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. Yuta demonstrated how to clean, sharpen, and care for your tools so they last longer and perform at their best. From pruning shears to secateurs, many participants were surprised to learn how a little regular care could dramatically extend the life of their equipment. This practical session resonated with many attendees who value sustainability, craftsmanship, and the deeper satisfaction that comes from working with well-maintained tools.
Featured Tool Maintenance Essentials
One of the most valuable takeaways from Yuta’s workshop was how the right care products can make all the difference—not just in prolonging the life of your tools, but also in maintaining their sharpness, hygiene, and overall performance. We explained that common sharpening stones made for kitchen knives are too thick for scissors and secateurs, often requiring you to take the tool apart. That’s why we offer three types of sharpening stones specifically suited for fine blades—whether you’re maintaining pruning shears, garden knives, or sickles:
Sharpening Stones – specially selected for Japanese tools, narrow enough for precision without disassembly.
We also introduced our popular 100% camellia seed oil—not only ideal for preventing rust and protecting blades, but also edible-grade and multipurpose. Whether you use it on tools, woodwork, or even skin and hair, it’s safe, natural, and exclusive to Shokunin Store. We’re proud to be the only Japanese tool seller offering this versatile, artisan-quality oil:
Edible Camellia Seed Oil (100%)
And finally, we demonstrated our Sap and Rust Remover, a favourite for those who work with sticky plant sap. Unlike conventional rust cleaners, ours requires no water or oil, making it perfect for quick, fuss-free tool cleaning:
Sap and Rust Remover for Scissors
These small additions to your routine can bring immense satisfaction—there’s something meditative and grounding about caring for tools that, in turn, care for your garden.
Preserving Tradition: Japanese Gardening Tools in a Modern World
One important fact that we got to communicate to the audience is this: our sustainable tradition is under threat. With cheap mass-produced tools widely available, the market often overlooks the value of tools that are built to last, repairable, and beautifully made. We hope to keep these traditions alive by telling their stories, supporting the craftsmen, and helping gardeners around the world discover their value.
A Touch of Japan: Mitsuba in Sydney
To our surprise and delight, one of the members, Fiona, gifted us a potted Mitsuba seedling. It is a delicate Japanese herb that we never thought we’d see in Australia. For many Japanese people, Mitsuba (similar to parsley, but with a distinctive flavour) is a nostalgic taste of home. Can’t wait to make chawanmushi 茶碗蒸し—a savoury Japanese egg custard—once it’s ready to harvest.
This small gesture reminded me of the deep cultural connections that can be shared through plants, food, and community.
Gratitude and Reflections
A heartfelt thank you to Cathy, Jo, Janine, Maree and Fiona for your wonderful support, and to everyone who joined us on the day. Your curiosity, kindness, and shared appreciation for tools and traditions made this event truly memorable (oh, and the treats, yum!).
Whether it’s sharpening secateurs, learning about Japanese craftsmanship, or sharing herbs and stories over tea, it’s clear that community gardens like Kings Cross are more than just green spaces—they’re places where people come together to connect, learn, and grow.
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