Enriching Life Through Tools
Our Story
Kakuri proudly upholds the belief that tools are the foundation of craftsmanship, and through the art of making, they enrich people's lives. Since our founding in 1946, we've been committed to delivering traditional Japanese woodworking tools that embody this principle.
Our mission is simple: to support a richer, more fulfilling life through the tools we craft. By merging time-honored artisan techniques with modern usability, we create tools that empower both beginners and seasoned professionals to enjoy the process of woodworking, whether you're creating something for the first time or honing your craft.
About Tsubame-Sanjo
Our headquarters is located in the Tsubame-Sanjo region of Niigata Prefecture, an area renowned globally for its metalworking craftsmanship. This region has long been known as the "town of hardware," where the fusion of traditional skills, honed since the Edo period, and a spirit of innovation continue to thrive.
In Tsubame-Sanjo, various specialized artisans collaborate across disciplines—blacksmiths who forge blades, woodworkers who refine tool handles, and many others with high-level craftsmanship skills. Together, they produce some of the highest-quality tools in the world.
At Kakuri, we honor this rich history of craftsmanship. Our tools are a testament to the dedication and respect we have for these time-tested techniques. We are passionate about sharing this heritage, both in Japan and abroad, and supporting the culture of local artisans as we ensure these traditional methods are passed on to future generations.
Our Commitment and Strengths
Exceptional Quality and Artisan Craft
Many of our tools are meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, each one made with the highest level of care and attention to detail. Our products strike a balance between the timeless beauty of traditional craftsmanship and the practical utility required for daily work.
We believe that woodworking should be a fulfilling and rewarding activity for all, which is why we support our customers with guidance on proper use and maintenance. Our goal is to make sure every woodworker—from novice to expert—can rely on our tools to enhance their experience.
Preserving Japan's Traditional Techniques
At Kakuri, we remain committed to preserving traditional Japanese woodworking tools. These tools are designed to last a lifetime, improving with age through regular sharpening and maintenance. As you care for them, you form a deeper bond with the tools, making them your own.
Our tools are designed to grow with you—the more you use them, the more they adapt to your touch, enhancing both their functionality and appearance. Once you hold one of our tools, you'll quickly understand why they are meant to last for generations.
Designed for Every User
We always put the user first in our design process, ensuring that our tools are easy to use, regardless of your skill level. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just getting started, you can rely on the quality and dependability of our tools.
Our brand slogan, "A Master Touch in Every Tool," reflects this mindset. We want to make high-quality tools crafted by skilled artisans readily available to everyone, professionals and casual users alike. When you master the tools themselves, you can use them easily and get even more joy out of woodworking.
Interviews with the Artisans
Meet a Kakuri Craftsman: Kanai Woodworks' Plane Maker
Kanai-san, 80 years old at the time of the interview, is a seasoned plane maker with over 60 years of...
Meet a Kakuri Artisan: Koide-san, Master Plane Maker
Kakuri was founded in 1946 as a wholesaler of carpentry tools and cutting tools. Later, the company established a manufacturing...
The History of Kakuri
Customer Reviews
Lumberjack Thor | Marceneiro
Feito em parceria com a @kakuri_japan esse é um projeto que eu tava muito ansioso pra compartilhar com vocês.A Kakuri me enviou um kit de ferramentas pra eu criar um projeto, da minha escolha, com elas. E nada melhor do que homenagear a própria cultura japonesa, que tem a melhor marcenaria do mundo, e fazer uma peça que uniu o útil ao agradável.
Giving Back Green Custom Woodworking LLC
If you are looking for top quality, precision hand tools to give you the satisfaction of working with your hands then Kakuri Japan is the way to go! The best part of these tools is the company’s dedication and commitment to revitalizing Japanese woodworking techniques. I personally love using these tools in my craft and I know you will too!
VORS Studio
Kakuri hand tools—especially their hand planes, saws, and chisels—offer exceptional precision and control, making them perfect for traditional joinery. From delicate mortise and tenon joints to complete handcrafted pieces, they enable true craftsmanship in its purest form.
Our Distributors
Our Responsibility to Preserve Traditional Craftsmanship
As the world becomes increasingly digital, there is growing concern about the erosion of traditional skills and craftsmanship. At Kakuri, we feel a deep responsibility to carry forward the wisdom and techniques of Japan's traditional tool-making craft while incorporating these methods into contemporary production.
Japanese tools have always been more than just tools—they represent lasting value, carefully crafted with the user in mind and refined over time. We are committed to ensuring that this philosophy continues into the future, with tools that are cherished and handed down across generations. Alongside artisans, we will continue to walk this path, preserving the legacy of craftsmanship for future generations.
