Japanese Knives in Film and TV: Iconic Blades on the Silver Screen and Beyond

Japanese knives have long been revered for their precision, craftsmanship, and aesthetic appeal. In the world of cinema and television, these blades do more than just chop and slice – they become characters in their own right. From heartwarming food adventures to intense drama and even horror, Japanese knives add authenticity to culinary scenes and symbolise the artistry of Japanese blade-making. In this article, we'll explore how these beautifully crafted Japanese Damascus steel knives (mostly) have starred in famous films and TV, the deeper symbolism they carry, and how you can bring a piece of that silver-screen sharpness into your own kitchen.

Famous Movie Chefs and Their Japanese Knives

Japanese knives often steal the spotlight in cooking scenes, helping to define the chefs who wield them. Here are a few iconic examples from films:

Tampopo (1985) – The Art of Ramen and the Nakiri

In Juzo Itami’s comedy Tampopo, often described as a “ramen western,” the preparation of food is central to the story. In an early scene Tampopo is preparing ingredients with her well worn Nakiri. In the west we think of a Nakiri as vegetable knife, but Tampopo uses it for everything including slicing the pork. Even after an expensive renovation of the restaurant the same well-worn and much loved Nakiri is still used.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011) – Mastery with the Yanagiba

This acclaimed documentary offers an intimate look at the life of Jiro Ono, one of Tokyo’s most esteemed sushi chefs. Jiro’s apprentices spend years mastering knife techniques, especially with the yanagiba for slicing fish. The film highlights how a simple piece of tuna can be transformed by a perfectly honed blade. Each cut is deliberate and precise, reflecting Jiro’s relentless pursuit of perfection. The long, slender yanagiba (literally “willow blade”) is shown carving tuna and other fish into pristine slices, demonstrating how the right knife in skilled hands can elevate sushi to an art form. As one observer noted, the yanagi-ba knife’s clean, single-motion cuts help preserve the flavor and texture of the fish, a principle Jiro upholds in every serving.

Chef (2014) – A Nod to Japanese Knife Craftsmanship

While Chef is primarily about a Cuban food truck (Jon Favreau and Roy Choi), it sneaks in a respectful nod to Japanese knives. In one scene, chef Carl Casper receives a beautiful Japanese chef’s knife (gyuto) as a gift. It’s a brief moment, but for chefs and knife enthusiasts it speaks volumes: a high-quality Japanese knife is one of the most prized tools in a kitchen. The gift symbolizes respect and the craftsmanship that goes into cooking. Even though the film’s cuisine isn’t Japanese, this gyuto – known for its versatility and sharp edge – pays homage to the influence of Japanese knife-making in kitchens worldwide. It reminds viewers that behind every great chef is often a beloved blade.

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) – The Hattori Hanzō Sword

Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill isn’t about food at all, but it features a legendary blade forged by a retired swordsmith, Hattori Hanzō. This katana, though not a kitchen knife, is a cinematic tribute to Japanese blade craftsmanship. The reverence and ceremony around its forging mirror the meticulous process of traditional knifemaking.

Tarantino pays homage to Japanese swordsmanship with a katana forged by the legendary Hattori Hanzō.

In the film, the sword represents purity of craft and an extension of the wielder’s will – themes that also resonate in the world of kitchen knives. (After all, many Japanese knife makers today descend from swordsmiths of the samurai era.) The Hanzō sword’s cultural significance in Kill Bill highlights how deeply ingrained blades are in Japanese history, and by extension, why Japanese kitchen knives carry an aura of tradition and respect.

Audition (1999) – The Deba Knife’s Dark Turn

Takashi Miike’s Audition takes a sharp turn into horror, and a Japanese kitchen knife plays a chilling role. The film features a deba knife – a heavy, stout blade traditionally used for filleting fish – in a context far removed from any kitchen. Without giving too much away, this normally benign tool is used to unsettling effect. The deba’s appearance in Audition subverts its usual purpose; instead of preparing a seafood dish, it becomes an instrument of terror. This twist shows how a simple knife can be imbued with dramatic meaning. In Japanese cuisine the deba symbolizes precision and skill in breaking down fish, but in Miike’s horror classic it symbolizes potential danger – a reminder that any tool is only as virtuous (or vicious) as its user.

