12 Japanese Tongs You Need To Add To Your Kitchen Lineup

From spiralizers to salad scissors, a plethora of kitchen gadgets on the market promise to revolutionize your culinary game. Beneath the hype, however, all too often the unsung heroes go overlooked.

Among the traditional items that should be a regular player in every kitchen lineup are tongs – specifically, Japanese tongs.

More than just tools. Japanese tongs play an important role in Japanese cuisine. No more greasy fingers or mangled dumplings – these culinary workhorses can handle anything from turning a sheet of crispy fried gyoza to rescuing runaway yakiniku meat from the grill's depths.

Instead of plunking down for the next shiny novelty, let’s rediscover the timeless magic of Japanese tongs – one perfect flip or turn at a time.

Why Choose Japanese Tongs Over Other Tongs?

In a market flooded with kitchen utensil options, the unassuming Japanese tongs emerge as the unsung heroes, offering a blend of precision, durability and ergonomic design that sets them apart.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Japanese tongs are excellent partners in the kitchen. They move with the precision needed for delicate tasks, turning cooking into a seamless process. Durability is a strength of Japanese tongs, ensuring they withstand the rigors of the kitchen. These tongs are capable of enduring the sizzle of the grill or the delicate handling of fresh ingredients. Ergonomic design makes Japanese tongs as virtual extensions of the cook's hands. The ease with which they fit into one’s grasp, offering a comfortable grip, adds confidence and (dare we say) joy to the cooking process. 

Japanese Craftsmanship – Right Down to the Tongs

A meticulous attention to detail is what defines Japanese craftsmanship – the same as is found in Japanese knives and other kitchen essentials. While tongs are used for similar purposes around the world, there are some key differences between Japanese tongs and other types of tongs, both in terms of use and design.

Product Design

Japanese tongs are typically made of stainless steel or high-quality wood. These materials are chosen for their durability, heat resistance and ease of cleaning. Some Japanese tongs have a spring mechanism that helps them stay closed when not in use. This can be helpful for storage and organization. Some tongs also feature curved ends for better grip.

Emphasis on Precision

Japanese cooking often involves delicate ingredients and precise handling. This is reflected in the use of tongs, which are designed for greater control and accuracy compared to other tongs. Japanese tongs are also generally smaller and lighter than Western tongs. This makes them easier to handle and use for precise tasks. 

Let’s now dip our tongs into the intriguing brands behind these culinary marvels – Todai, Sori Yanagi and Akebono. Each brand brings its unique perspective, offering a unique history, style and innovation.

Todai: The Japanese Tong Stalwart

Todai, with a legacy dating back nearly a century, is the reliable old friend in the kitchen. Their commitment to traditional craftsmanship ensures that each pair of tongs carries a sense of heritage, a connection to culinary history. 

The following are some Todai products to consider when looking for quality Japanese tongs.

Todai Matte Black Stainless Steel Buffet Clever Tongs 218mm

Japanese principles of design and hygiene take center stage in these tongs. Notice how the jaws of the tongs extend upward, not touching the counter or table when placed on a surface? That’s why Todai named this series “Clever” – thanks to unparalleled tong design. The jaws themselves are thin and sturdy, making these tongs ideal for separating pieces or sections of meat that are clinging together. 

Rust resistant and easy to clean, Todai’s Buffet Clever Tongs offer versatility in range of use from BBQ to pastry and more. Hold them like chopsticks, upside down, and work that tong magic like a master chef!

Todai Stainless Steel Yakiniku BBQ Clever Tongs 240mm

In the same “Clever” line as the aforementioned Buffet Tongs, these BBQ Clever Tongs bring the same design features such as hygienic jaws – along with a thin, non-slip tip. They’re also dishwasher safe, so cleaning these Japanese tongs is a breeze.

If you’re imagining using a pair of these to work a Japanese BBQ, you’re on exactly the right track. This Japanese tong series was originally developed for a chain of barbecue restaurants. Now you can bring that barbecue luster to your home, engaging and entertaining guests or feeding the whole family.

Todai 18-0 Stainless Steel Yakiniku BBQ Tongs Large Size 210mm

Continuing with the barbecue theme, these Yakiniku BBQ Tongs from Todai are ideal for safe, stress-free food handling. Made of 18-0 stainless steel, they are ideal for working the grill by arranging large pieces of meats and veggies.

