Niwaki began with Jake Hobson’s trip to Japan in the late 1990s. Trained as a sculptor, Jake became fascinated by Japanese gardens, pruning, and the balance between nature and cultivation. He later worked in a tree nursery in Osaka, learning techniques that would shape his entire approach to gardening.

Back in England, Jake realized the Japanese tools he had come to rely on were difficult to find. Together with his wife Keiko, he began importing Japanese tripod ladders, secateurs, shears, knives, and other finely made tools. Niwaki now sources directly from Japanese manufacturers and has become known for tools that are both highly functional and deeply stylish.

At Mercer, we love Niwaki because they make good tools feel exciting. Their approach is clever, precise, and refreshingly cool—perfect for florists, gardeners, and anyone who believes the right tool can make the work more satisfying.