Even a Michelin three-star sushi chef has acknowledged it! Why the ultimate cutting board used by professionals for 50 years will change your kitchen

Daily Necessities & Skin Care

The appeal of rubber cutting boards

Used for 50 Years by a Michelin Three-Star Sushi Chef!

Our Household Favorite

What Makes Rubber Cutting Boards So Great?

Good morning! It's Miko.

Today I'm going to meet up with some classmates. The meeting place is the same place where my husband proposed to me... the National Art Center, Tokyo! And Roppongi is where I used to work part-time when I was a student. (I'm not a night club girl. lol) It's been over a decade since I've been here, so I'm worried I'll get lost in the city, which has changed so much.

So, before you head out, I would like to introduce you to a Japanese-made rubber cutting board, a product that is a favorite in my home and is known only to those in the know.

Well then, let's get started!

Why the world's best sushi chef has been using the same cutting board for 50 years

From the official Instagram @manaita_asahi

Do you know Jiro Ono of the world-famous Sukiyabashi Jiro in Ginza? He is a sushi chef who has been awarded three Michelin stars and is revered by gourmets around the world. But did you know that he has been using the same cutting board for 50 years, carefully caring for it ?

There is a reason why the world's most skilled craftsmen have continued to place their trust in Asahi Cookin' Cut for half a century.

We use cutting boards every day without giving it much thought. But think about it. It is the most frequently used tool in daily meal preparation, and is an important tool that comes into direct contact with ingredients. What if the quality of that tool could affect the quality of your food, and even your family's health?

In professional workplaces, it is said that "tools determine the quality of work." In sushi restaurants, where raw fish is mainly handled and hygiene is strictly controlled, the choice of cutting board may seem unimpressive, but it can actually be said to be a "hidden lifeline."

Proven in professional settings: Asahi Cookin' Cut's overwhelming performance

Three decisive reasons why professionals approve

①Overwhelming sense of security in terms of hygiene

The biggest feature of synthetic rubber is that it does not absorb any moisture . While the moisture absorption rate of a wooden cutting board is about 0.06g/㎡, Asahi Cookin Cut's is only 0.004g/㎡. This is an astonishing figure, about 1/15 of that of a wooden cutting board.

It prevents the growth of mold and bacteria from the roots even in the hot and humid climate of Japan, especially during the rainy season and summer. In fact, the black mold that had been bothering me with my wooden cutting boards has completely stopped growing, and I regret not having started using it sooner, preferably while I was living in Taiwan, where the temperatures are high and humidity!

More importantly, it does not contain any harmful chemicals such as PFAS (Perfluorooctanoic Acids), which have been much talked about recently. In recent years, the health effects of chemicals contained in plastic products have become a global issue, but Asahi Cookin' Cut uses only domestically produced synthetic rubber that has passed the strict material and leaching tests of the Food Sanitation Act. It can be used completely safely even in homes with small children.

Cutting Board Water Absorption Test

Test conditions

  • Test conditions / Immersion liquid: tap water
  • Specimen: 100×60 mm
  • Immersion: room temperature × 3 days

Calculation

Water absorption (g/cm²) =
Specimen weight after immersion − before immersion (g)Total surface area (cm²)

Test results

Cookin’ Cut

Water absorption

0.004 g/cm²

Wooden Cutting Board

Water absorption

0.065 g/cm²

2. Amazing durability for over half a century

In a rigorous cutting test of 50,000 times, a wooden cutting board was scratched as deep as 1.53 mm, while Asahi Cookin Cut was scratched only 0.58 mm. This figure shows not just that it lasts long, but that it has the ability to maintain hygiene for a long period of time .

Deep scratches are a breeding ground for bacteria, but the surface of Asahi Cookin' Cut always remains smooth. And the best part is that when the surface becomes worn, it can be restored to like-new condition by polishing it with waterproof sandpaper . This is a characteristic unique to synthetic rubber that cannot be achieved with other materials.

Cutting Board Durability Test

  • 50,000 cuts; approx. 17 hours nonstop.
  • Cutting pressure: approx. 0.2 MPa

Cookin’ Cut

Depth 0.58 mm

Wooden Cutting Board

Depth 1.53 mm

The knife edges also showed nearly the same damage.

3. Excellent elasticity to protect your knives

For professional chefs, knives are like the soul of the chef. A cutting board that is too hard will damage the blade, and one that is too soft will impair the sharpness of the blade. Asahi Cookin Cut has perfect elasticity, where the rubber sinks slightly every time the knife hits it, but quickly returns to its original shape.

This characteristic allows high-quality knives to retain their sharpness for a long period of time, ultimately making it possible to bring out the natural flavor and texture of ingredients to the fullest.

