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If you're visiting Japan, buying a Japanese kitchen knife can be one of the best souvenirs to take home. Japanese knives are famous for their exceptional sharpness, beautiful craftsmanship, and centuries of tradition. However, with so many different shapes and styles available, choosing your first Japanese knife can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you understand the basics and choose the perfect knife for your kitchen. Why Buy a Japanese Knife? Japanese knives are tru

If you've ever watched a Japanese chef slice fish with incredible precision, you've probably wondered why Japanese knives are considered among the best in the world. The answer lies in centuries of craftsmanship, exceptional materials, and a tradition that values perfection. For anyone joining an Osaka cooking class, learning about Japanese knives is just as fascinating as learning Japanese recipes. Among all Japanese knife-producing regions, one city stands above the rest: S

If you've ever joined an Osaka cooking class or enjoyed authentic Japanese sushi, you may have wondered why sushi rice has a slightly tangy taste. Many people think sushi is all about fresh fish, but the true heart of sushi is actually the rice. The word "sushi" originally referred to the seasoned rice—not the seafood on top. So why is vinegar used in sushi rice? The answer lies in more than 1,000 years of Japanese history. The Origins of Sushi The earliest form of sushi was

Kansai Pressed Sushi Edo-style Sushi If you're planning to join an Osaka cooking class, you may be surprised to learn that sushi is not the same throughout Japan. Every region has developed its own unique style, reflecting local history, culture, and ingredients. The two most famous styles are Edo-style sushi (Edomae Sushi) from Tokyo and Kansai-style pressed sushi (Oshizushi) from the Osaka region. Although both are called sushi, they are quite different in appearance, prepa

Dashi is a fundamental element of Japanese cuisine. It is a flavorful broth made by gently extracting umami from ingredients such as kombu (kelp), katsuobushi (bonito flakes), and dried shiitake mushrooms in water. Among the five basic tastes humans perceive—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami—dashi highlights the essence of umami. This savory depth comes from naturally occurring amino acids, which enhance and bring out the true flavors of each ingredient. At Samurai Cook O

Hello, I’m Shohei, a chef at Samurai Cook. Osaka is home to many famous attractions—Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Shinsekai, just to name a few. These are all wonderful places to explore, but they are outdoor activities, and your experience can easily be affected by the weather. That’s why I highly recommend joining a cooking class during your stay. Osaka has long been known as “the nation’s kitchen,” a historic hub where food culture has flourished and ingredients from all ov

Welcome to Samurai Cook Osaka. My name is Shohei, the instructor at Samurai Cook. At Samurai Cook Osaka, we offer authentic Japanese cooking experiences for travelers from around the world. Why not join us in our beautiful cooking studio near Namba and learn how to make real Japanese cuisine with a great view of Osaka? From mastering dashi stock, to handcrafting sushi, to learning how to make authentic ramen from scratch, everything is taught in English. We’ll help make your