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Knife Hacks For Perfect Cutting

In today’s post we have selected 5 knife hacks for perfect cutting. Knife hack 1: Use the spine of the knife The spine of the knife is the back of the blade. Although often overlooked, it is very handy for cooking. Use this part of the blade to transfer ingredients from the chopping board to a […]

Woman holding a Charcuterie board

How To Make A Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards have become increasingly popular nowadays. Not only are they delicious and enjoyed by many, they also make for the perfect Instagram post. With a variety of cured meats, cheese, nuts, spreads, fruit and crackers, there is something in it for everyone to enjoy! What Is Charcuterie? Charcuterie is the art of preparing and […]

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Cooking steak like a pro (and mistakes you should avoid)

Mastering the art of cooking steak is a pursuit that many aspiring home chefs embark upon. There’s something inherently satisfying about achieving that perfect sear, locking in the juicy tenderness, and savoring each delectable bite. However, this culinary quest is not without its challenges, as even the most seasoned cooks can stumble along the way. […]

walnut wooden cutting boards

The Concept Of Wabi-Sabi In Wooden Objects

In this article we will explore how the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi is found in wooden objects. But first, it is important to understand what wabi-sabi is. Wabi-sabi meaning Wabi-sabi is an ancient Japanese philosophy, that encourages one to accept and appreciate life the way it is: imperfect. It teaches us to acknowledge three simple […]

Sakai Kyuba Japanese Kitchen Knife by Oishya: Mediterranean Blue

Wooden Handles: Maple Burl

Before we can go into the details of each wood type, we must identify what makes wooden handles so good. So why opt for wooden handles? Wood is natural material that is warm to the touch, comfortable to hold and long lasting. Therefore, it is no surprise that wood has been widely used as a […]

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Best Way To Store Kitchen Knives Around Children

The kitchen is filled with appliances and utensils that can be dangerous to have around children. Kitchen knives are one of the main ones. Therefore, finding the best way to store kitchen knives around children is crucial. Proper knife storage is essential to avoid accidents in the kitchen and care for your knives. Overall, there […]

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How To Organise Your Fridge: Zero Waste

How many times has finding space for your groceries in the fridge felt like making a complicated jigsaw puzzle? If your answer is more than once, then you need to change how you organise your fridge. Cleaning and organising your fridge can help you prevent food waste and save you a lot of time and […]

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How to Host An Unforgettable Dinner Party

It is no secret that hosting a dinner party can be very stressful. It involves countless tasks: setting the table, cooking a delicious meal, cleaning the house, etc. However, a dinner party should be enjoyed by both the guests and hosts. This is why we have come up with a guide on how to host […]

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How To Cut Onions Without Crying

It is a known fact around the world that cutting onions will make you cry. But have you ever stopped and asked yourself why this happens? Why do onions make you cry? Onions are mainly made out of water and have some vitamins and sugar compounds. But they also have compounds contain sulphur. This is […]

Oishya Sakai Kyuba brown nakiri on Sakai Kyuba boxes

12 Things Every Home Cook Should Have In Their Kitchen

Last updated: April 2026 With all the countless one-purpose kitchen tools out there it can be hard to identify what are the most essential tools in the kitchen. To make your life easier we’ve created an essential kitchen tools list. These tools have endless uses and are worth the investment. They will elevate your cooking […]

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10 Christmas Gift Ideas For Him (Inspired By Japan)

Our guide will give you plenty of gift ideas to help you choose the perfect gift for him. Whether you’re searching for something traditional, useful or fun, these Japan inspired gifts will be loved by any man. 1. Sake If you are looking for gift ideas for the man who loves to have a drink […]

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10 Christmas Gift Ideas For Her (Inspired By Japan)

With Christmas just around the corner, we have come up with 10 Christmas gift ideas for those special women in your life. Think mothers, sisters, aunts, girlfriends, etc. 1. Kintsugi tableware This is a perfect gift for that elegant woman in your life who loves delicate and timeless things. Not only are kintsugi products beautiful, […]

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What Makes Japanese Kitchen Knives So Good?

Japanese knives have become an essential kitchen tool for any chef or home cook. But what exactly is it that makes Japanese knives so good? Are they really better than Western knives? The blade’s hardness There are two ways to make a Japanese knife: honyaki or kasumi. Where, honyaki involves using solid high-carbon steel whilst kasumi forges a […]

Handmade Japanese Kitchen knives, High Carbon And Stainless

11 Best Kitchen Gifts For Christmas

For too long, kitchen gifts have been associated with poor taste, single use products. Think about the numerous novelty aprons and mugs that you’ve been gifted and never used. However, kitchen gifts don’t have to be this way. This is why we have identified 11 kitchen gift ideas that people will actually love. Whether you […]

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4 Knife Safety Tips

Here at Oishya, we want to ensure our knives are used safely. This is why we have come up with 4 knife safety tips we recommend you follow. This article is part of our complete knife care guide. 1. Keep your knives sharp We have stated multiple times that a sharp knife is safer than […]

