JIKKO Expo 2025 Knives: Sustainable Design and Timeless Sharpness
At Expo 2025 Osaka, we at JIKKO are proud to showcase the craftsmanship that has defined our family business for more than 120 years. As a Sakai-based knife maker, we created our special JIKKO Expo 2025 knives to share both the heritage of Japanese kitchen knives and our commitment to sustainable design with the world.
Among them is the Expo Knife, featuring handles made from unused wood of the Tree of Creation. This knife represents our belief in sustainability and offers a way to preserve the memory of the Expo for generations to come. We also present the Jellyfish Knife, inspired by the shimmering movement of jellyfish and designed in collaboration with Dr. Nakajima of the Jellyfish Pavilion. Playful yet precise, it reflects the spirit of innovation that Expo 2025 celebrates.
Through these creations, our mission remains the same: to craft tools that combine timeless sharpness, respect for ingredients, and durability that supports a more sustainable kitchen for the future.
JIKKO’s Legacy Showcased at Expo 2025 Osaka
At Expo 2025 Osaka, we at JIKKO are proud to present the legacy of Sakai knife-making on a global stage. This event allows us to share not only our knives but also the values of craftsmanship and sustainability that have guided us for over 120 years. For us, the Expo is more than an exhibition—it is a celebration of history, innovation, and cultural exchange.
Celebrating 120 Years of Sakai Knife-Making Craft and Innovation
Founded in 1901, JIKKO has been at the heart of Sakai’s blacksmithing tradition. For generations, we have preserved the skills passed down from master craftsmen while embracing new approaches that meet the needs of modern kitchens.
Every knife we create reflects this balance of heritage and progress. Our mission is to deliver sharp, durable tools while inspiring chefs and home cooks to discover the joy of authentic Japanese craftsmanship.
Our philosophy combines:
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Traditional forging techniques inherited from Sakai’s blacksmiths
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Innovative design improvements adapted for today’s kitchens
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Durability and sharpness trusted by professionals worldwide
Why JIKKO Brought Japanese Craftsmanship to the World Expo Stage
Japanese knives are more than tools—they represent respect for food, precision in cooking, and a culture of sustainability. By joining Expo 2025, we wanted to highlight why Sakai craftsmanship continues to be admired across the globe.
The Expo provides a rare chance to connect with people from many cultures and to show how handcrafted knives, made with integrity, can play a role in shaping the kitchens of the future.
Our message is simple: We believe that true craftsmanship, once shared with the world, can inspire future generations to value tools made to last.
Special Expo Collaborations – The “Expo Knife” and the “Jellyfish Knife”
As part of our contribution to Expo 2025 Osaka, we created two special knives that embody both sustainability and creativity. The Expo Knife and the Jellyfish Knife are not just products—they are symbols of how craftsmanship, design, and cultural collaboration can come together on the world stage.
The Expo Knife: Sustainable Handles from the Tree of Creation at Expo 2025
The Expo Knife was crafted using wood from the Tree of Creation, a central symbol of Expo 2025. We chose to use parts of the tree that would otherwise have gone unused, turning them into unique handles that preserve the memory of the Expo for years to come. This knife represents our dedication to sustainability and our desire to pass on a lasting legacy.
Key features of the Expo Knife:
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Handles made from the Tree of Creation – turning unused wood into meaningful design
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A symbol of Expo 2025 Osaka – carrying the spirit of innovation and collaboration
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Crafted for longevity – a knife designed to be used, sharpened, and treasured for generations
The Kurage Knife: Jellyfish-Inspired Design Created with Dr. Nakajima
The Jellyfish Knife was created in collaboration with Dr. Nakajima of the Jellyfish Pavilion. Its shimmering design reflects the gentle movement and glow of jellyfish, while playful colors chosen by Dr. Nakajima bring a sense of creativity and fun to the knife. More than a tool, it captures the artistry and imagination that Expo 2025 celebrates.
Key features of the Jellyfish Knife:
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Design inspired by jellyfish – delicate patterns and shimmering imagery
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Colors selected by Dr. Nakajima – bringing a unique artistic touch to each piece
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A playful yet precise tool – combining creativity with the sharpness of Sakai craftsmanship
Why JIKKO Knives Inspire Chefs Worldwide
Across the globe, professional chefs and passionate home cooks choose JIKKO knives for their functionality as well as for the philosophy behind them. Each knife reflects the balance of precision, tradition, and innovation—qualities that make Japanese knives truly exceptional in the kitchen.
