Sakura 2019: the best cherry blossom-themed items this year!
Spring has sprung in Japan, meaning it’s that time of year again: cherry blossom season! Cherry blossom, or sakura (桜), typically bloom for about…
Hinamatsuri: Japan’s Doll Festival
What is Hinamatsuri? The weather is warming up in Japan, which mean the spring festival is just around the corner - Hinamatsuri! Hinamatsuri (ひなまつり),…
Hanafuda – Japan’s Answer to Playing Cards ?
What is Hanfuda? Before the Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh trading card games, Hanafuda was the original card game obsession in Japan! Hanafuda (花札, literally “flower…
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…
10 Japanese Puzzles to Train Your Brain
Few pastimes sharpen the mind like a good puzzle, and few countries craft puzzles like Japan. Over the centuries, Japan has mastered the art…
Japanese Wooden Toys to Help Your Child’s Imagination Take Root
From spinning tops to building blocks, wooden toys are nostalgic timestamps for parents with fond memories of playtimes past. Recognizing the eco-friendly, soothing properties…
Japanese Board Games & More: 11 Picks to Shake Up Game Night
Whether providing a challenge, a thrill, or a good laugh, Japanese games are all about the joy of competing with others. So, in the…
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.