These larger Japanese barbecue tongs are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. We’d caution you to avoid contact with open flame, however; best to stick (no pun intended) to placing, rearranging, removing and serving food items (but not using them to hold the food directly over the fire).

These tongs also come in a medium-size 180mm version.

Todai Matte Black Stainless Steel Yakiniku BBQ Clever Tongs 240mm

Here’s another Todai set of Japanese tongs that can be wielded like chopsticks. 18-0 stainless steel with a black matte finish, these sturdy tongs are resistant to slipping and corrosion, making your cooking and serving experience simple, smooth and stress-free.

Great for the barbecue (but again see the caution about open flame), this entry in Todai’s “Clever” series (meaning it’s got the tips raised to avoid surface contact while resting) is a solid tool for meat lovers and vegetable aficionados alike.

You’ll notice that many of the Japanese tongs from Todai are particularly useful when making and enjoying Yakiniku! But they’re also great for preparing and serving a full range of Japanese and Western cuisine.

Sori Yanagi: Style & Functionality In Japanese Tongs

Sori Yanagi, a name synonymous with style and functionality, adds a touch of flair to the world of kitchen tools. Drawing inspiration from iconic designs, Sori Yanagi tongs blend form and function. 

Sori Yanagi Stylish Slotted Metal Tongs

Looking for a pair of Japanese tongs to fry and saute more cleanly? Sori Yanagi’s got you covered. These all-metal tongs feature slotted mesh at the tips, meaning the oil and grease stay in the pan or fryer when you flip or remove fried food.

Made of 18-8 stainless steel, these versatile tongs allow you to cook and serve with ease. Stay clean and serve food that looks and tastes great with the superior design of Sori Yanagi.

Sori Yanagi Designer Stainless Steel Tongs 22cm

Own a piece of Japanese tong design excellence with these stainless steel tongs. Crafted by Sori Yanagi, these tongs were designed by the famed Yanagi Design office, a hub of innovation for nearly 75 years running.

The result: ease of use with smooth, seamless functionality.  They’re also rust-resistant and easy to clean, meaning they’re likely to be in your kitchen utensil lineup for many years to come. Enjoy using these Japanese tongs for salads, vegetable dishes, stir-frys and much more.

Sori Yanagi’s Japanese tongs are statements of design philosophy, embodying the elegant simplicity that one expects with Japanese culinary tools.

Akebono: Cutting Edge Japanese Tongs

Akebono, meanwhile, stands as a beacon of culinary innovation. Their kitchen products stand out in versatility, innovation and cooking optimization.

Akebono Nylon Tongs Tamagoyaki Tongs Black CH-2052

Are you a fan of tamagoyaki, the carefully rolled Japanese omelets? Wish you could make these with relative ease at home? Thanks to Akebono’s tamagoyaki tongs, you can!

While other tongs run the risk of scratching or bruising your tamagoyaki pan, these nylon tongs from Akebono will get the job done with ease. Especially ideal for people who aren’t as comfortable cooking with chopsticks, the nylon tongs give you a similar motion with more control over your tamagoyaki. Want to go beyond eggs? These are great for a wide range of cooking involving frying pans.

Pioneering the integration of technology into traditional craftsmanship, Akebono tongs represent the cutting edge of culinary tools. Pushing the boundaries of what kitchen tools can achieve, Akebono Japanese tongs are not to be overlooked.

Other Japanese Tongs Worthy Of A Slot In Your Kitchen Lineup

In addition to the aforementioned brands and Japanese tong products, you may be interested in the following tongs – each offering specific design and function when it comes to cooking and enjoying Japanese cuisine.

Stainless Steel Spaghetti Tongs Large Size 240mm

Whether you’re cooking Japanese-style pasta (such as tarako pasta, or even udon & soba) or Italian pasta, one factor is universal: It’s important to get a grip. Ladle-style pasta serving spoons, however, tend to pick up fewer noodles and often send the pasta slipping and sliding.

Say goodbye to those frustrations, thanks to these stainless steel spaghetti tongs from Tsubame, Niigata, the hub of Japanese kitchenware. Now you can grab noodles effortlessly, transferring them to the saucepan or to the serving plate. Made of 18-0 stainless steel, these Japanese pasta tongs allow you to grip without breakage, making the pasta experience both visually appealing and more fun to eat.

