About us
Founded in 2019, Zahocho Knives Tokyo is your connection to authentic, well-priced, handmade Japanese kitchen knives. Although our primary mission is to connect people with the perfect knives for their culinary needs, there’s so much more to us than that. We are vibrant, passionate cooking enthusiasts working to make the world a better place, one cut at a time.
We are Fred and Akiko. As a husband-and-wife team, we are a business rooted in love for each other and for food. Before opening Zahocho knives, Fred trained as a sushi chef at Tokyo Sushi Academy and has spent time preparing culinary masterpieces in a professional kitchen in Manila. Akiko has also enjoyed a lifelong passion for cooking. Additionally, she holds a B.A. in British and American Culture and is a certified international image consultant. Together, we are an incredible team.
Originally, we planned to use our combined expertise to open a Japanese restaurant in Manila. But then the Covid-19 pandemic happened, and we had to become flexible. As the world retreated into their own homes and began preparing more meals for themselves, so did we. And the more we cooked, the more we realized that quality, well-priced cooking knives are hard to come by. Thus, our new dream and the idea for Zahocho Knives Tokyo was born.
From the beginning, our goal was simple: to ensure that our fellow chefs and culinary aficionados in the Philippines can easily access the tools they need to create their favorite dishes - without breaking their budgets. We seek out the top-rated knife makers, including those based in Sakai, Takefu, Sanjo, and Seki, and have them delivered to your doorstep.
Today, we’re delighted to work with people from all over the world. Whether you’re a home chef looking for the best Japanese cooking knives, a professional culinary expert in need of high-performance knives, or a collector seeking out ultra-high-end Japanese blades, we’ve got you covered.
High-quality Japanese kitchen knives are a worthy investment for anyone interested in the culinary arts, but that doesn’t mean you should be forced to pay an arm and a leg when upgrading your cooking toolkit. As passionate cooking lovers ourselves, we seek to combine extraordinary products with fair prices so that you can focus on creating amazing things in the kitchen.
Happy cooking!
The Meaning Behind 'Zahocho'
Our name, Zahocho, carries profound significance, embodying our commitment to providing you with the finest blades and exceptional service.
The choice of "za" in our company name is more than a wordplay on "the knife": "za" (the) "hocho" (knife). We aim to be more than just another knife provider; we aspire to be your ultimate destination in search of "the knife"—the perfect partner that suits your culinary needs and brings joy to your culinary journey. Our extensive collection of Japanese kitchen knives is curated to assist you in finding the ideal blade that embodies both precision and artistry.
However, "za" carries a deeper meaning that resonates with our philosophy. In Japanese culture, "za" conveys a sense of groundedness and stability, signifying a strong foundation and a sense of rootedness. This aligns perfectly with the craftsmanship and quality inherent in Japanese knives. When you source your knives from Zahocho Knives Tokyo, you're not just acquiring a tool; you're embracing a tradition honed over centuries. Recognizing the importance of a solid grounding in the culinary world, we aim for our knives to be one of the key foundations and cornerstones of your exceptional cooking experiences.
Moreover, 'za' symbolizes trustworthiness, underscoring our pledge to be your reliable and trustworthy source for Japanese kitchen knives. Whether you are a home cook, a professional chef, or a Japanese knife aficionado, we stand as your trusted source. Committed to providing the information and support you need, we ensure that your experience with us is as exceptional as the knives we offer.
Understanding that a knife is an integral part of your culinary passion - a reflection of your dedication to the culinary arts, and a testament to the precision required to create extraordinary dishes - we invite you to explore the world of precision cutting with our range of Japanese kitchen knives. Craft your culinary masterpieces with our finest Japanese knives and let your culinary journey continue.
We are honored to accompany you on your culinary journey, providing the perfect tool for every kitchen task from our carefully curated collection. Here, at Zahocho, your cooking passion and our dedication to quality unite. We thank you for your trust and for inviting us to be a part of your culinary story. Here's to countless unforgettable meals, bold flavors, and the joy of creating. Let your adventure in the kitchen continue!
Ready to find your ideal kitchen companion? Feel free to explore our collection at your own pace. We're here when you're ready.