Blog - Page 3 of 4 - Shokunin Store

At MIFGS Shokunin Store stall welcomed many new customers as well as a number of our instagram family.

Gardening Greats and Japanese Crafts: Highlights from the Melbourne Flower Show 2024

April 3, 2024 No Comments

Our team has just returned to Sydney after showcasing our finest at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2024, and we’re excited to share highlights from our latest adventure. Participating in the MIFGS 2024 wasn’t just an opportunity for us—it was a responsibility we felt deeply. Representing the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship in gardening tools on this global stage is a duty we owe to the incredibly talented artisans whose life’s work is encapsulated in every tool we present. This event was more than just a showcase; it was a testament to the unparalleled quality and enduring legacy of the craftsmanship we are honored to bring to

Shokunin Store winning the Best Sustainable Garden Product Award at Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2023

Winner of the Best Sustainable Garden Product Award at MIFGS 2023

December 17, 2023 No Comments

Breaking: Celebrating our win for Best Sustainable Garden Product Award at MIFGS

This is your chance to win one of our best sellers.

March 10, 2023 No Comments

This is an exciting announcement that you have a chance to win our best selling secateurs. That is right, people of Victoria. We are coming to Melbourne International Garden and Flower Show 2023 (MIFGS2023) to see you. This is so exciting. Not only because it’s the largest garden show in the southern hemisphere and the venue is none other than the magnificent, UNESCO World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens in the heart of beautiful city of Melbourne, Victoria. But this is our rare opportunity to see our supporters in person. To celebrate our first participation to this event,

Things You Didn’t Know About Camellia Oil

December 23, 2022 No Comments

Our customers buy this camellia oil primarily for the scissors they purchase. But should it just be used as tool oil? What else is camellia oil good for? One thing I want to shout in bold here is that our camellia oil is edible grade. So it is actually ideal to eat but at least use on your hands, hair, heels, elbows, lips… everywhere on your body. What is more unknown is that camellia oil contains fat called oleic acid and that is the closest fat to human skin, more than any other oils available. It is the most natural oil

How not to be “cheated” by your stainless steel products

August 17, 2022 No Comments

I live in Sydney. My kitchen has a mishmash of stainless steel products – some I bring from Japan and some I buy from Australia (most of those are probably not made here I’d say). I don’t think anybody checks what kind of stainless steel a dish rack or mixing bowl are made of when you buy them. Do you? I certainly don’t. Even if I may know a bit more than your average consumer since steel is part of my business, I still get “cheated” by products in disguise. You only realise that some are better than others after a

Many different types of secateurs available

Which Secateurs Should You Choose?

February 2, 2021 No Comments

Ok. There are so many different types of secateurs here I know. Some of you may be at a loss as to which secateurs are the best for you. Your Safest BetThis new arrival “Ergonomic Stainless Steel” is your safest bet – unless you are left handed. This is great if you are a garden professional, florist or weekend gardener. It suits both men and women. If you are choosing a gift for someone, especially if you feel you have less knowledge than the person receiving the gift, you can’t go wrong with this one. The offset handle is designed for

Which one would you like for Christmas?

February 2, 2021 No Comments

Here are some of our beautiful garden tools from Toyama. They are some of the highest quality secateurs available in the world. It is hard to pick one but if you must, which one would you choose? You can’t go wrong with stainless steel but some people just love the look of charcoal coloured handle. One of these has been chosen by “Nikkei Trendy” magazine (Japanese marketers bible) as “100 items to have in your lifetime”, alongside stationery, kitchen utensil, clothing or electronic device. Would you guess which one? I‘ll give you a hint – its offset handle has won a

Japanese Secateurs as seen in Belle Magazine

Perfect Timing for Christmas Shopping

February 2, 2021 No Comments

We are so excited because you’ll find us in the Xmas issues of Belle and House & Garden! Belle magazine has picked our secateurs with walnut inlay handle (T-101) and Floral Scissors Koryu Style (T-9). Thanks to super cool ladies of Belle, Tanya the editor in chief and Janice the senior copy editor, who not just only supported us with the editorial articles but they bought a few pairs of secateurs themselves. That is the best compliment you can get!

Chosen by Garden Professionals – Camel Leather Handle Secateurs

February 2, 2021 No Comments

Have you ever tried Japanese secateurs? If not, you have to try these beautiful, sharp, sturdy and big secateurs. We have just welcomed a few new products that arrived from Japan which will make perfect Christmas gifts for garden enthusiasts. First up, these top of the range secateurs from Toyama’s “SYU” brand. Larger blade and durability aren’t the only good things about this product. Its camel coloured leather handle is sturdy and ages beautifully with time. These are extremely popular with gift seekers who are highly design concious. As beautiful as they look, this is a serious professional tool; they are

How to Tell Your Axe is Made in Japan

February 2, 2021 No Comments

We love this beautiful small axe made in Japan by Mizuno’s traditional craft master. Just look at it. So beautiful that its easy to forget it’s a dangerous tool. When we found this axe at a trade show in Japan, we thought those slots on the head were just a design element. Until the manufacturer told us that they are there for a reason. Apparently each slot represents an ancient Japanese god and it is a superstitious belief that these gods would protect axe users from accidents. There are three on the left side and four on the right. Forestry work

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