Japanese Knives on TV: The Bear and Culinary Authenticity

Television has also embraced Japanese knives for storytelling, perhaps no show more famously than The Bear. This award-winning series, set in a chaotic Chicago kitchen, is lauded for its authenticity – and part of that realness comes from the knives. Prop master Laura Roeper was meticulous in selecting genuine Japanese blades to match each character’s personality and background. The knives aren’t just props.

They are an extension of the chef, their skill and pride on screen.

Carmy’s Knives: Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, the protagonist, comes from the fine-dining world, and thus wields high-end Japanese knives that reflect that pedigree. Two standout tools in his kit are a Yoshimi Echizen 240mm gyuto (a Japanese chef’s knife) and a smaller 150mm blade from the same artisan. These handcrafted knives are exceptionally sharp and balanced – perfect for a chef obsessed with precision. Carmy is also seen using a Gesshin 210mm gyuto from a specialty Japanese knife shop in Beverly Hills. Roeper has noted that they wanted Carmy to have “one thing that wasn’t pedestrian” – a high-end Japanese blade from a famous Beverly Hills knife shop – to signal his culinary pedigree. In one poignant Season 2 scene, Carmy even entrusts this prized knife to his sous-chef Tina, a gesture of trust and respect within the kitchen team.

Sydney’s Knife: Sydney Adamu (played by Ayo Edebiri) brings her own Japanese blade into the fray – a Sakai Kikumori santoku (165mm) made of Blue #1 steel with a striking green pakkawood handle. The santoku, a shorter all-purpose knife, matches Sydney’s style: creative, efficient, and razor-sharp. Its presence emphasizes Sydney’s dedication to the craft and relentless pursuit of excellence. Slightly unique (with that green handle) yet deeply rooted in tradition, this santoku knife mirrors Sydney’s ambitious approach to revamping the menu.

Other Knives in The Bear: The show’s kitchen is stocked with knives that real chefs swear by. You’ll spot the MAC Professional Series MTH-80 chef’s knife – a Japanese-made blade loved for its ultra-sharp edge and durability – being used for heavy prep work. There’s also a Sakai Takayuki gyuto (another Japanese chef’s knife) in the mix, known for its stainless steel toughness, ideal for the rigorous demands of a busy line cook. By equipping characters with these specific knives, The Bear adds layers of realism. Viewers who are knife aficionados get an extra thrill recognizing these models, and even casual viewers sense that the cutlery in this kitchen is a cut above the ordinary.

The impact of these choices hasn’t gone unnoticed. By using authentic Japanese knives on set, The Bear grounds its culinary scenes in reality – you can almost feel the weight of the knives and the ease with which they slice through ingredients. It’s a testament to how details like these elevate storytelling (and it might explain why knife enthusiasts find themselves pausing scenes to identify brands!). As Roeper’s team proved, the right knife can enrich a character’s story, whether it’s a prized heirloom symbolizing past glory or a trusty workhorse reflecting day-to-day grit. There is one more knife, it features often, but we could not track down its make, and this is the humble serated bread knife. Often over looked but loved non the less.

The Symbolism of Japanese Knives in Cinema

Beyond their practical use, Japanese knives in film and TV often carry deeper symbolic weight:

• Precision and Mastery: A sharp Japanese blade represents a character’s skill and dedication. Whether it’s a sushi chef making paper-thin cuts or a samurai avenging a wrong, the precision of the knife reflects the mastery of its user. These scenes celebrate the pursuit of perfection – one slice at a time.
• Cultural Identity: Japanese knives, like samurai swords before them, are cultural icons. When they appear on screen, they instantly invoke Japan’s rich traditions of craftsmanship and cuisine. A character using a traditional knife (like a yanagiba or deba) may signal a connection to heritage, discipline, or respect for the old ways.
• Transformation: In many stories, a knife can be an instrument of change. It might be a catalyst for a character’s growth (learning to handle a knife with respect and skill) or a turning point in the plot (as seen in dramatic confrontations or revelations). The knife that prepares a healing bowl of ramen in Tampopo or the one that exacts revenge in Kill Bill both serve as tools that drive transformation, for nourishment or for justice.

