Sakai Kitchen in Sakai City, Osaka Branding traditional industries and promoting them domestically and internationally!

Hello! I’m Hakoboya, the Souvenir Promotion Captain for Kodawari Times! ╭(·ᴗ·)╮╰(·ᴗ·)╯
The other day, we tallied the results of a survey about Japanese souvenirs we ran on the Kodawari Times Facebook campaign. Traditional crafts and local products were popular choices for regional souvenirs people want to buy.
We heard lots of requests like, “We want to discover unique Japanese souvenirs that aren’t well-known yet!” So going forward, we’ll be introducing more products focused on Japan’s regions.

This time, we’re featuring products from Sakai City in Osaka Prefecture, known as a town of craftsmanship. Check out their efforts to brand traditional industries.

Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, rich in traditional industries

Osaka, a popular tourist destination in Japan. Throughout the prefecture, manufacturing thrives across all fields, from traditional crafts to cutting-edge technology. Sakai City, located in southern Osaka Prefecture, is particularly renowned as a city of manufacturing and artisans.

Its history is incredibly ancient, dating back to the ancient Kofun period (late 3rd century to early 7th century). Sakai City is home to the Nintoku Emperor’s Tomb, Japan’s largest ancient burial mound and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s said that groups of artisans who crafted tools like hoes and plows for building these burial mounds gathered here.

After that, advanced casting and forging techniques were cultivated. During the Sengoku period (a time of continuous warfare from the late 15th to late 16th century), Sakai became renowned nationwide as Japan’s top producer of firearms smiths, accounting for about 80% of the nation’s output.

From the Edo period onward, the production of tobacco knives led to the fame of the sharp “Sakai knives.” This tradition transitioned into the manufacture of culinary knives, evolving into the present-day “Sakai forged blades.”
Thus, Sakai City boasts a deep history as a town of craftsmanship. Next, we’ll introduce the initiatives promoting this traditional industry as a brand both domestically and internationally.

Traditional Industry Brand Certification “sakai kitchen”

Sakai City certifies traditional Sakai products and exceptional items as the “sakai kitchen” brand, promoting these products to enhance the brand power of traditional industries.

The brand concept of sakai kitchen is “Cherishing everyday tools is cherishing everyday life.” It proposes high-quality items that can be used with affection for a long time, communicating the appeal of Sakai’s traditional industries.

Among the main traditional industries, products like “Sakai knives,” “chusen dyeing and wazarashi” used for tenugui towels and yukata robes, and Japan’s first “incense sticks” have been certified.
Starting in 2021, this marks the fifth year in 2025. Five new items have been certified under the “sakai kitchen” brand. Let’s take a look at each one!

1. Gou Umanosuke Yoshihiro Powdered High-Speed Steel Clad Santoku Knife with Elastomer Handle
[YAMAWAKI CUTLERY MFG.,LTD.]

YAMAWAKI CUTLERY MFG.,LTD., a long-established Sakai cutlery maker, presents a new knife for the modern dining table. Combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary functionality, this single blade embodies a new value for the company: “authentic yet easy to handle.”

The blade features HAP40 powdered high-speed steel manufactured using powder metallurgy, delivering exceptional sharpness, long-lasting edge retention, and ease of resharpening—all at a high level—as demanded of a household kitchen knife. Furthermore, its rust resistance makes it easy to handle during daily cooking and helps maintain its beautiful condition over time.

The handle utilizes environmentally conscious synthetic rubber (elastomer) offcuts, offering excellent water resistance and hygiene. Its soft, comfortable texture and non-slip design reduce fatigue during extended cooking sessions. The sleek black color exudes luxury and modernity, adding a sophisticated touch to any kitchen.
Plus, the double-edged design makes it easy to handle at home. Why not make your daily cooking more comfortable and enjoyable with just this one knife?
▼Details here
https://sakai-kitchen.jp/product/2025-01-en

2. Sasasa Wazarashi Cloth Coffee Filter / Wazarashi Cloth Cold Brew Filter
[Takeda Sarashi Kojo Inc.]

Sasasa Wazarashi Cloth Coffee Filter is a sustainable, washable, reusable coffee filter crafted by Takeda Sarashi Kojo Inc., a long-established company founded in 1911. Made from 100% cotton “Oka fabric” safe for food contact, it features a clean, durable finish achieved through traditional Japanese bleaching techniques.
It retains just the right amount of coffee oils often filtered out by paper filters, allowing you to enjoy a mellow, rich, and deep flavor.

The shape comes in two types: a cone shape that fits standard drippers and a fan shape. There’s also a dedicated cold brew type. Steeping in the refrigerator for about 12 hours brings out a clear, clean taste with a gentle sweetness. Each type makes 2-4 cups and is reusable, making it an economical and eco-friendly item.

Simply boil to sterilize before use, then rinse and air-dry after brewing. The quick-drying material makes it easy to incorporate into your daily coffee routine.

Developed under the supervision of coffee brand “Overview Coffee Japan,” this product offers coffee lovers a new way to enjoy their brew. Experience a rich cup with “Sasasa,” where traditional craftsmanship meets modern lifestyle.
▼Details here
https://sakai-kitchen.jp/product/2025-04-en

3. tututata Wazarashi Tenugui
[Kadono Sarashi Some Inc.]

