Care Information

Here at OMAKASE, we are passionate about showcasing Japanese craftsmanship, meticulous design, and attention to detail.

All items are born to be loved and used in your everyday life. However, if you want to keep your purchase looking its best, we have a few tips here.

Knives

Japanese knives are crafted with techniques rooted in centuries of swordsmithing. Their blades are thinner and sharper than most Western knives, which is why they are cherished by professionals and cooking enthusiasts worldwide. This exceptional performance comes with the need for attentive care—an essential part of owning a traditional Japanese knife.

Before first use

  • Wash off any protective oil with mild dish soap and a soft sponge; dry completely.
  • Do a few light cuts on paper towel or a tomato to “wake” the edge after shipping oil.

When using your knife

  • Use a gentle push-cut or pull-slice. Avoid twisting, prying, or “rock-chopping” with heavy downward force.
  • Only cut appropriate foods (vegetables, boneless meats, herbs).
  • Avoid bones, frozen foods, hard squash cores, and hard shells—these require different tools.

Cutting board

  • Recommend to use a soft wooden board.
  • Avoid: bamboo, glass, marble, steel, and very hard plastics—they dull edges and can cause chipping.

During prep

  • Wipe moisture and acidic residues (citrus, tomatoes, onions, salt) promptly; don’t leave the blade wet on the board.

Cleaning and storage

  • Hand wash only. Clean immediately after each use with mild dish soap and a soft sponge.
  • Dry thoroughly—do not air-dry—and store in a dry place.
  • Use a saya (sheath), edge guard, wood knife holdre, or a wood-faced magnetic strip to store. Avoid loose drawers and bare metal racks.
  • Optional (owner’s discretion): A very light coat of neutral, food-safe oil (e.g., camellia or mineral) can be applied after drying—this is not required and should be tested on a small area first.
  • Sharpen the knife when the blade shows signs of brittleness. Learn more about sharpening knives here.

Patina vs. rust (and how to address it)

  • A dark grey patina or small black spots will develop over time. This is natural, not a defect, and helps inhibit rust.
  • Reddish-brown rust should be removed: use a rust eraser or a mild baking-soda paste; rinse, dry, and optionally oil lightly. Avoid aggressive abrasives that can scratch or strip the finish.

Maintaining sharpness and the working edge

  • All knives, regardless of steel, require regular sharpening to maintain performance. Japanese knives, with their fine edge, may need touch-ups more often than Western knives.
  • Some knives are intentionally finished with a working edge rather than an ultra-fragile razor edge. This protects the blade during shipping and transit and ensures it arrives ready for practical kitchen use. Because of this, a brand-new knife may not feel “shaving sharp” out of the box. This is normal and intentional, not a defect.
  • With proper whetstone sharpening—or through a trusted professional sharpener—the edge can always be refined to your preference.
  • Avoid grooved honing rods, which can damage fine edges. If needed, use a fine ceramic rod with very light pressure.
  • Learn more about sharpening knives here.

Lacqureware

Japanese lacquerware has long been popular since ancient times due to its ability to combine beauty and practicality. The base material (usually wood) provides insulation, and the lacquer coating provides antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

When you use

  • Do not use in microwave or oven.
  • Please note that lacquerware is not suitable for sudden temperature changes. The lacquer coating may discolor or fade, or it may break.
  • Please do not use or store the lacquerware in a fridge or freezer. It will dry out and may cause it to crack.
  • Lacquerware is not suitable for storing liquids.
  • Lacquer is a durable coating by nature, so you can use it to put vinegar or oil. However, we do not recommend using lacquerware for storing those condiments.
  • New lacquerware can sometimes have a distinctive smell. If you are concerned about it, leave it in a well-ventilated place for a few days or run it through lukewarm water 2-3 times.

Care

  • Lacquerware is handwash only. Do not use the dishwasher or dish drier.
  • Wash with a sponge or something soft and wipe dry immediately after use.
  • You can use dish soap to remove grease. Please do not use bleach or any harsh cleaning chemicals.
  • Please do not soak the lacquerware in water for extended periods of time.
  • Lacquerware decorated with gold or silver powder (Maki-e technique) is very delicate. Please wash gently with a soft cloth (we recommend using something extra soft, such as a cotton gauze) and wipe immediately.
  • Store lacquerware in a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight and is not extremely dry.

