Storage

Tokyo apartments are famously compact — and Japanese home cooking has evolved to fit tight spaces. Here’s how to equip a small kitchen for Japanese cooking. The Compact Tool Set In a small kitchen, every tool must earn its storage space. The essentials: Gyuto 180mm (shorter than standard 210mm) — One knife for almost everything Cutting board 30×20cm — Fits over the sink or in a narrow drawer Rice cooker 3-cup — Compact enough to store when not in use Donabe (small, 2-person) — One pot for hot pot, rice, and braising Frying pan 26cm — Versatile for stir-fry, okonomiyaki, and frying Space-Saving Strategies Magnetic knife strip — Frees drawer space, keeps knives accessible and dry. ...

Japanese kitchen tools are investments — good ones last decades with proper care. Storage is half the battle. Knives Magnet strip (最強) — The best option. Magnet bar keeps knives visible, accessible, and dry. Air circulation prevents rust. Install it away from the sink (moisture) and stove (heat). Knife block — Avoid. Blades knock against other blades, edges dull faster, and the block traps moisture. Saya (鞘) — Wooden knife sheath. Traditional and protective. One saya per knife. Good for storage in drawers, but better to have a magnet strip. ...