Dishwasher empty

7 Ways You Are Accidentally Destroying Your Kitchen Knives

Like most things, knives need to be treated with respect so that they can perform in the best way possible. We have identified 7 ways in which you are probably damaging your knife without knowing it. We hope listing these can help you start taking better care of your knives (they deserve it). 1. Putting […]

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Secrets Of Japanese Business Etiquette: Personal Habits

This is the fifth blog in our series of Secrets of Japanese Business Etiquette (How not to Faux Pas). In particular, it will discuss personal habits to keep in check when conducting business in Japan.  There has been much written about Japanese business etiquette, but sadly much of it seems written by people who have […]

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Secrets Of Japanese Business Etiquette: Business Meetings

This blog is the fourth one in our series of Secrets of Japanese Business Etiquette (How not to Faux Pas). In particular, it will clear any confusion relating to business meetings in Japan.  There has been much written about Japanese business etiquette, but sadly much of it seems written by people who have not been […]

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Secrets Of Japanese Business Etiquette: Business Attire

This blog is the third one in our series of Secrets of Japanese Business Etiquette (How not to Faux Pas). In particular, it will clear any confusion in terms of appropriate business attire when conducting business in Japan. There has been much written about Japanese business etiquette, but sadly much of it seems written by […]

business card exchange

Secrets Of Japanese Business Etiquette: Business Cards

This blog is the second one in our series of Secrets of Japanese Business Etiquette (How not to Faux Pas). In particular, it will clear any confusion in terms of giving and receiving business cards when conducting business in Japan. There has been much written about Japanese business etiquette, but sadly much of it seems […]

bowing japanese bow in japan

Secrets Of Japanese Business Etiquette: Greetings And Bowing

This blog is the first one in our series of Secrets of Japanese Business Etiquette (How not to Faux Pas). In particular, it will clear any confusion in terms of bowing and greetings when conducting business in Japan. The Secrets of Japanese Business Etiquette series It is easy to experience culture shock when visiting Japan […]

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10 Best Storage Ideas For Small Kitchens

No matter how big or small your kitchen is, one thing we all struggle with is storage space. This is why every inch of it matters. After researching numerous kitchen and interior design blogs we have selected 10 best storage ideas that will help you save precious space in your kitchen. So in no particular […]

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Why Should You Oil Your Chopping Boards

As with all wooden kitchen utensils- spoons, blocks, bowls, etc- wooden chopping boards will eventually crack if not maintained properly.  The easiest and most efficient way to prevent your board from splintering is to oil it. Throughout this article will cover the why, what, how and when of oiling your wooden board.  Why should you […]

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4 Basic Knife Cut Techniques Everyone Should Master

In today’s article we have identified the four basic knife cuts every cook (both beginners and professionals) should know how to do: The slice The chop The back-slice The rock-chop Before we begin, it is important to have the right knives for the job. Our Sakai Kyuba x Oishya knife set consists of three knives […]

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15 Creative Hobbies to Bring More Balance Into Your Life

With social distancing taking place during the coronavirus outbreak, many of us wonder what creative hobbies to embrace to pass time. After all, catching up on TV and reading novels can become repetitive after some time. This is why we have come up with a list of 15 creative hobbies you can easily start (9 […]

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What Wood Is Best For Cutting Boards & Butcher Blocks?

Last updated: April 2026 If you think about it, cutting boards are very versatile and one of the most valuable accessories in your kitchen. It acts at any given moment as a chopping block, food preparation surface, or serving station—sometimes all three. Therefore it’s essential that this can’t-live-without kitchen accessory be made of a high […]

children cooking

Kids And Knives In The Kitchen – Safety Tips

The kitchen is a welcoming place for kids. With so much magic happening there—parents rushing around, prepping meals, pulling colorful items from the shelves and refrigerator, creating irresistible smells—cooking and baking can be a very enjoyable time for the family. Naturally, knives play a big part in kitchen activities. With everything going on, from divided […]

Japanese knife with cut pomegranate

How To Cut A Pomegranate Using A Knife

How do you cut a pomegranate using a knife without making a mess? Pomegranate is a beautiful fruit, with shiny red “jewels” called arils inside, containing sweet, juicy nectar that surrounds a white seed in the middle. They are a very tricky fruit to cut. The juice from any broken seeds can stain your clothes, […]

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How To Sharpen Kitchen Knives?

Wondering why you should sharpen kitchen knives? No matter if you’re a professional or a weekender foodie who likes to prepare something fast and tasty, it is crucial to keep your knives sharp so that they cut through food with less slippage. There are many reasons why you should keep your knives sharp – here […]

Seki Kyuba RYU Knife Set: Santoku, Nakiri, Petty Japanese Kitchen Knives

101 On Choosing a Quality Knife Set (With Focus on Japanese Craftsmanship)

Selecting the right knife set is a crucial step in elevating your culinary experience. Whether you’re a passionate home cook or an aspiring chef, having the right tools can make all the difference in your kitchen adventures. As Elliott Bell wisely points out, “You don’t have to be a professional cook to own a professional […]