These tongs also come in a scaled down version at 190mm medium size. 

Stainless Steel Salad Tossing & Serving Tongs 230mm

These particular tongs are great for tossing and serving salads – be it Japanese salads or whatever your veggie-loving heart desires – these 18-0 stainless steel tongs feature both a forked end and a spoon end. 

No more slipping, sliding or splashing, thanks to the design ingenuity. This way, you can evenly coat your salads in dressing, and ensure you’ve got consistency in ingredients throughout the salad. That’s vital when serving larger groups in particular, but it’s great for families and couples as well.

Stainless Steel Ice Tongs Cocktail Ice Cube Tongs 155mm

Ideal for both master mixologists and home cocktail enthusiasts alike, these grippy ice tongs will help make your serving and drinking experience second to none. 

Durable and easy to clean, these ice tongs from Tsubame, Niigata, are great for preparing and serving a variety of cocktails and beverages. From the popular Japanese highballs, to sours and chu-hai, to spirit-based cocktails requiring ice of many different shapes and sizes, you can count on this set of 18-0 stainless steel ice tongs. 

Kevnhaun Global Tongs Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs 270mm

While the name doesn’t sound Japanese, we can assure you that these 18-8 stainless steel kitchen tongs from Kevnhaun are designed and manufactured in Niigata prefecture, Japan’s hub of kitchenware production.

With elegant design along with sleek, simple form and function, these Japanese tongs equip home cooks and restaurant pros alike with superior grip, along with a length that keeps the hand away from the heat. Designed with clean, stress-free use in mind, this is a set of tongs not to be overlooked. 

Leye Yubisaki Stainless Steel Fingertip Tongs LS1505

We’ve talked about tongs that are designed to be used like chopsticks. How about a pair of tongs that mimic the use and function of fingers – but in a much more hygienic and aesthetically pleasing way?

Leye Yubisaki tongs do just that. “Yubisaki” is Japanese for fingertips, after all, and these stainless steel tongs harken the shape and versatility of human fingertips. But there’s no mess and no fuss here, no, not with these spring-action tongs that let both cooks and diners enjoy a full range of food preparation and serving. 

When resting upside down, the tips of these Japanese tongs do not touch the surface. That goes along with the theme of design excellence and superior function with hygiene in mind. 

Leye Yubisaki tongs are also available as server tongs. These are ideal for the cook/host to serve, as well as for everyone enjoying the meal to be able to pick up foods cleanly. That makes an ideal product for the whole family, encouraging kids to use utensils without the challenges of chopsticks or other tools. 

With a full range of Japanese tongs offering a variety of form and function, your biggest challenge might be which to choose. Think about what you want to serve and how you intend to serve it – then choose the set(s) of tongs that best fit your purposes.

Top 10 Japanese Foods Where Tongs Shine For Cooking And/Or Serving

1. Yakiniku: The tradition of grilling and eating flame-broiled meat is every-popular in Japan. Known as yakiniku, this culinary experience holds roots from Korea, and indeed the term “yakiniku” is often synonymous with Korean food in Japan. Tongs are an essential tool in yakiniku, from transferring the raw ingredients onto the grill; to turning the food to ensure even heat and cooking; to serving onto one’s plate or bowl. 

2. Yakitori: Grilled skewered chicken is a staple of Japanese street food. Thinly sliced chicken is marinated in a savory sauce and skewered onto bamboo sticks. The skewers are then grilled over charcoal until the chicken is cooked through. Tongs are helpful for flipping the skewers and preventing them from burning.

3. Gyoza: Japanese dumplings are filled with a savory mixture of pork, cabbage, and other vegetables. They are typically pan-fried until crispy on the bottom and steamed on top. Tongs help you flip the gyoza and prevent them from sticking to the pan.

4. Okonomiyaki: A savory pancake made with cabbage, flour, eggs and a variety of other ingredients. The ingredients are mixed together and then cooked on a griddle or in a pan. Tongs are used to flip the okonomiyaki and press it down on the cooking surface.

