Is the Global Popularity of Japanese Knives Real? 2024 Export Trends and What’s Next

  • August 15, 2025

  • 2024 Export Trends & What the Future Holds

    Japanese kitchen knives—renowned for their precision, sharpness, and craftsmanship—are gaining attention around the world. But is this just a temporary trend, or a sign of long-term global growth?
    In this article, we’ll dive into 2024's Japanese export data, explore why Japanese knives are resonating with international audiences, and offer a forecast of what lies ahead.

Japan’s Kitchen Knife Exports Reach All-Time High

  • While Japan’s total national exports hit a record ¥107 trillion in 2024, the most exciting news for our industry is within the "Kitchen Cutlery" category. According to Ministry of Finance trade statistics, Japanese kitchen knife exports reached a historic ¥14.3 billion.


    This growth isn't just a byproduct of a larger economy; it represents a specific, rising global demand for the quality that only Japanese blacksmiths can provide.

Where Are Japanese Goods Going?

  • The Broader Context: Japan’s Growing Global Presence

    To understand the surge in demand for Japanese knives, it is helpful to look at the broader landscape of Japanese trade. The following data shows Japan’s top export destinations across all industries (including automobiles and technology). While these figures represent the national total, they highlight the key markets where the "Made in Japan" brand is currently gaining the most momentum.

  • Japan's Top 10 Export Destinations in 2024 (Total All Goods/Commodities)

  • Strategic Insights from the Export Data

    The double-digit growth in markets like Hong Kong (+18.8%), India (+16.5%), and Taiwan (+14.2%) is particularly significant. This rising tide of Japanese exports overall is creating a "halo effect" for traditional crafts. As these economies grow and their appreciation for Japanese quality deepens, we are seeing a direct correlation with the increased interest in high-end Sakai cutlery.

Why Are Japanese Knives in Demand Worldwide?

  • 1. Accessible Luxury: The weakened yen has made premium knives more attainable for home cooks, shifting them from "professional-only" tools to "household essentials" for food enthusiasts.

    2. The Ethos of Sustainability: In a move away from disposable culture, global consumers are embracing the Japanese concept of maintaining a tool for life.

    3. Craftsmanship That Tells a Story: Each knife is a "tool with a soul," forged through centuries of tradition in regions like Sakai.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Japanese Knife Exports

  • ・ From Price to Purpose: Global consumers are increasingly choosing authenticity and narrative over low costs.

    ・ The "Third Wave" Markets: India and the Middle East are emerging as significant growth centers.

    ・ Education is Key: As more people own these knives, the demand for sharpening services and maintenance education will skyrocket.

Conclusion: Carrying Tradition Into the Future

  • The global rise of Japanese knives is about sharing centuries of craftsmanship and philosophy with the world. At KIREAJI, we see each knife as a story forged in Sakai and entrusted to cooks around the globe. A KIREAJI knife is not just something you own—it is something you inherit.

Why Japanese Knives Are Rising Worldwide — And Why the Trend Won’t Fade

  • Japanese knives are not riding a temporary trend—they are becoming a global standard, driven by authenticity, sustainability, and craftsmanship.

Sources

Japanese Knife Market

Japanese knives, famed for their razor-sharp edges and centuries of craftsmanship, are adored by chefs worldwide. Yet while global demand continues to rise, the domestic market in Japan is quietly shrinking—revealing a striking contrast between tradition at home and popularity abroad.

Japanese Knife Market

The Soul of Craftsmanship

  • Craftsmanship Beyond Borders: Why Japanese Knives Are Loved Around the World

    “Lately, I’ve been receiving more and more orders directly from overseas. There was a time when I made knives solely for Japanese chefs. But now, my blades are used in bistros in France and sushi bars in New York.

    At first, I was surprised. But when I spoke with these chefs, they often told me, ‘It’s not just the sharpness.’ Some said that using the knife makes them stand taller at their station, while others shared that even caring for it brings them joy.

  • It was then that I realized a Japanese knife is more than a tool. It carries within it the spirit and aesthetics of Japan. As someone who has spent decades working with fire, steel, and stone, there is no greater honor than knowing that this spirit is alive in kitchens far beyond our shores.

    The growing recognition of Japanese knives around the world affirms something profound: our craftsmanship is genuine. The soul we forge into every blade can be felt, even across oceans.”

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

  • japanese_knife_made_in_Sakai

    1. Exceptional Japanese Knives

    Our knives, crafted by Sakai City's master artisans, combine traditional techniques with carefully selected materials, delivering unrivaled sharpness and durability.

  • 2. For a Lifetime of Use

    At KIREAJI, we see knives as lifelong companions. Each knife comes with a free saya, and we offer Honbazuke hand-sharpening by Shiroyama Knife Workshop in Sakai City.

  • 3. Supporting the Joy of Continued Use

    KIREAJI knives are made to grow with you. That’s why we provide trusted after-sales care (fee-based) .