Discover Authentic Japanese Knives for Your Kitchen

Feeling inspired by these on-screen blades? The good news is you don’t have to be a Hollywood chef to experience the precision of a Japanese knife. Whether you’re a home cook, a foodie, or a professional chef, using a well-crafted Japanese knife can elevate your culinary game. Here are some authentic Japanese knives and how you might choose the right one:

• Yanagiba (Sashimi Knife): Ideal for slicing sushi and sashimi in whisper-thin pieces. For an accessible yet high-quality option, consider the Kaiden 270mm Yanagiba – a mid-level knife forged from premium carbon steel that will let you pull-cut clean slices of fish with ease. If you’re after the pinnacle of craftsmanship, the Kagekiyo Red 300mm Yanagiba (which comes with a traditional wooden saya sheath) offers a top-of-the-line experience beloved by sushi masters.
• Gyuto (Chef’s Knife): A versatile chef’s knife featured in many films (like the gift in Chef or the workhorses in The Bear). As a great everyday choice, the MCUSTA Hexagon VG10 210mm Gyuto provides a superb balance of sharpness, durability, and value. Its VG10 stainless steel core and ergonomic handle make every chop feel satisfying. For those who want an artisanal touch, the Hachido Kaede 210mm Gyuto – hand-finished with a beautiful Damascus pattern – delivers higher-end performance and is truly a functional piece of art.
• Santoku (Dynamic Multi-purpose Knife): A shorter, all-purpose knife that can handle vegetables, meat, and fish – much like the one Sydney wields in The Bear. The Kanetsune Damascus 180mm Santoku is a fantastic introduction to this style, featuring a sharp 33-layer Damascus blade that’s as attractive as it is capable. If you’re ready to invest more, the Hachido Kaede 180mm Santoku (made with SG2 powdered steel and a polished damascus finish) offers extraordinary cutting power and edge retention for the serious cook.
• Deba (Filleting Knife): A heavy knife traditionally used for filleting whole fish (think of the meticulous fish prep in sushi restaurants – or the Audition subversion!). For home cooks, a Kaiden 165mm Deba provides the heft and sharp single-bevel edge you need to break down fish or poultry with confidence. Want something for the next level of technique? A larger Kaiden 210mm Mioroshi Deba (a slimmer, longer variation of deba) or other honkasumi-grade deba offers superb balance and a razor edge for those deeply engaged in Japanese cuisine.
• Petty / Utility Knife: A smaller blade for fine work – peeling, trimming, and precision cuts. The Kanetsune 150mm Utility Knife is a popular choice for its nimble feel and all-around usefulness in the kitchen (perfect for tasks like slicing herbs or segmenting citrus). If you desire an upgrade, the Hachido Kaede 150mm Petty Knife brings luxury to small tasks: its SG2 steel core and refined handle make every slice feel like a special occasion.

Each of these knives carries the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship that you’ve seen on screen. Owning one is not just about having a new tool – it’s about connecting with a tradition of cooking excellence. Just as characters in our favorite films and shows find meaning and confidence in their knives, you too might discover that a well-chosen knife becomes your trusted companion in the kitchen.

Ready to Slice and Dice? If you’re excited to find your own Japanese knife, explore our curated collection at Chef’s Armoury. Whether you start with an everyday Gyuto or treat yourself to an heirloom-quality yanagiba, you’ll experience the difference a superb knife can make. Happy cooking (and happy viewing)!