5. Takoyaki: Fried octopus balls are a popular street food in Osaka and around Japan. They are made with a batter that is filled with chopped octopus and then cooked in a special pan with a mold shaping the octopus ball. Tongs can be used to turn the takoyaki over and remove them from the pan.

6. Yakisoba: Stir-fried noodles are a popular Japanese dish that is often served in a stir-fry or with a dipping sauce. The noodles are stir-fried with vegetables, meat, and other ingredients. Tongs are handy to stir the noodles and prevent them from sticking together.

7. Tempura: Deep-fried seafood and vegetables are a popular appetizer or side dish. The ingredients are dipped in a light batter and then deep-fried until golden brown. Tongs are useful in transferring the tempura from the fryer to a draining rack or serving plate.

8. Shabu Shabu: A popular Japanese hot pot dish in which thinly sliced meat and vegetables are cooked in a simmering broth. The meat and vegetables are dipped into the broth and then eaten with a variety of dipping sauces. Tongs are great to bring the cooked meat and vegetables to your bowl.

9. Sukiyaki: A Japanese hot pot dish similar to shabu shabu, but with a sweeter broth. Thinly sliced meat, vegetables, and other ingredients are cooked in the broth and then dipped into a raw egg before eating. Tongs can help here as they do in sukiyaki.

10. Nabemono: A Japanese hot pot dish that can be made with various ingredients, such as meat, seafood, vegetables, and tofu. The ingredients are cooked in a simmering broth and then served with a variety of dipping sauces. 

11. (BONUS!) Sushi: Tongs are not traditionally used for sushi, but they can be helpful for serving large pieces of nigiri sushi or for transferring sushi from a platter to individual plates.

Tongs vs Chopsticks: Every Tool Has Its Place

The question of using tongs or chopsticks can be a challenging one. 

Both Japanese tongs and chopsticks offer distinct advantages. Yet mastering chopsticks can seem like a daunting task for some people.

Tongs: A Familiar Friend in the Kitchen

For cooks around the world, tongs are a go-to culinary tool. They offer a comfortable grip and are ideal for:

Flipping meat, fish, and vegetables

The secure hold of Japanese tongs keeps food intact, preventing embarrassing mishaps like a mangled tofu cube or a broken fish filet.

Reaching into deep fryers and hot pots

Japanese tongs extend your reach, allowing you to move food safely away from the heat.

Multitasking

Flip, turn, serve, and even stir with just one utensil. Japanese tongs are masters of versatility in the kitchen.

Maintaining hygiene

Japanese tongs keep your hands away from raw meat and fish, minimizing cross-contamination and promoting food safety.

Chopsticks: A Cultural Challenge with Certain Rewards

While chopsticks may present a learning curve, their benefits are undeniable.

Unmatched precision

Perfect for picking up delicate ingredients like noodles or arranging garnishes with artistic flair, chopsticks offer unparalleled control.

Minimal space requirements

No bulky utensils cluttering your drawers; chopsticks are compact and convenient for storage and travel.

Adding cultural authenticity

Enhance your culinary experience by using traditional chopsticks while preparing a variety of Japanese dishes.

Finding the Right Balance: A Tool for Every Task

The best approach is not to choose one over the other, but to embrace the strengths of both utensils. Here are some recommendations:

Reach for Japanese tongs:

• When handling large, slippery, or delicate food items
• For tasks requiring extended reach, such as deep-frying or maneuvering food in hot pots
• When hygiene is the primary concern, especially when working with raw meat

Embrace chopsticks:

• For handling small, delicate ingredients that require precision
• When space in your kitchen is limited
• To add an authentic touch when cooking or serving a variety of Japanese dishes

Ultimately, the “best tool” is the one that makes you feel comfortable and confident in the kitchen. So, experiment, have fun and don't be afraid to challenge yourself as you master the art of cooking with both Japanese tongs and chopsticks.

Japanese Tongs: The Backbone Behind The Kitchen Stars

In a culinary landscape often dominated by the extravagant and the flashy, Japanese tongs embody the concept of simplicity. 

The next time you step into the kitchen, let Japanese tongs be your cooking companions. 

From grilling and salad tossing to serving and more, Japanese tongs seamlessly blend into the culinary routine, adding a touch of sophistication and tradition to your Japanese cooking and dining experience.