Precision and Sharpness That Preserve Ingredients’ Flavor and Texture
The hallmark of Japanese knives lies in their ability to cut with unmatched precision. A sharp blade slices cleanly through fish, meat, and vegetables without crushing the cells of the food. This means flavors remain intact, textures stay fresh, and presentation is elevated. With every cut, JIKKO knives help bring out the best in ingredients.
Why sharpness matters:
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Clean cuts that maintain the natural taste of fish, meat, and vegetables
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Preserved texture that enhances both the look and feel of dishes
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Efficient cooking through smooth, effortless slicing
Handcrafted Quality Recognized by Chefs and Cooking Enthusiasts Worldwide
Every JIKKO knife carries the refinement of Sakai’s long-standing craftsmanship. Our blades are finished with precision so that each cut highlights the true flavor and texture of ingredients. This delicate edge is what distinguishes Japanese knives, making cooking more enjoyable and elevating dishes in both professional and home kitchens. Chefs and food lovers worldwide recognize this difference as the essence of authentic Japanese craftsmanship.
Why JIKKO knives are valued worldwide:
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Exceptional sharpness that enhances the natural taste of ingredients
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Delicate edges designed to preserve flavor, aroma, and texture
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Trusted performance that supports chefs and home cooks alike
Sustainable Craftsmanship for the Future Kitchen
At JIKKO, sustainability is not a trend but a philosophy rooted in our craft. A well-made knife should not be disposable—it should be a tool that grows with its user, sharpened and cared for over time. By designing for longevity, we help reduce waste and promote a kitchen culture that values durability and respect for resources.
Knives Designed to Last for Generations of Chefs and Home Kitchens
Our knives are created with the intention of being companions for life. With proper care, they can serve chefs in professional kitchens and families at home for decades. This focus on durability allows each knife to become part of a cooking journey—passed down, maintained, and cherished across generations.
Why longevity matters:
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Reduces waste by replacing disposable tools with lasting ones
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Supports sustainable kitchens through fewer replacements
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Creates lasting value for both professional chefs and home cooks
Sharpening and Care Practices That Extend Lifespan and Reduce Waste
A knife’s true sustainability comes from how it is cared for. Regular sharpening restores sharpness, while simple habits—like drying the blade after use—protect it from damage. These practices not only extend the lifespan of the knife but also reflect a culture of respect for tools and ingredients.
Everyday care practices:
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Even stainless steel knives can rust if left with food residue or moisture. Wash immediately after use and wipe the blade completely dry.
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Store the knife in a stable place such as a knife block, ensuring the edge does not come into contact with other objects.
Usage guidelines:
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Avoid cutting hard items such as frozen foods or bones, as this can damage the blade. Use a specialized knife for these tasks.
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Maintain sharpness by sharpening the knife before it becomes noticeably dull.
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If you are not confident sharpening on your own, we recommend using a professional service—such as JIKKO’s sharpening service—for the best results.
JIKKO Expo 2025 Knives as a Legacy for the Future
The JIKKO Expo 2025 Knives are more than commemorative items—they represent the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship carried into the future. From celebrating 120 years of Sakai knife-making to our special collaborations with the Expo Knife and the Jellyfish Knife, our goal has been to share tools that embody stories of sustainability, creativity, and respect for food culture.
We are especially grateful to Dr. Sachiko Nakajima, Producer of the Expo 2025 Signature Project “Enhancing Lives”, for her vision and collaboration on the Expo Knife and the Jellyfish Knife. Her creativity and passion helped us bring a sense of playfulness and artistry into knives that embody the spirit of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
Chefs and home cooks worldwide continue to value Japanese knives for their precision, sharpness, and ability to enhance ingredients. By caring for these knives properly, each one becomes a lasting companion in the kitchen—reducing waste, supporting sustainability, and passing on a legacy of craftsmanship to the next generation.
And while Expo 2025 will come to an end, our story continues. We warmly invite you to visit our JIKKO stores in Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo to experience our knives firsthand, and to discover how Japanese craftsmanship can become part of your own culinary journey.
We invite you to discover more about our knives and philosophy:
【Visit the JIKKO official website】
【Explore our Expo 2025 Special Page】