Cross-section

刃先
Blade edge
復元する
Returns to shape

※This diagram is a schematic cross-section

7 innovative features that will transform your home kitchen

Feature 1: Pure material that is tasteless, odorless, and non-toxic

For people with allergies and new mothers preparing baby food, the safety of the cutting board is of utmost importance. Asahi Cookin' Cut does not contain any harmful plasticizers or heavy metals, and official testing has confirmed that it is tasteless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Feature 2: Truly eco-friendly and economical

It can last for about 10 years at home, and over half a century if properly maintained. The initial investment is certainly more expensive than a regular cutting board (I hesitated for many years 💦), but it is the most economical choice over the course of a lifetime . It also greatly reduces waste, so it fits perfectly with today's environmentally conscious values.

Feature 3: Comfort provided by the elasticity of rubber

The stress reduction effect I feel from cooking every day is immeasurable. The knife glides smoothly and the sound of cutting is pleasant. It also reduces the strain on your wrists, so you won't get tired even after cooking for long periods of time. Also, this is just my personal experience, but although it is thinner than a wooden cutting board, it has a solid weight, so it doesn't slip when you cut. I think this is a big factor.

Feature 4: Scientifically proven scratch resistance

The 50,000 cut test results are more than just data. They are the result of rigorous testing that equates to decades of home use . By maintaining the beauty of the surface, you are helping to maintain the beauty of your kitchen.

Feature 5: Revolutionary quick-drying

The almost zero water absorption rate dramatically reduces the drying time after washing. When you stand it upright, the water just falls off like it's repelling it, which is very satisfying. When you want to cut the next ingredient, it's a pain to have to wipe it with a clean cloth. Anyone who cooks will understand how much time it saves, and although it's a simple thing, it's worth it.

Feature 6: Peace of mind from being able to disinfect with boiling water

Both sides are made of the same material and can be sterilized with boiling water. This characteristic is especially important for sterilization after handling raw meat or fish, and is a key feature for protecting the health of your family. It also provides reliable protection against food poisoning bacteria such as norovirus and O157.

Feature 7: Overwhelming superiority in overall performance

It received the highest ratings in every category: hygiene, durability, ease of use, ease of maintenance, and safety. This is the culmination of technology that takes advantage of the properties of synthetic rubber, something that cannot be achieved with other materials.

Performance Comparison

(* Comparison based on in-house tests)

Cookin’ Cut
Wooden Cutting Board
Plastic Cutting Board
Scratch resistance
Cookin’ Cut○
Wooden Cutting Board△
Plastic Cutting Board○
Cutting feel
Cookin’ Cut○
Wooden Cutting Board○
Plastic Cutting Board△
Water repellency
Cookin’ Cut○
Wooden Cutting Board△
Plastic Cutting Board○
Stain resistance
Cookin’ Cut○
Wooden Cutting Board△
Plastic Cutting Board○
Heat resistance
Cookin’ Cut○
Wooden Cutting Board○
Plastic Cutting Board△
Slip resistance
Cookin’ Cut○
Wooden Cutting Board○
Plastic Cutting Board△

Actual usage: Manager Miko's experience report

I've been using the small size at home for half a year now. To be honest, I hesitated for many years at first because I thought, "This price for a cutting board?" But then I happened to have a chance to go to Kappabashi, and my husband said he really wanted one, so we bought one, and after we started using it, we stopped using the wooden cutting board we had been using until then. (laughs)

① Size

It's the perfect size for a couple living together, not too big or too small. It doesn't take up much space in the small kitchen of a housing complex, and it's the perfect size for leafy and root vegetables, and it's light enough that you can pick it up and pop ingredients into a pot.

2. Reduces cooking time

The smoothness of the knife makes chopping vegetables surprisingly smooth. I remember Kazuyo Katsuma saying that the clean cut surface of vegetables leads to their deliciousness when she learned how to cook. I feel that the amount of tears I shed when cutting onions has decreased significantly because the cut surface has become cleaner.

3 ) Comfortable sound

This was an effect I hadn't anticipated in the first place. (I've always thought that wooden cutting boards are the best.) The sound of the knife touching the cutting board is very pleasant, just like wood, and the sound is just as good. In the past, when I woke up in the morning, I was comforted by the sound of my mother slicing on the cutting board in the kitchen. The sound is just like that, and it makes the tedious task of cutting ingredients a fun one.

④Easy to clean

Even after cutting oily ingredients such as meat, a quick wash will remove the dirt. I am really impressed by how well it drains. Also, it is really helpful that there is no fishy smell after filleting fish. Since we don't use any detergents with synthetic surfactants at home, we usually just dissolve scallop powder in water and wash it with hot water using the Watana series. Even with that, it is more than enough to clean it well.

⑤ Self-satisfaction

The sense of self-satisfaction of knowing that "I'm using a cutting board that the world's best sushi chef has been using for 50 years" motivates me to cook more than I expected. I want more people overseas to use Japan's wonderful cutting boards! I feel that this is a cooking tool that makes me think that way. In my videos, I've always been asked, "Where do you use your cutting board?", and I think I've finally found a cutting board that I can proudly introduce.

