If you’ve ever watched a school-themed anime or seen pictures of Japanese students heading to class, chances are you’ve spotted a randoseru—the boxy backpack that’s light enough for five-year-olds and durable enough to last all the way through primary school. Keep reading to find out what makes randoseru an essential back-to-school purchase (or fashionable wardrobe accessory), and which brands are popular in Japan. What to Know about Japanese Randoseru Price Randoseru are built to last and crafted from high-quality material. Because of the care taken in making each backpack, randoseru > Read More
30/03/2018
Japanese Kyusu Teapots: Your Guide to Japan’s Iconic Teaware
What’s the secret to a perfect cup of green tea? Perhaps the answer boils down to the teapot itself. Over the centuries, Japanese craftsmen have altered the shapes, materials, sizes, and filters of teapots, refining the tea-drinking experience by creating vessels designed to draw out complex flavors and aromas of specific teas. Read on to learn about the most popular types of Japanese teapots and discover which one might be your “cup of tea!” Japanese Kyusu Teapots While not all Japanese teapots have a handle, those that do are known as kyusu—or “teapots” in Japanese. Generally crafted from > Read More
04/01/2018
Happy Year of the Dog! Canine Cuties from Japan to start the New Year
Happy New Year! 2018 is the Year of the Dog, to the joy of puppy fans all over the world. In these early January days, dog-themed decorations both traditional and modern cover every storefront in Japan, not to mention countless thoughtful New Year's greeting cards. As we all contemplate the beginning of a new year, we're thinking of how to bring some more doggo delight into your 2018 - starting with these Year of the Dog items, as well as our fave Japanese canine cuties. Enjoy! Year of the Dog Items Osomatsu-san: Year of the Dog WCF The Matsuno brothers are dress-up masters, and the > Read More
08/08/2017
Japanese Beer Glasses & Ultrasonic Beer Foamers for the Home Bartender
While the highball and chuhai have rightfully found their place among Japan’s most popular happy hour drinks, it is the country’s love for ice-cold draft beer that has been truly elevated to an art form. To share this unique culture with you, we’ve put together a list of Japanese beer glasses and foamers that can help bring Japan’s passion for pilsners into your home bar. Japanese Beer Glasses & Tumblers Sugahara Glassworks Mt. Fuji Beer Glass Sugahara Glassworks’ Mt. Fuji Beer Glass is an artistic achievement of understated craftsmanship. Paying homage to Japan’s iconic peak, the > Read More
11/07/2017
Traditional Japanese Summer Items
Carefully watching and celebrating the passing of the seasons is a key part of Japanese culture, and a tradition that can be seen from the earliest Japanese art up to the present day. With the keen attention paid to the signs of the seasons, some items and patterns indelibly symbolize summer in Japan. You may have noticed these yourself, whether when visiting or just from watching your favorite Japanese shows or films. From traditional ways to beat the heat to seasonal patterns, read on to find out more about summer in Japan, and how to get that quintessentially Japanese summer look at > Read More
30/09/2016
8 High-Quality Japanese Ingredients for Your Washoku Pantry
Japanese cuisine is deeply intertwined with a cultural tradition based on the beauty of the meal’s presentation, the skills of the chef, and the quality of the ingredients. While it can take years to master the first two, today it is possible to source high-quality Japanese ingredients direct from Japan. Keep reading to find out about 8 select washoku ingredients and what to look for when stocking your pantry. > Read More
19/07/2016
How to Make an Origami Cube in 18 Easy Steps
What better way to show off your amazing collection of origami paper than by folding an origami model that takes 6 pieces to make. With these modular origami cube instructions, learn how to easily fold a sturdy box that can be used to store gifts, hide secrets, or even play a game of dice! > Read More
15/07/2016
How to Make an Origami Fox in 8 Easy Steps
Are you as sly as a fox? Find out how clever you really are by trying your hands at folding an easy origami fox in just 8 steps. Watch out though, Japanese folklore often depict kitsune ("foxes" in Japanese) as being tricksters with a penchant for magic! > Read More
07/07/2016
Japanese Fans: Everything You Need to Know When Buying a Hand Fan
Summer in Japan—cotton kimonos, shaved ice, festivals, fireworks, and fans! The iconic imagery of Japan’s hottest season is all about enjoying summer’s outdoor traditions while beating the heat in style. Keep reading to find out more about Japan’s love of fans and some tips on what to consider when choosing the perfect fan for you! > Read More
28/06/2016
9 Japanese Fish Snacks for the Ultimate Seafood Lover
If you love the flavors of fish and seafood, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to find out what your missing out on and how you can get your hands on some delicious Japanese fish snacks! > Read More
