Where two days are never the same. Each product at Dream of Japan is a tapestry of untold tales and their creations, of who, how, and where, and the threads that weave them together. But that's only the tip of the iceberg. Regardless of your interests, we hope and believe that you will find information that is helpful, sparks curiosity, fosters discussions, and leaves you with plenty of food for thought. We firmly believe that every artisan product has stories that will unfold in the Receiver's hands. These narratives inspire us to create and share meaningful stories daily.
Let's create stories together.
Join us at World Tea Expo 2025 in Las Vegas! Visit Booth #5322 for premium Japanese green tea and exclusive deals. Get a discounted ticket—learn more here!
Great news! Japanese Green Tea Co. now offers free shipping to Ireland & the EU. No import fees—just fresh, premium green tea delivered hassle-free. Shop now!
What do Kawaii culture and Japanese green tea have in common? More than you think! Discover how cuteness meets tradition in a delightful fusion of art and tea.
How did coffee become the world’s favorite drink? Discover its origins, legends, and waves of evolution—from ancient Ethiopia to today’s specialty coffee culture.
I am fortunate to interview Mr. Naotaka Ohashi (大橋直誉), who is the manager and the advisor at Sony's first-ever restaurant business that just opened on Jan 26 2025. Check out...
Discover the journey of Spokane's beloved tea company, from humble beginnings to a thriving local favorite. Uncover their unique blends and community impact. Click to read more!
Bonjour à tous nos clients en France ! We're thrilled to share some great news with our customers in France! 🎉 We now offer free shipping for select products in...
At CES 2025, 3 companies were showing off the latest Nespresso machines - one that turns air into coffee (really) and 2 other portable ones. Check out the interview videos!
Kei shares a few of the Los Angeles cafes he likes in town. Check out insights into his journey with some of his personal pictures of the city from an in-person...
Intermittent fasting is becoming increasingly popular. Because there are no restrictions on what foods to eat or limit, it is more of a lifestyle pattern than a diet. This article...
Discover how to make Tiramisu Macarons with coffee cup and croissant designs. A recipe from our friend Erika from Sumopocky, an expert baker friend.
We are happy to be back to the local events after so many years of hibernating from real events. Here are updates and some video snippets from our first two events in December...
Discover the secrets of Japanese Damascus knives! Uncover their rich history, unique features, and the latest trends. Click to explore the art of Japanese knife-making!
We are excited to share the new package for our popular Gokuzyo Aracha Teabag. The product inside is still the same teabag you have loved for the past years. It is...
We are proud to announce that Hokkaido Blend Coffee is now available in K-Cup pods!Enjoy the same rich, balanced taste you love, now in convenient, quick-brewing K-Cup form. Check it out!
Discover the hidden secrets of Japanese tea culture in Miami! Dive into our latest article to uncover fascinating stories and trends. Click to explore more!
Unlock the secret to a natural energy boost with green tea! Discover how this ancient beverage can power your day without the jitters of traditional energy drinks. Click to learn...
Step into the world of Hokusai, where art meets the Way of Tea. Explore how his iconic views shaped Japan's tea culture. A sip of history awaits you...
Craving something unique? Discover the chewy delight of mochi donuts! Learn how these treats blend tradition with modern flavors. Click to uncover the magic!
Immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Cuban coffee culture! Explore the vibrant history, unique brewing techniques, and passionate tradition behind every cup. Click the link to savor the essence...
Learn the unique secrets of Japanese green tea harvesting. Discover ten surprising facts about this historic tradition and obtain a better understanding of the journey from leaf to cup.
Dive into the delightful world of Japanese desserts with our Hojicha Pudding video recipe, and explore the rich tapestry of pudding プリン culture across Japan, including their appearance in Conbini, Jihanki,...
Savor the springtime in every bite with our Raspberry Sakura Tea Cakes, kissed by matcha sugar. Light, flavorful, and simply irresistible – your taste buds will thank you!
Discover the charm of Hokkaido Blend, a unique Japanese coffee experience. Fresh, charcoal-roasted, and packed in a new, eye-catching design. Indulge in the taste of Japan with our top-selling Single-Serve...
We are happy to introduce a new package for our popular Benifuki Allergy Relief Candy. The candy inside is the same as what has been loved by you and other customers...
The Japanese Knife Co. introduces a new addition to their family of products: Premium Japanese Scissors. Emphasizing the history and craftsmanship of Japanese knife-making, the article highlights how these techniques...
Embark on a journey of warmth and flavor as Japanese Green Tea Co. extends its embrace to Denmark, bringing the essence of 'Hygge' to tea enthusiasts. Picture yourself surrounded by...
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Start ShoppingConfused? We made graphs to let you know where all the blade material lives in terms of all the materials used for most Japanese knives in the market today.
