Where to Buy Tools in Japan: Pliers, Screwdrivers, & More

In Japan, major home centers, similar to Home Depot or Lowe’s in the U.S., offer tools, DIY materials, gardening supplies, furniture, and household goods.

Nationwide chains include Komeri, Cainz Home, Kohnan Pro, Viva Home/Super Viva Home, Joyful Honda, DCM, Nafco, and Keiyo D2, providing extensive selections of power tools, hand tools, and hardware. 

Specialty stores like Hands (formerly Tokyu Hands) offer craft and high-quality niche tools, while Ken Mart and Act Tool focus on specialized or secondhand power tools. 

If you want to order online, Daitool is among the reliable options. They offer tools, gardening, electrical, specialty, PPE, and outdoor gear. They also stock JIS-compliant tools from trusted Japanese brands.

Read on to learrn more on how to identify authentic Japanese tools, check JIS compliance, top brands, spot fakes, and handle shipping and customs smoothly.

What is JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards)

The Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) is Japan’s national system for standardizing products, materials, testing methods, and industrial processes. It’s administered by the Japanese government and widely used across manufacturing, engineering, and consumer goods.

A key difference between JIS and ISO or DIN standards is that JIS frequently introduces stricter tolerances for specific categories like electronics and precision machinery. It is also more context-specific, reflecting preferred Japanese manufacturing techniques and domestic preferences regarding workmanship.

• ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is global and consensus-driven, designed for international compatibility.

• DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) reflects German engineering priorities, often emphasizing precision and robustness.

A JIS screwdriver, for example, may fit Japanese screws precisely but feel loose in an ISO or DIN screw head. JIS cross-head screws have slightly different angles and depths, optimized for better torque control and reduced cam-out. These small differences show how JIS typically prioritizes high performance standards, while ISO and DIN tend to favor broader international interchangeability.

How to Avoid Fake JIS Tools Today

It's worth noting that JIS officially stopped certifying screwdrivers in 2008, so modern tools no longer carry the JIS mark. Today, the term “JIS screwdriver” mostly refers to the specific cross-point design that distinguishes it from common Phillips screwdrivers. Many Japanese toolmakers still use the term to indicate higher precision, but it’s no longer an official certification.

Because of this, it can be tricky to know what’s truly JIS and what’s just standard Phillips labeled as JIS. The safest way is to buy from reputable sources: authorized dealers, official brand stores, or well-known Japanese retailers. Avoid unknown marketplaces with no company information, and be cautious if a tool is priced far below the usual range. Genuine JIS-style tools are precision-made, and certification/design costs money.

True JIS-style screwdrivers fit screws precisely, have consistent tip angles, and resist cam-out, with smooth, well-machined shafts and durable handles. Even without a JIS mark, these features indicate a quality tool.

In short, stick to trusted Japanese brands and reputable sellers. That’s the most reliable way to ensure you’re getting a genuine, precise JIS-style tool.

Check out some JIS-compliant tools you can buy online.

JIS-Compliant Japanese Brands and Tools

While many Japanese manufacturers are world-class, these five brands are the industry leaders in JIS compliance. Each represents a different pinnacle of Japanese tool engineering.

1. Vessel Tools

Vessel was the first Japanese company to mass-produce screwdrivers and played a key role in establishing the JIS B 1012 standard for screwdrivers. Their "JISDRIVE" tips are engineered for a perfect fit in Japanese fasteners. Vessel Megadora 900 features a non-slip ‘honeycomb’ grip and a hardened JIS-spec tip. This is the most reliable tool for preventing stripped screws on Japanese cars and electronics.

2. Engineer Tools

Engineer Inc., founded in Osaka City, specializes in ‘idea tools’ that solve specific mechanical failures. They are the creators of the world-famous Neji-Saurus line. Engineer tools emphasize tight tolerances, and quality over decorative design.

3. KTC Tools 

KTC (Kyoto Tool Co.) is Japan's largest tool manufacturer. Their luxury division, Nepros, is built with an obsession for ‘hand-feel’ and mirror-polished steel. KTC is also Japan's leading manufacturer of ratchets and wrenches.

4. Mitutoyo Tools

Mitutoyo is a Japanese precision measurement company founded in Tokyo in 1934.

It is globally respected for micrometers, calipers, and gauges used in manufacturing, research, and quality control. Their extreme accuracy and measurement standards are trusted across industries. Mitutoyo Digimatic Caliper is known for its AOS (Advanced Onsite Sensor) technology. This digital caliper provides error-free, high-precision measurements even in dirty workshop environments.

5. Tone Tools 

Tone was the first Japanese company to receive permission to display the JIS mark for socket wrenches. They are the go-to brand for high-torque applications in construction and motorsports.

Customs & Shipping Japanese Tools

The biggest concern when ordering Japanese hand tools is handling shipping and customs charges. To avoid delays and extra fees, packages must be DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) compliant, meaning the shipper pays all duties and taxes before delivery. DDU (Delivery Duties Unpaid) shifts this responsibility to you, potentially adding unexpected costs.

Since August 29, 2025, the U.S. ended the de minimis exemption, so most imports from Japan are now subject to at least 15% import duty, even for orders under $800.

Many buyers prefer established retailers such as Daitool for convenience. They provide a seamless and transparent shopping experience by clearly communicating and, where possible, collecting applicable duties and taxes at checkout. Duties (customs duties) are taxes imposed by your country on imported goods, varying by product type and value. Taxes such as VAT, GST, or sales tax are also included when applicable.

They handle shipping, customs paperwork, and DDP fees for you, ensuring your tools arrive smoothly without inspection delays or additional charges. They partner with trusted couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS for worldwide delivery. For EU and UK buyers, their system integrates with IOSS for VAT prepayment and provides transparent documentation for high-value tool sets.

Finding Authentic Japanese Tools Online 

Finding authentic Japanese tools online requires distinguishing between ‘Japanese-style’ or ‘Japanese-grade’ tools and genuine JIS-compliant hardware manufactured in Japan. The most reliable way to ensure authenticity is to buy from trustworthy Japanese tool stores geared towards the export market. 

For items only available on Japanese auction sites, you may need to check the product pictures and specs more carefully and investigate the seller’s online reputation.

Which shop do you recommend for buying Japanese tools? Tell us your favorite in the comments.