Porcelain

Porcelain and Ceramics are often used as broad terms for tableware. However, it can be defined by the primary material used.

Porcelain is made primarily from stone, and it is glazed and fired in a kiln at high temperatures to vitrify the surface so it does not absorb water.

When you use

  • Microwave safe. Please note that items decorated with gold or silver powder cannot be used in a microwave.
  • Please do not use porcelain with an oven, grill, or hob.

Care

  • Some items are dishwasher safe. Please check the material details on each item page.
  • Handwashing is recommended to preserve the colors and patterns. Long-term use of the dishwasher may cause the paint or decoration to fade.
  • Please note that using metal scrubs or abrasive detergents may damage the surface.

Copper

Copper has been a favorite material of mankind for millennia due to its striking appearance and versatility of use. Also, its thermal conductivity is far higher than that of both stainless steel and cast iron, two other extremely popular metals such as the cookware market.

When you use

  • Avoid scratches and chipping: Copper is softer metals and can be prone to scratches or chipping. To prevent damage, avoid rubbing them against other objects or stacking it with other metal items.

Care

  • Handwash only. To maintain the quality and appearance of your item, gently handwash it with warm water and mild soap.
  • To prevent tarnishing or water spots, make sure to dry thoroughly after each use or wash.
  • Due to the nature of copper, contact with acidic or salty substances may cause discoloration. Wipe the surface clean after exposure to such substances.
  • Please avoid spraying disinfectants such as alcohol-based sanitizers, as this may damage the surface or alter the color of the metals.
  • Please do not soak in water for extended periods of time.

SUNSHIFT® Lens (Sunglasses)

The significant feature of SUNSHIFT is its ability to handle three functions at once: glare protection, UV protection, and blue light protection.

Outdoors, where UV rays are abundant, the lens color starts changing almost immediately, automatically transitioning to a sunglasses-like tint within about a minute, reducing discomfort from glare. Upon entering indoors, it takes approximately 3 to 5 minutes for the lens to become nearly transparent, returning to a regular eyeglass appearance. The color transition is smooth in both cases, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience.

When you use

  • The intensity of lens color is influenced by the amount of ultraviolet rays and temperature. When ultraviolet ray exposure is the same, higher temperatures suppress coloration, while lower temperatures facilitate coloration.
  • Lens durability (performance changes) depends mainly on the duration of ultraviolet ray exposure. Generally, the performance can be maintained for 2-3 years, sometimes even longer, depending on usage.
  • The color of the lenses does not change inside a car with glass featuring UV cut functions. Avoid using the glasses in tunnels or dark places. To reduce glare, use regular sunglasses.
  • Substantial impacts may lead to breakage, and even if the glasses appear undamaged, their strength can significantly decrease.
  • Avoid using them for intense sports or activities where contact or collision may lead to eye or facial injuries. 
  • Avoid ignition sources, such as cigarettes or stoves, due to the flammability risk. 
  • Avoid storing them in high-temperature places or together with metallic items that may cause scratches. Store the glasses at room temperature. Regardless of the lens color, avoid direct exposure to intense light, such as the sun or welding, and avoid using them in tunnels or dark places. 
  • In contact with detergent, chemicals, mold remover, cosmetics, oil, sweat, hair products, fruit juices, etc., immediately rinse with water and wipe off. Leaving them without cleaning can cause deterioration of metal parts, peeling of plating, discoloration, or stains on the lenses. Additionally, continued use may cause allergies or other health concerns, so please be cautious. 

Care

  • When cleaning the lenses, gently wipe them with a dedicated glasses cloth lightly moistened with lens cleaner or similar products while holding the lens to be wiped. 
  • Strong wiping may cause scratches or peeling of the coating. For heavy soiling, lightly wash with diluted neutral detergent, rinse thoroughly with water, and immediately wipe dry. 
  • Avoid using alkaline detergents (soap-based products, etc.), as they may degrade the coating and cause peeling. 
  • Regularly clean and inspect for loose screws to ensure safe usage.