“Some of these Japanese businesses are family owned and have [made blades] for eight generations,” says Yuko Nakao, co-owner of the Shokunin Store.
“And they did not know to get [their blades] out of Japan or expand global markets. So, I wanted to help.”
Japanese blades ruled the battlefield long before firearms. The iconic slim, razor sharp katana or feudal sword was popularised in films, as the weapon of fierce warriors, the samurai.
The almost unbreakable steel can be sharpened to a fine edge, and ancient Japanese swordsmith families now apply similar technology to toolmaking.
Some of Yuko's Japanese blades Credit: SBS / Sandra Fulloon
Born and raised in Tokyo, Yuko first arrived in Sydney aged 18 to study English at Macquarie University.
She later returned in 1999 to work on the Sydney Olympics. Yuko then ran her own media production company for eight years before marrying her Australian husband, Lindsay, in 2008.
Yuko and Lindsay's wedding Credit: Supplied Yuko Nakao
“We invited craftsmen to fix parts of the house and I noticed that the craftsmen were all old. They have problems finding apprentices because young people do not want to go into these careers,” she says.
While visiting craftsmen in remote village workshops, the couple decided to import some of their metal tools to Australia.
“I knew the products were good, and if people tried them they would sell themselves. So we started importing blades, because we owe it to these makers.
“Gradually Australian arborists started buying, then florists, and it was by word of mouth only – but suddenly everyone wanted these blades.”
Florist Sarah Kelman (left) with Yuko Nakao Credit: SBS / Sandra Fulloon
“The secateurs stay really sharp, and don’t need sharpening or cleaning,” says co-owner Sarah Kelman.
Discussing the tools with Yuko at the Freshwater shop, Sarah explained why she has ordered a set for the staff.
“The secateurs are ergonomic. As florists, we use our hands and wrists all day so having really sharp blades is important.”
Yuko is gradually expanding the business by collaborating with social enterprise Global Sisters, and sales are picking up nationally.
“I was intrigued by the fact that Global Sisters was set up to help women, and they understand many of the barriers we face. So I signed up straight away,” says Yuko.
Since it started in 2016 Global Sisters has supported more than 5,300 women growing micro-businesses across Australia.
And many more female founders have reached out for help since the pandemic started, according to Global Sisters Chief Operating Office Heather Thomson.
“COVID-19 had a huge impact on Australian women. So many have lost casual, unstable jobs and then were loaded up with child care,” she says.
“So that led to a huge growth in the number of women turning to micro-business as a form of financial independence.”
Chef Shane Delia Credit: SBS / Scott Cardwell
“The purpose was to support Yuko getting knives to celebrity chefs and restaurants around Australia, and becoming more well known,” Ms Thomson explains.
Yuko has another important reason for taking her business to the next level. As a successful female founder she wants to be a role model for others like herself in Japan, including a close friend who has struggled to balance family life and work stress.
“Everything I learn from Global Sisters I translate into Japanese, because I want to show women there that is there is another, better way forward,” she says.