Since its founding in 1931, Kadono Sarashisome, inc. has steadfastly preserved the traditional techniques of wasarashi. From this proven skill and dedication, the new lifestyle brand “tututata” was born.
The brand name is inspired by the sounds of the Japanese words tsutsumu (to wrap) and tatamu (to fold), gestures that symbolize Japan’s fabric culture. It delivers a new kind of tenugui that accompanies daily life—neither a furoshiki nor a handkerchief.

While retaining the unique breathability and absorbency of wasarashi, the designs completely refresh the traditional image. Modern patterns reminiscent of Nordic textiles and gentle color palettes bring brightness and a playful spirit to everyday life.

The thick, high-quality fabric offers a tangible sense of quality every time you handle it. Each edge is carefully hemmed for durability, ensuring it remains resistant to fraying even after repeated washing. It also comes with a “Tenugui Recipe,” suggesting ways to incorporate it into your daily life—whether as a kitchen accessory, interior accent, or fashion statement.

From fabric refining and bleaching to printing and quality inspection, everything is handled in-house through integrated production. This meticulous craftsmanship, guided by the eyes and hands of artisans, delivers unwavering quality. Each piece, blending tradition with modern sensibility, is a timeless treasure designed to grace your daily life for years to come.
▼Details here
https://sakai-kitchen.jp/product/2025-02-en

4. hirali Gauze Stole
[Takeno Senko Inc.]

Takeno Senko’s brand “hirali” introduces a new product, the “Gauze Stole,” utilizing its unique double-sided dyeing technique.
This double-sided dyeing technique combines skilled craftsmanship with roll printing (a method where patterns are dyed onto fabric as it rolls through rollers), allowing the front and back of the thin, sheer gauze fabric to be dyed different colors without bleeding through.

This is a special dyeing method unique to Takeno Senko nationwide. It requires five times the usual effort, including adjusting dye formulations based on temperature, and is created through the delicate sensibilities of the artisans.

Lightweight and soft to the touch, it offers comfort and practicality for everyday use. The design features a modern take on traditional Japanese patterns, with color combinations inspired by the Heian period’s layered color culture, “Kasane-no-irome,” using seasonal words (kigo) as motifs. When wrapped around the neck, the front and back colors overlap, creating a style with depth. The look changes depending on how you wrap it, letting you fully enjoy the fun of using it.

Size: 34×180cm. It serves year-round: in summer as a sweat-wicker, sunshade, or air-conditioning shield; in winter as a cold-weather accessory. Its compact portability—easily tucked into a bag—is another charm. This fashion item transcends gender and age, a masterpiece breathing Sakai’s dyeing culture and unique craftsmanship. Enjoy how it softens and evolves with use.
▼Details page here
https://sakai-kitchen.jp/product/2025-03-en

5. KEITA MARUYAMA Incense Series
[Baieido Co., Ltd.]

Baieido, a traditional incense shop in Sakai City with over 300 years of history, has collaborated with fashion brand KEITA MARUYAMA to infuse new beauty into its historic premium incense. The packaging, designed by Keita Maruyama who expresses Japan’s four seasons and traditional beauty with his unique sensibility, reconstructs the beloved “Japanese aesthetic” with a contemporary visual language.

The exotic patterns evoke the incense’s Eastern origins while achieving a high-quality texture that also makes it a striking interior accent. This fresh approach to incense, traditionally associated with Buddhist ceremonies, allows it to naturally integrate into the daily lives of younger generations and those interested in fashion and art, adding a refined touch to any space.

The lineup features three long-selling varieties representing Baimeido: “Kobunboku,” “Kaiun-koh,” and “Sandalwood Kokonoekoh.” Each boasts over a century of history and is characterized by a deep fragrance crafted from carefully selected natural ingredients. Kobunboku offers a gentle, elegant aroma; Kaiun-koh delivers a refreshingly sharp scent; and Sandalwood Kokonoekoh provides a rich, dignified fragrance.

Available in two forms: the traditional short-length type and a modern mini-length type in a paper tube. The design is perfect for gifts and also makes a stylish addition to any interior. This incense, blending history and fashion, brings a special moment of fragrance to your everyday life.
▼Details here
https://sakai-kitchen.jp/product/2025-05-en

▼Details on Kodawari Times can be found here

How about Sakai Kitchen as a Japanese souvenir?

The brand “sakai kitchen” was born from a desire to share Sakai’s outstanding traditional craftsmanship with more people. Every product carries the history of traditional industries while offering wonderful pieces that fit seamlessly into modern life. These items, meticulously crafted with care, are sure to add color to your daily life.
Consider purchasing them as Japanese souvenirs—whether as a treat for yourself or a gift for someone special.

Sakai City will promote the appeal of its traditional industries through exhibitions, sales, demonstrations, workshops, and other promotional activities both domestically and internationally, including for previously certified products.
Keep an eye out for future certified products and various initiatives!
▼Visit the sakai kitchen brand site here
https://sakai-kitchen.jp/en

▼Check out detailed articles on Sakai City’s history and tourism here