly through even stubborn growth. Our Best-Seller for a Reason: Black ... Continue Reading
Yoshioka Hamono’s Kuroco Garden Shears Win LIFE x Design Award for Master Artisan Craft
Recognising Japanese Forging Excellence at the Tokyo Gift Show At the Tokyo International Gift Show in February 2025 — Japan’s largest trade exhibition featuring over 2,700 exhibitors—Yoshioka Hamono’s “Kuroco Pointed Tip Pruning Scissors” received the highly esteemed LIFE✖️Design Award for Best Takumi (Master Artisan) Craft. This award is given to a select few brands that represent the highest levels of traditional craftsmanship and innovation in design. This honour is far more than a trophy. It acknowledges a centuries-old Japanese forging technique that is now critically endangered—one that is rooted in samurai sword-making and carried forward by only a handful of blacksmiths. What Makes Kuroco Pointed Tip Pruning Scissors so Unique? The Kuroco Pointed Tip Scissors stand ... Continue Reading
Tea, Tools, and Tradition: A Garden Tool Care Workshop at Kings Cross Community Garden
On a crisp Autumn morning in Sydney—after a week of relentless rain—we were fortunate to be welcomed by sunshine and the warm company of fellow gardening enthusiasts at Kings Cross Community Garden. The occasion? A garden tool care workshop followed by a hands-on introduction to our handcrafted Japanese gardening tools and Japanese craftsmanship. What made the day even more special was that it also happened to be our wedding anniversary. While it might not be the most conventional way to celebrate, sharing our mission and love for craftsmanship with such a kind community felt deeply rewarding—and worth every minute. A GARDEN TOOL CARE WorkshoP by Horticulturist The first half of the event focused on tool maintenance, led by Yuta, our trusted tool expert from Greenfriends Gardens. ... Continue Reading
How to Shuck Oysters Like a Pro at Home
Shucking oysters at home might seem tricky, but with the right technique and tools, it’s easier than you think! Whether you're preparing a seafood platter, impressing guests at a dinner party, or just craving fresh oysters, learning how to shuck oysters safely is essential. By following these steps, you can not only shuck oysters quickly and effectively but also present them beautifully—just like in fine dining restaurants. Using a high-quality oyster knife makes all the difference, giving you better control and a cleaner cut. 1. Prepare Properly• Use a tea towel or wear protective gloves to avoid injuries. 2. Create an Opening• If the oyster shell is tightly closed, use kitchen scissors to snip off the tip to create an entry point for the knife. 3. Insert the Knife• Hold the ... Continue Reading
Garden 5 at Berry Gardens Festival – 17-20 October 2024
We’re thrilled to announce that Shokunin Store will be part of the Berry Gardens Festival this week! Come visit us at the stunning Garden 5, Berry Beach Holiday Cottage - Glenn and Doreen’s garden oasis, located at 10 Coolaroo Place, Berry. This is your chance to experience our unique collection of artisan tools up close. We’ll be there from 10am-4pm, 17-20 October. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet us in person and explore our exclusive range. For all the details and sneak peeks, follow us on Instagram—we can’t wait to see you there! ... Continue Reading
Premium Nori Seaweed: The Fine Wine of the Sea
Just like the world’s finest wines, our premium nori seaweed is not just any nori—it’s sourced from Mikuniya, a company renowned for its exceptional quality and deep expertise in selecting the very best seaweed. In the same way that the quality of wine begins with the careful selection of grapes at the perfect moment, the quality of premium nori seaweed starts with the expert selection of seaweed from ideal growing conditions. Choosing Nori Like a Bottle of Château Margaux Just like selecting a fine wine, choosing nori requires true expertise. At Mikuniya, skilled tasters act much like sommeliers, relying on years of experience to select the finest premium nori seaweed. Unlike most buyers, who only inspect and taste the dried nori sheets during the auction, Mikuniya goes a step ... Continue Reading
Japanese Garden we should visit in Yamaguchi
A few years ago, while exploring the western end of Japan, we stumbled upon a stunning garden that instantly captivated us. Built in the early 20th century, this serene haven was partly designed by Juei Goto, a renowned garden designer from Kyoto, in 1935. However, some sections of the garden remain shrouded in mystery, with their creators unknown. What struck us most was the sense of peace and tranquility. There were not many visitors around at all, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in the beauty of the surroundings. As we wandered through the garden, it felt as though we were moving through a space effortlessly shaped by nature. It didn't have the rigid, contrived lines of European gardens; instead, its beauty seemed spontaneous. But as we looked closer, we could see that every ... Continue Reading
Nori Seaweed Benefits: The Delicious wrap is great fo the Planet!
Did You Know? Nori is an Environmental Superstar! Just one hectare of Japanese seaweed, like our superior-quality nori (about the size of two football fields), absorbs 20 to 30 tons of carbon dioxide per year—that’s like taking 15 cars off the road! Seaweed is also up to 5 times more efficient at absorbing CO2 than the same area of forest. Plus, eating seaweed doesn’t reduce its environmental benefits! Seaweed absorbs carbon as it grows, and when it’s harvested, it makes space for new seaweed to grow and continue capturing CO2. So, when you enjoy nori, you're making a healthy choice for yourself and supporting a sustainable practice that’s good for the planet! Try our premium roasted sushi nori here. The Environmental Challenges Facing Nori Production The biggest factor ... Continue Reading
Give a Lil’ Love: Caring for Your Scissors
Our high-quality, handcrafted scissors are built to last a lifetime, but even the finest tools need a little love to stay in top shape. That's where our scissor maintenance gear comes in. We offer a variety of shapes and thicknesses of sharpening stones, specially designed for scissor care. Unlike sharpening stones for knives, which are often too thick to go around the receiving blade or non-straight shapes of scissors, our stones ensure precise sharpening without disassembling the blades. In addition, our 100% Camellia Seed Oil is the perfect non-drying tool oil. One bottle goes a long way, as it is versatile enough for use on your face, hands, hair, and even furniture. Best of all, it’s safe and natural. Our Sap and Rust Remover is ideal for keeping your scissors clean and ... Continue Reading
The Peculiar Connection Between Sumo Wrestlers and Grip Scissors
While sumo wrestling may seem worlds apart from the art of crafting with Grip Scissors, the two are connected through the traditional grooming and presentation of sumo wrestlers. The Importance of the "Mage" Topknot In sumo wrestling, a wrestler's appearance is integral to their identity. The traditional topknot hairstyle, or "mage", symbolises a wrestler's rank and discipline. Maintaining this iconic hairstyle requires precision and expertise, which is where specialised Grip Scissors come into play. How Grip Scissors Are Used Hairdressers for sumo wrestlers often use a type of Grip Scissors known as "katamaru". These scissors have a rounded tip on one blade, specifically designed to prevent damaging the scalp or the maticulously groomed hair while providing the precise cuts ... Continue Reading
Do You Love Onigiri?
Here's How to Enjoy Konbini Onigiri Sustainably! Do you love konbini onigiri? I do. When you are in Japan, I am sure many of you would shop these convenient rice balls from Japanese convenience stores. They are a favorite among locals and tourists alike. But did you know you can make more sustainable choices when picking your favorite fillings? Let’s dive into the delicious world of onigiri and learn how we can help preserve Japan's culinary heritage. Japan's Sustainability Crisis in Seafood Japanese cuisine is celebrated worldwide and even registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. From high-end ryotei (Japanese Inn) to cozy family diners and those handy konbini (convenience stores), Japan’s food culture is rich and diverse. Tourists often rave about the warm bentos, ... Continue Reading