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 Exports Reach a Record High in 2024

  • According to Japan’s Ministry of Finance, total exports in 2024 hit a historic ¥107 trillion, marking a 6.2% year-on-year increase.

    While there is no specific category for “kitchen knives” in official data, those familiar with the industry—such as importers, retailers, and chefs—confirm a noticeable rise in Japanese knife exports, particularly within the broader cutlery and hand tools categories.

Where Are Japanese Goods Going?

  • Japan's Top 10 Export Destinations in 2024

  • Notable Growth: Taiwan, Hong Kong, and India saw double-digit growth, indicating rising demand for Japanese products, including knives.

Why Are Japanese Knives in Demand Worldwide?

  • 1. A Luxury That Feels Accessible

    The ongoing weakened yen has made high-quality Japanese knives more affordable to overseas consumers. What was once considered a chef’s luxury has become attainable for serious home cooks.

  • 2. Sustainability & Long-Term Use

    In an era moving away from mass production and disposables, the Japanese concept of caring for and maintaining tools aligns beautifully with values of intentional, sustainable living.

    A Japanese knife isn’t just used—it's sharpened, respected, and kept for years.

  • 3. Craftsmanship That Tells a Story

    Each Japanese knife carries with it a heritage: centuries of forging, hand-sharpening, and regional traditions. These are tools with a soul—not just functional, but full of meaning.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Japanese Knife Exports

  • Let’s zoom out and consider the trajectory of Japanese knives on the global stage.

  • ▶︎ The Age of “High-Quality, Low-Quantity” Is Here

    In the past, price often determined purchase decisions. Today, authenticity, narrative, and craftsmanship carry more weight. Consumers are increasingly choosing tools that reflect a deeper philosophy—not just a lower price.

  • ▶︎ India and the Middle East Are Emerging Markets

    India’s 2024 growth rate of +16.5% signals a fast-expanding appetite for Japanese goods. The Middle East is also ripe with potential, provided cultural and religious sensitivities are respected. These could become the "third wave" markets following North America and East Asia.

  • ▶︎ Demand for Sharpening Services and Education Will Rise

    A premium knife is only as good as the user’s ability to maintain it. As more people abroad invest in Japanese knives, there will be growing demand for local sharpening services, knife maintenance guides, and online education. Selling the knife is just the beginning.

Conclusion: Carrying Tradition Into the Future

  • The global rise of Japanese knives is not just about market growth—it is about sharing centuries of craftsmanship, philosophy, and care with the world.
    At KIREAJI, we see each knife as more than a tool: it is a story forged in Sakai, carried forward by artisans, and entrusted to cooks around the globe.
    As exports expand, we remain committed to preserving this heritage while delivering knives that embody both tradition and innovation.
    A KIREAJI knife is not just something you own—it is something you inherit, something that connects your kitchen to Japan’s enduring spirit of craftsmanship.

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) .