Nami’s Top 10 Favorite Kitchen Tools
If you’ve cooked with me or followed Just One Cookbook over the years, you’ve probably seen these tools in action. I reach for them daily, and they’ve become essentials in my home kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned home cook, these well- designed Japanese tools can make everyday cooking easier, more joyful, and more beautiful.
My Favorite Things About These Kitchen Tools
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Made in Japan with exceptional craftsmanship and materials
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Designed for function, comfort, and efficiency
- Personally used in my home kitchen every day
- Ideal for Japanese and everyday home cooking
- Wonderful gifts for anyone who enjoys cooking
1. The Kitchen Tool I Can’t Cook Without: Stainless Steel Prep Tray Set
This 7-piece stainless steel prep tray set is my most-used item, hands down. I use it daily for prepping, marinating, breading, draining, storing, and organizing.
Why I Love It
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Lightweight yet sturdy: Made from high-quality Japanese stainless steel that won’t chip, stain, or rust.
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Incredibly versatile: Use for breading tonkatsu, draining croquettes, prepping vegetables, or collecting scraps.
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Smart storage: Comes with tight-fitting lids for shaking ingredients (like chicken karaage!) and keeping your fridge tidy..
These trays make my kitchen workflow so much smoother—I’ve gifted them to friends and family, and they’re always a hit.
2. The Secret to Perfect Miso Soup: Miso Muddler
Making miso soup used to be messy, until I found this clever miso muddler. Total game-changer!
Why I Love It
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No guessing: One end holds 1 Tbsp (one serving), the other 2 Tbsp (two servings).
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Swirl and dissolve: Just swirl it in your hot broth—no spoon, no strainer, no lumps.
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Multi-use: I also use it as a whisk for eggs and salad dressings.
This little tool keeps my miso tub neat and simplifies soup-making every time.
3. The Best All-Purpose Knife: Nagomi Santoku Knife
I’ve tried many knives, but ever since I discovered Nagomi, I haven’t looked back. Made in Seki City, Japan, they are sharp, balanced, and beautifully made.
Why I Love It
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Comfortable handle: Ergonomic wood and stainless steel grip.
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Light and agile: The santoku shape is perfect for chopping, mincing, and slicing.
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Stays sharp: Layered Damascus stainless steel resists rust and holds its edge.
If I could recommend just one knife, it would be this santoku.
4. My Go-To for Clear Soups: Superfine Mesh Skimmer
A clear broth instantly makes soup feel special. This Japanese skimmer helps you achieve that effortlessly.
Why I Love It
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Ultra-fine mesh: Captures even tiny particles for a clear, refined broth.
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Made in Tsubame-Sanjo: A region known for premium stainless steel tools.
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Easy to clean: Fully stainless steel and dishwasher-safe.
It’s simple, essential, and elevates soups and stocks with minimal effort.
5. My Daily Prep Helper: Stainless Steel Rice Washing Bowl
If you cook rice often, this smartly designed bowl is a must. It simplifies washing rice without losing a single grain.
Why I Love It
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Tilt and drain: Built-in holes and angled base make rinsing easy and mess-free.
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Multi-functional: Soak vegetables, wash fruit, or drain pasta.
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Durable and eco-friendly: Rust-resistant and plastic-free.
It’s become one of my favorite tools for daily meal prep.
6. One Lid to Rule Them All: Stainless Steel Drop Lid (Otoshibuta)
Drop lids are essential for simmered dishes in Japanese cooking, and this adjustable stainless steel version is my favorite.
Why I Love It
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Expands to fit pots: Fits 5.1–9.1 inches (13–23 cm) wide.
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Heat-safe and sturdy:: Won’t warp or crack like wood, and it’s dishwasher-safe.
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More hygienic: Non-porous and odor-resistant.
Perfect for simmered fish, nikujaga, and stewed vegetables—it keeps flavors rich and textures just right.
7. A Mortar That Does It All: Japanese Mortar & Pestle Set
I’ve tried many mortars over the years, but this rustic, glazed Japanese set is the one I reach for every time.
Why I Love It
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Gorgeous and practical: Dark ceramic glaze with a pouring spout—rare and useful!
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Right size: Not too big or too shallow; just right for everyday use.
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Double duty: Grind sesame, mix dressings, and serve—all in one bowl.
It’s not just functional. It’s beautiful enough to bring straight to the table.
8. The Best Tool for Shredded Cabbage: Stainless Steel Cabbage Slicer
If you’ve ever had fluffy shredded cabbage with tonkatsu in Japan, you’ll know how special it is. This slicer helps you recreate that texture at home.
Why I Love It
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Restaurant-quality results: Gentle pressure produces super-fine shreds.
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Comfortable to use: Angled blade and wide handle reduce fatigue.
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Compact and easy to clean: No complicated parts, dishwasher-safe.
It’s my secret weapon for plating crispy, delicious meals.
9. Why I Always Use a Hinoki Cutting Board
If you’ve ever had fluffy shredded cabbage with tonkatsu in Japan, you’ll know how special it is. This slicer helps you recreate that texture at home.
Why I Love It
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Restaurant-quality results: Gentle pressure produces super-fine shreds.
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Comfortable to use: Angled blade and wide handle reduce fatigue.
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Compact and easy to clean: No complicated parts, dishwasher-safe.
It’s my secret weapon for plating crispy, delicious meals.
10. My Favorite Tongs (Yes, Really!)
If you’ve ever had fluffy shredded cabbage with tonkatsu in Japan, you’ll know how special it is. This slicer helps you recreate that texture at home.
Why I Love It
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Restaurant-quality results: Gentle pressure produces super-fine shreds.
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Comfortable to use: Angled blade and wide handle reduce fatigue.
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Compact and easy to clean: No complicated parts, dishwasher-safe.
It’s my secret weapon for plating crispy, delicious meals.
