The big difference between Japanese and Western saws is that they cut on the pull stroke rather than the push stroke. The bonus is that they can use thinner steel resulting in a thinner Kerf, faster cut, way more precision, and less waste. A traditional Japanese hand saw is a two-sided Ryōba saw. One edge has a rip saw tooth pattern, the other is used for cross-cutting. The word Ryōba literally translates as Double-edged.
Another favorite, the Dōtsuki saw is a single-edged Japanese saw with the added advantage of a stiffening spine like some traditional dovetail and tenon saws have.
Handles are wrapped in Traditional style, Ryoba models.