A Tale of Japanese Knives Connecting Japan and Paris

Kamasa Shoten operates a kitchenware store in Asakusa Kappabashi with the concept of 'Good Kitchen Tools – Good Tools Have Good Reason'. This April, they held their first overseas solo exhibition, 'Japanese Knives and Their Background - EXPOSITION VENTE DE COUTEAUX JAPONAIS-', in Paris, France, atGallery NAKANIWA.

To faithfully convey the profound world of Japanese knives, Kamasa Shoten staff photographed artisans in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, and Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture – leading Japanese knife production areas – and exhibited the photos. The exhibition showcased the 'passion' of the artisans and the 'background' of their craftsmanship in Japanese manufacturing to a wide French audience, including chefs, culinary professionals, and journalists, attracting significant interest.

Now, the venue shifts from France to Japan, with this exhibition primarily featuring photographs from the Paris show, along with a look at the event held at Gallery NAKANIWA.

Marina Menini, the knife consultant at Kamasa Shoten who was responsible for the photography and curation, commented on the intention behind the exhibition: 'The repeated actions, honed over years of training, embody 'The Way'. The techniques passed down through generations are expressed in these actions, becoming culture. This 'Way' endures through generations, regardless of the person or the object. We, who convey this culture, also continue to connect 'The Way'.'

On the opening day, July 12th (Saturday), starting at 5:00 PM, a 'Cafe Talk' will be held featuringMr. Maruwaka Hiroyuki (Representative of Maruwakaya), who is involved in the planning and design supervision of Gallery NAKANIWA.

We invite you to take this opportunity to rediscover the allure of Japanese knives through a story that connects two galleries in Japan and Paris.

Photography Exhibition 'The Way'

Dates | Saturday, July 12th – Sunday, August 31st
Hours | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Mon-Sat), 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Sun & Holidays)
Venue | Gallery KAMANI
2nd Floor, Kamasa Shoten 'Knife & Ironware Floor', 2-24-1 Matsugaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3841-9355

Opening Event

Date | Saturday, July 12th
Time | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 'Cafe Talk'
Guests | Maruwaka Hiroyuki (Representative of Maruwakaya), Kumazawa Daisuke (Representative of Kamasa Shoten), Marina Menini (Kamasa Shoten Knife Consultant)
*Reservations preferred

Opening Reception
Date | Saturday, July 12th
Time | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
*No reservation required

Inquiries & Reservations
info@kama-asa.co.jp