Konjac sponges are made out of Glucomannan, a natural fiber derived from the root of the konjac plant. It helps to deeply cleanse and exfoliate dead cells while its moisture-rich properties leave your skin smooth and supple.

Konjac has been used in Asia for centuries for its benefits both in cooking and for skin care. Japan has been cultivating konjac for over 1000 years. In cooking it is highly regarded for its nutritious qualities and also for its slimming benefits because it is filling but is very low in calories. When used as a sponge, konjac is gentle on the skin by taking advantage of the high water retention found in konjac root, and has a feature that pulls the dirt of skin by neutralizing with a weakly alkaline component of konjac.

When the sponge is plunged in warm water, the surface is is covered by a watery layer layer. This layer makes a barrier between the sponge and the skin so you're your skin is never in direct contact with the fibers, hence it is never damaged. The aqueous layer is slightly alkaline, so it neutralizes slightly acidic grime, pore dirt and downy hair, breaks them down and rinses them away, leaving you fresh and clean without the use of soap.

Usage:
- Soak the sponge in warm water until it is soft.
- Gently apply the sponge to your face. The fibers naturally and gently pull dirt and dry skin out of your pores
- Wash after use and squeeze until all the water is removed
- Store in a airtight container (make sure it is dry first to prevent mold or bacteria)
- Ideally store this container in the fridge as this will keep your sponge intact for longer use. This sponge will last you about 1 month.

Infused Konjac sponges:
White: Plain sponge, good for sensitive skin, for babies full body wash.

Camelia: Camellia seed essence has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy effects, and it helps protect skin from dryness in winter.

Yuzu: Used to freshen and to keep skin moist and soft.

Green tea: Has a sterilizing effect, and it combs inflammation from acne and pimples and preventing spots.

Cherry Blossom: Repairs roughness, combats inflammation, and softens skin.

Please visit our store to sample these sponges.

If you are in Tokyo, please visit the Flagship store of Makanai. The brand Makanai was founed in 1999, by Mayumi Tachikawa, who was born in a family that ran a gold leaf factory since 1899 in Kanazawa. In Japan, when restaurant workers make food for themselves, it is called "makanai: in Japanese.

The women at a gold leaf factory made cosmetics using the food supplied such as soybeans and green tea as well as washi paper used for pounding gold leaves. Mayumi decided on the brand name Makanai Cosmetics to keep alive the memory of her traditional family business.

At the flagship store you can see the entire range of Makanai products and really get to know the brand. There are English speaking staff and French speaking staff as well. Walk around and test various products here with a good explanation about each product.

3-1 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
+0081-3-3253-7663

One of our favorite people, Mr Ogata, who is famous in Tokyo as a designer, architect, and restaurateur, has just opened an incredible space in the Marais in a 17th century building. Please visit if you are interested in a truly authentic Japanese experience and the art of living.

There is a lovely restaurant serving seasonal dishes with a truly Japanese taste and presentation, this level of perfection is rarely found outside of Japan. Ogata-san brought his team in that work along side a well trained staff with the menu prepared by chef Kazuki Watanabe who has worked with Ogata-san for 16 years. Every dish is described well in French, Japanese, or English so that you will know exactly what you are eating.

The bar has special house cocktails based on five basic flavors: spicy, sour, bitter, salty, and sweet. Virgin cocktail are also available with seasonal fruits and herbs.

Sab O is a very special experience. Tea is served with wagashi (traditional sweets that are meant to eaten with the tea). The sweetness of the wagashi compliments the bitterness of the tea. This is the traditional way to drink tea.

Design store with goods designed by Mr. Ogata along with his personal collection. Very beautiful selection of dishes and accessories for food and tea.

The Wagashi Sweets store is also stunning. The sweets are made in store daily. Packaging to die for! Our favorite is the green tea with dried fruit inside!

On the other side there is a tea store with descriptions of the tea. For a good understanding of tea you can read or ask the attendant to explain the differences. They also have a wonderful selection of mixed tea (tea mixed with herbs, fruits, etc). Tea is also roasted on site for the perfect Hojicha.

16 rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris
https://ogata.com