10 Years. Together.

Today, Santoku marks its 10th anniversary.

Back in 2015, I found myself thinking about how many well-made, thoughtfully designed everyday objects existed in Japan — and how, at the time, many of them were simply unfamiliar or hard to come across in the U.S. I wanted to create an online store where people could discover these kinds of products naturally, without any fuss — items that quietly improve daily life and feel good to live with. Things I would happily use myself.

That idea became Santokunyc.com.
The name Santoku comes from the Santoku knife — practical, versatile, and made for everyday use. It felt like the right symbol for what we wanted to create.

At first, Santoku was meant to focus on knives. But over the past ten years, our collection has grown naturally. Today, Santoku brings together products from across Japan — and a small number from beyond — each chosen for how it fits into everyday life. Different regions, different materials, different traditions — all curated with the same question in mind:
Is this something you’ll enjoy using, day after day?

Design and function remain at the core of what we do. But as Santoku has evolved, our collection has expanded beyond that. More and more, we’ve found ourselves drawn to items that bring a sense of quiet, relaxation, and beauty into the home — pieces that engage the senses in gentle ways. Objects to look at, to touch, to listen to. Even to enjoy through scent, like incense. Santoku’s collection today reflects this broader way of living — one that values not only usefulness, but also moments of calm and presence.

Let me share a few examples.

One of our most loved items is the ZERO JAPAN Salt Box. Its design feels simple and timeless, fitting naturally into almost any kitchen. The wide opening makes cooking easier, and the size is just right for everyday use. It’s made in the Mino region of Japan, an area with over 1,300 years of ceramic history, and topped with a hinoki wood lid that helps regulate moisture. Salt is something we reach for every day — this piece keeps it accessible, functional, and quietly beautiful.

Another favorite is the Blissful Towel by UCHINO. In Japan, it’s known for being incredibly soft, light, and comfortable — the kind of towel that feels good the moment you touch it. While heavier towels are often associated with luxury, they can be bulky, slow to dry, and surprisingly impractical. The Blissful Towel takes a different approach: it’s lightweight, highly absorbent, dries quickly, and feels gentle on the skin. Many customers tell us it changes how they think about towels altogether. (It’s especially nice if you prefer gently pressing rather than rubbing when drying — and yes, the pajamas are just as good.)

We’ve also introduced items from Takaoka, a city with a long history of metalworking. Some of these pieces focus on sound — gentle, resonant tones that many people now use for mindfulness or quiet moments at home. They’re simple objects, but they have a way of bringing a sense of calm into everyday routines.

Santoku has also developed original products, such as the CICADA ceramic filter, designed by our team and made in Arita, Japan. It’s one example of something we want to continue doing — creating thoughtful objects that feel natural to use and easy to live with.

And while Santoku began with Japan, we’ve gradually added a few carefully chosen brands from the U.S. as well — products that align with the same values of comfort, practicality, and good design.

Ten years have passed quickly. Along the way, we’ve faced challenges like the pandemic and changing trade conditions, but what has never changed is the support from our customers.

Thank you for choosing Santoku and bringing these products into your homes.

Thank you for being part of Santoku’s journey.

December 16, 2025
Atsushi Semimoto