Complete guide to choosing the right size

Features of M size (42cm x 24cm)

Medium size

Dimensions and weight

Width
380mm
Height
210mm
Thickness
13mm

Weight: approx. 1.1 kg

Recommended for:

  • Family households with 4 or more people
  • Those who prepare food in bulk on the weekend
  • How to cook large fish or meat whole
  • Those who have ample kitchen space

merit:

  • Suitable for large-scale cooking
  • Easily cut large ingredients
  • Multiple ingredients can be placed at the same time
  • Ideal for preparing entertaining meals
Preview Image

Asahi Cookin' Cut Cutting Board, Medium, Synthetic Rubber, Authorized Retailer, Free Shipping

[Free Shipping & Authorized Retailer] Asahi Cookin' Cut, size M, boasts 50 years of professional use. Made from synthetic rubber, it offers a comfortable blade and is scratch-resistant for hygienic performance. It's antibacterial and made in Japan for peace of mind. It's easy to clean and dries quickly, making it a cutting board that's sure to last a lifetime. Click here for details.

Features of S size (35cm x 20cm)

Small size

Dimensions and weight

Width
240mm
Height
210mm
Thickness
13mm

Weight: approx. 0.7 kg

Recommended for:

  • 1-3 person household
  • For those with compact kitchens
  • Those who are purchasing a high-end cutting board for the first time
  • Those who want to make effective use of storage space

merit:

  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • Can be stored anywhere
  • Affordable price
  • Proven in our home

Decisive factor in choosing size

The most important thing is your cooking style . If you cook a little at a time every day, we recommend the S size, and if you cook a lot on the weekends, we recommend the M size. We also recommend that you take into consideration future changes in your family structure.

Preview Image

Asahi Cookin' Cut Cutting Board, Small, Synthetic Rubber, Antibacterial, Made in Japan, Authorized Retailer

"Asahi Cookin' Cut" HOME, chosen by professionals for over 50 years. Its rubbery elasticity prevents damage to knives, and it's easy to clean and dries quickly. This is a genuine product from "Shoukakukou Store," guaranteeing quality and reliability. The small size is compact and ideal as a secondary cutting board. It's antibacterial and made in Japan for perfect hygiene. Recommended for those looking for a cutting board that will last a lifetime.

Maintenance techniques for long-lasting use

Care Instructions
Screenshot

Daily care routine

Before use, wet the underside of the cutting board and wipe off any excess water. This simple step will greatly prevent stains, dirt, and odors from adhering to the board.

Basic steps after use

  1. Wash the sponge with a mild dishwashing detergent (we use scallop powder and hot water, and the Watana series).
  2. Thoroughly wash the front, back and sides
  3. Wipe off all the water (just shake it off!)
  4. Hang up to dry naturally

Special care once every 3 months: If you are concerned about stubborn stains or minor scratches, use kitchen bleach or cleanser. This level of maintenance will keep the product in like-new condition.

Detailed procedure for regeneration

Tools needed:

  • Commercially available cutting board sharpener or waterproof sandpaper (approximately #100)
  • Plenty of water

procedure:

  1. Sprinkle plenty of water on the surface of the cutting board.
  2. Grinding with constant force in the longitudinal direction
  3. Continue until polishing marks are no longer noticeable
  4. Rinse thoroughly with water and then

This polishing process also restores the anti-slip properties of the surface, making it feel like new again.

Important points for long-term storage

  • Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight
  • Lay flat or stand upright
  • Use both sides in a balanced way
  • Avoid soaking in bleach for long periods of time.

Summary: Revolutionize your kitchen

Asahi Cookin Cut has been trusted by Jiro Ono of the Michelin three-star restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro for 50 years. It is not just a cutting board, but a revolutionary tool that will fundamentally change your cooking experience .

Three reasons to act now:

  1. Healthy : PFAS-free, antibacterial, and completely hygienic
  2. Economic rationality : Can be used for 50 years, true cost performance
  3. The joy of cooking : professional quality, a special experience every day

Our store's mission is to deliver the best Japanese products to people all over the world, and Asahi Cookin' Cut is the ultimate product that embodies that mission.

Why not start your special cooking experience today using the same tools as the world's best sushi chefs?

Preview Image

Asahi Cookin' Cut Cutting Board, Medium, Synthetic Rubber, Authorized Retailer, Free Shipping

[Free Shipping & Authorized Retailer] Asahi Cookin' Cut, size M, boasts 50 years of professional use. Made from synthetic rubber, it offers a comfortable blade and is scratch-resistant for hygienic performance. It's antibacterial and made in Japan for peace of mind. It's easy to clean and dries quickly, making it a cutting board that's sure to last a lifetime. Click here for details.

Preview Image

Asahi Cookin' Cut Cutting Board, Medium, Synthetic Rubber, Authorized Retailer, Free Shipping

[Free Shipping & Authorized Retailer] Asahi Cookin' Cut, size M, boasts 50 years of professional use. Made from synthetic rubber, it offers a comfortable blade and is scratch-resistant for hygienic performance. It's antibacterial and made in Japan for peace of mind. It's easy to clean and dries quickly, making it a cutting board that's sure to last a lifetime. Click here for details.

Wonderful Things from Japan — <em>Shoukakukou Store</em>

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