CONCEPT
Good tools have a reason
Good tools have individual reasons. They possess a universal design that has been developed over a long period of time. For example, to cut into fiber, the tip of the knife is pointed and the body is curvy. Good tools have such reason and help make food taste better.
HISTORY
Our Story
KAMA-ASA was founded in 1908 by Minosuke Kumazawa in Kappabashi, Tokyo. Kappabashi is a unique “kitchenware district” entirely populated with shops selling all kinds of tools to equip restaurants. In the past, Kappabashi was a place only for professional cooks, but now it is open to everyone including non-professional cooking enthusiasts. In 2018, the fourth generation owner, Daisuke Kumazawa, opened the first overseas branch in Paris. Both stores are filled with a wide range of kitchen tools and knives that accompany your culinary journey.
PHILOSOPHY
Our Promise
The heart of our business is to stand between the craftspeople and customers, not just as a retailer, but as a storyteller and an advisor. We are passionate about telling stories behind each product and addressing questions and concerns that our customers may have. Through one-on-one conversations with customers, we are able to understand their skills and needs, and help their understanding of products by thoroughly explaining both benefits and downsides of them. It is all because we want each customer to find products that they can cherish for many years to come.
CRAFTSMAN
Craftsman
All the products at KAMA-ASA reflect the craftsmanship and techniques of manufacturers and craftspeople that we are truly proud of and respect for. Unfortunately it has become increasingly difficult for the craftspeople to pass on their artisanal skills and cultures to the next generation. It is one of our important missions to promote the outstanding value of traditional Japanese crafts in order to preserve their skills, cultures and history.
COOKING UTENSILS
Our Products
At KAMA-ASA, you won’t find a lot of products that deteriorate and need to be replaced every few years. Instead, you will discover a collection of sturdy products that last long with proper maintenance. We travel across Japan to visit craftspeople and find products that we think are exceptional. Each product is carefully investigated to ensure quality that we can sell with pride. We are also passionate about making our original products that embodies our philosophy, “good tools have a reason.”
