Call me oldfashioned, but I have been sceptical on Japanese knifes so far. They are a bit too radically different for my taste. And usually rather expensive as well...

That being said... I just lately bought a kitchen hacking knife, that could be compared to some Asian style knifes, like the traditional Chinese kitchen knifes.

It is, however, made in Spain by Arcos and surprisingly inexpensive, only €22. Must be about 24 dollars.
Lets see, perhaps I do a short post on that soon.