Asakusa's Kappabashi Kitchenware Street is bustling with foreign tourists. Amidst the lively atmosphere, one shop that stands out with its particularly sophisticated noren (traditional Japanese curtain) is "Kamaasa Shoten."

Although it's a long-established shop founded in 1908 (Meiji 41), it doesn't feel intimidating at all, and has an atmosphere that makes even first-time visitors want to casually drop in.

Step inside, and you'll find tools where every shape and material has a purpose. Kamaasa Shoten proudly presents these exceptional items, believing them to be truly excellent tools for their users.

"Revitalizing the town." The fourth-generation owner of a long-established business takes on the challenge of creating an open store.

As its name suggests, "Kamaasa Shoten" was founded as a shop dealing in kettles and cast iron products. For many years, it built a history in Kappabashi, a "professional district," but in 2011 it underwent a major turning point. This was the first full-scale rebranding since its founding.

The impetus for the change came from the idea of the fourth-generation owner, Daisuke Kumazawa, who wanted to "revitalize the entire town by changing the shop." At the time, changes in distribution and the rise of online shopping had diminished the reasons for people to go all the way to Kappabashi, and the entire street had become quieter year by year.

The former "Kamaasa Shoten" had a strong character as a specialty store for professionals, with piles of tools lined up, and was mainly a place where chefs carefully selected their daily tools. "I want to make good tools more accessible," said Kumazawa, who, based on his belief that "it is kinder to all customers if the products are easy to see and understand," revamped the store into a space where anyone can easily pick up and use the products. This decision has led to new encounters with many people who love cooking.

There's a reason why some things never go out of style. The philosophy of "good tools."

During the rebranding process, Mr. Kumazawa carefully re-examined the question of "what kind of business are we?" and finally arrived at the term "good tools for daily life."

As Mr. Kumazawa explains, "The fact that something has been around for a long time and has survived without going out of style means there's a 'principle' behind it." Kamasa Shoten doesn't deal in trendy gadgets, but rather in fundamental tools that can be used for a long time. Even their seemingly rugged shapes have a necessary reason for being used to cook delicious food.

Because there is a "reason" behind it, we don't just sell things without explaining them. Why is it shaped that way? How should it be cared for to grow properly? We put a lot of effort into explaining and properly conveying the craftsman's thoughts behind the tools. This is what the shop defines as "the work of a tool shop."

The meaning behind the unvarnished frying pan, a symbol of "reason"

The original cast iron frying pan symbolizes the philosophy behind "good cooking tools."

Professionals choose iron because it can withstand high temperatures and quickly evaporate moisture from ingredients. Chinese restaurant chefs can crisp up dumpling wrappers precisely because they use iron frying pans. However, commercially available products are usually coated with rust-preventive varnish, making it extremely difficult to burn off on a home stove. The true value of the tool has been difficult to reach home cooks.

Therefore, the shop persuaded the factory to manufacture the products without varnish. The staff then hand-apply oil to each item, carefully managing them to prevent rust before selling them. They prioritize the user's convenience over the seller's convenience. This unsparing effort is what bridges professional tools from home kitchens.

A journey with tools that continues into the world and into the future.

Currently, Kamaasa Shoten has branches in Paris and New York. "We wanted to compete in the heart of the culinary world because we have absolute confidence in the tools we use," says Kumazawa.

Even as our operations expand globally, our business philosophy remains unchanged. What we value most is the idea that "today's purchase marks the beginning of our relationship." Cast iron frying pans become more seasoned with oil and develop a deeper black sheen with use. Knives regain their sharp edge when sharpened. That's why, at our store, we don't just sell the product and consider the transaction over; we provide thorough support to ensure our customers can continue to use their products for a long time.

The high-quality tools you encounter on your journey to Asakusa will become lifelong partners, accompanying you in your daily life and teaching you the joy of nurturing them into your own unique possessions.

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Kamasa store

電話：03-3841-9355
住所：東京都台東区松が谷 2-24-1
アクセス：TX浅草駅から徒歩6分/東京メトロ銀座線 田原町駅から徒歩8分
HP：https://kama-asa.co.jp/
SNS：https://x.com/kamaasashoten
　　   https://www.instagram.com/kamaasa_tokyo/
　　   https://www.facebook.com/Kamaasa.Tokyo
　　   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUhk3Olzggfg2KNiWC_olhw

*For details on opening hours and closing days, please check the link above.