I hope the above graph helps you understand what you are picking. (Our product materials are in blue letters.)
Below is another graph showing differences and price and hardness of each material.
And here are the detail of each materials.
Popular options as they do not require heavy maintenance like non-stainless steel options.
CM Stainless (CM合金鋼製)The Most Popular Material
The material of choice for professional chefs. It’s rust-resistant, and in turn easy to maintain. It is made of high-carbon steel with chromium molybdenum. Which is equal in sharpness, sharpening properties, and hardness to carbon steel knives. This material is used for both CM options - the Japanese Style magnolia wood handle and the western style handle.
The More Economical Choice, That Is Still Equally Sharp.
Super French knives are made using carefully selected alloy steel that creates a more affordable price. Making it ideal for at-home cooking enthusiasts and beginners alike. It is equal in sharpness, sharpening properties, polishability, and hardness to carbon steel knives. Plus it is also rust-resistant. The notch in the lower part of the handle creates ease of use. While it isn’t super sharp or hard like the other types, it can do most jobs just as well.
These knives require high maintenance and will rust very easily. They are only used by limited chefs in Japan.
HM Carbon Steel (HM炭素鋼製)The Hardest & Sharpest Knife in Japan.
The knife of choice for top-tier chefs around the world. In fact, it’s the hardest and sharpest knife in Japan - perhaps even the world. However, it also requires the most upkeep as it easily rusts.
It’s handmade with the same technique as samurai swords. Using specially selected blade steel, of pure iron + carbon. The key advantage is that it holds its sharpness extremely well. Then it’s forged with traditional bladesmith techniques passed down for generations. It truly is a legacy knife!
Kasumi Superlative Knives are made by joining a piece of soft iron with a piece of carbon steel. The soft iron portion protects the hardened steel that tends to fracture. This reduces brittleness and makes sharpening easier.
Honyaki knives are made of steel strengthened by quenching. Since quenching the entire steel blade makes the blade brittle and makes aligning its curve difficult, the blade is quenched only from the cutting edge to about the blade's half-point. The high price of Honyaki products is because their production is extremely labor-intensive.
It's not an exact science, but it gives you a good idea of whether or not a knife will suit you.
Here is a chart of what sizes of knives are available based on the blade length.
There are many reasons that home cooks and chefs choose to use a magnolia handle. The foremost is that they're incredibly comfortable and feel perfect in hand. The importance of this can't be understated - a knife that's easier to hold is easier to cut with.
Magnolias are beautiful, large flowering trees that have sweet, floral fragrances. The wood of the Magnolia tree is beloved by Japanese artisans for a number of reasons. Such as its easy workability, strength, and lightness. It is also highly water-resistant, has a lovely bright color, and is reasonably priced. These qualities have made it a popular material choice for a variety of objects, including chopping boards, sheaths, furniture, and knife handles.
Magnolia handles are the most popular in Japan. The bright-colored wood adds a beautiful natural look and comfortable feel. The wood itself is lightweight and soft, yet tough. It provides a textured grip that helps prevent slipping while cutting. It’s a great choice for knives as it is water-resistant and doesn’t contain any resins that might cause corrosion in carbon steel.
Learn More about Magnolia Wooden Handle
For Left Handed knives, we will situate the D-shape in the opposite way than right-handed knives.
Vegan Friendly & Economical
For those concerned about using animal products - we offer a plastic alternative. It’s just as reliable, waterproof, and durable. It is also the standard, free option.
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For an additional $100
Buffalo horn is a waterproof, durable, and natural material pleasing to the eye. It feels especially nice when held. This material is a traditional choice and gives knife handles a classic Japanese look. It also makes the knife 100% natural origin.
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There are many reasons that home cooks and chefs choose to use a magnolia handle. The foremost is that they're incredibly comfortable and feel perfect in hand. The importance of this can't be understated - a knife that's easier to hold is easier to cut with.
Magnolias are beautiful, large flowering trees that have sweet, floral fragrances. The wood of the Magnolia tree is beloved by Japanese artisans for a number of reasons. Such as its easy workability, strength, and lightness. It is also highly water-resistant, has a lovely bright color, and is reasonably priced. These qualities have made it a popular material choice for a variety of objects, including chopping boards, sheaths, furniture, and knife handles.
Magnolia handles are the most popular in Japan. The bright-colored wood adds a beautiful natural look and comfortable feel. The wood itself is lightweight and soft, yet tough. It provides a textured grip that helps prevent slipping while cutting. It’s a great choice for knives as it is water-resistant and doesn’t contain any resins that might cause corrosion in carbon steel.
Learn More about Magnolia Wooden Handle
For Left Handed knives, we will situate the D-shape in the opposite way than right-handed knives.