Sayama Tea, Books, Sumo

Sayama Tea

"Ritto" has come, and Tokyo has started to feel winter. ""Ritto" is the first day of winter according to the lunar calendar that divides a year into 24 seasons.

In some tea fields, tea flowers are beginning to bloom. Tea flowers are undesirable for tea farmers. “Flowers bloom because of bad environment.” “If flowers bloom, the trees will weaken and they will not make good shoots next year.” they believe.

Tea belongs to a Camellia Synesis, so it looks very similar to a camellia flower and blossoms just during this winter season. The tea seeds are also made into oil that is very good for your skin, particularly for sensitive skin.

We generally think of Japanese tea that is grown in the South of Japan but just one hour from Tokyo in Saitama they have been growing tea since the Edo period. The leaves are thicker so that the plant can survive the colder temperatures in winter. There are small farms with different styles and breeds of tea and the style used to process the tea. Since the farms are generally quite small, the level of output is quite small.  

We visited some tea farms from the tea association and were so surprised at the high quality of the tea. This tea, which has been aged and stored in a good environment for one and half year, has a mild aroma, but the freshly green thorns are picked and mellow. As for the taste, become milder and more characterize, the Umami taste becomes stronger.

 One particular tea made us discover a new world of tea. He has a very high grade tea that consistently wins competitions. Contest sencha is specially cultivated and manufactured tea for the Japanese tea contest held once a year. A very rare tea that only about 500g each farmer produces. They are usually reserved and sold in their own store, and rarely appear in the Japanese market. Even if you can buy it, only around 200g per farmer can be bought in a year. The tea is grown in a wild style and each leaf is hand rolled by Mr Nakajima. We have a small amount of this special tea in our store.  

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Morioka Shoten

Morioka Shoten is a tiny bookstore of “a Single Room with a Single Book” in Tokyo. It sells only one book; more precisely, multiple copies of one title that changes weekly, with a small book-inspired art exhibition on the walls. Its challenging, minimalistic philosophy and well-curated shows attract numerous visitors from all over the world.

Yoshiyuki Morioka, the owner of Morioka Shoten Co., Ltd. Ginza worked as a bookstore clerk for eight years in Kanda, a quarter known as Tokyo’s centre of second-hand bookstores. Morioka then went independent, opened his own store and ran a number of exhibitions. This experience eventually led him to an idea of “a bookstore with a single book”. He believed that a single book will offer deeper a understanding and closer relationship with the reader as well as the essential pleasure of book reading.

The birth of “a bookstore with a single book” was brought about by a rather unique encounter. On 2nd September 2014, Masamichi Toyama (CEO of Smiles Co. Ltd.) gave a lecture at “Takram academy”, a serial lecture event run by Takram. With “New Business” as the theme of the lecture, every attendee presented an idea which could win a business opportunity if the idea was bought by Toyama. Morioka attended the event and presented his idea with only one sheet of presentation which said, “Regeneration of Bookseller Atom → A bookstore with a single book”. This very incident brought a path to his ideal book store he has dreamt for many years.

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Sumo Season

Held every November, this is the final of Japan’s six annual Sumo Tournaments, known as honbasho. With sumo rankings released a few weeks before, it’s a chance to see the traditional sport up close and personal. While the fights are broadcast on NHK, nothing beats the atmosphere of the tense final matches of the day, complete with cushion-throwing and cheers. Seating is divided into box seating – tatami areas seating four people which start at about €316.51 and arena seats which start from around €31.65.

Tickets can be purchased in advance from voyag in, or through Zaiko using the button below. Note that more dates and prices are available once you click through the initial page on Zaiko, with some days starting at €19.99. You can also purchase tickets at the hall each morning – you have to be there very early but works great for last minute plans. Sumo matches take place throughout the day and you can leave to grab food before returning. The busiest times are as you may expect – weekends and towards the end of the tournament.

If you’re not here during a tournament but still want to see some sumo action, here are a few ways to make it happen in Tokyo.

Accessories, Onigiri, Playlist by Sakamoto Riyuchi

SOMEKOBO TSUKURUYA

Making kimonos as an everyday wardrobe item

A Yuzen craftsman creating exquisite designs that reflect
a deep understanding of what the customer wants

Somekobo Tsukuruya specializes in Tegaki (handpainted) Yuzen, one of Japan's traditional dyeing crafts for painting patterns of plants and plants on the web. Unlike Kata Yuzen that uses stencils of carved washi paper for the dyeing process, each step in Tegaki Yuzen is done by hand; so it's possible to create a truly one-of-a-kind kimono that is unique in the world. Tokyo Tegaki Yuzen is one of the three
central schools of Yuzen, along with Kyo Yuzen and Kaga Yuzen. This particular form of dyeing has its roots in the merchant class culture of the Edo period. Tokyo Tegaki Yuzen allows the craftsmen to directly express themselves in the designs.

Makiko Kuwabara, the owner and manager of Tsukuruya decided to follow the path of learning Yuzen. She is currently working in Sakura city in Chiba prefecture; it's
just going to be Yuzen item. This is what they really want, so they can create a bespoke item for them. Kuwabara is in charge of all aspects of creating a Yuzen item - even delivering it to the customer. She excels in providing her customers with detailed, personalized and courteous service from start to finish. Kuwabara wears a kimono daily for many hours, so it's developed an innate
for the elements of a kimono, including the obi (sash) and other accessories. This product is designed for their versatility in full kimono outfit styling.

Tsukuruya's main customer group are women, and as Kuwabara and her businessmen at the same time, she is able to present them with designs and patterns to suit their particular stage in life. Tegaki Yuzen is one of Tsukuruya's strengths.

Transformation from an office lady to a yuzen craftsman

Yuzen dyeing is one of Japan's signature dyeing techniques that are applied on kimonos and other items. Kimonos can be divided into two types: dyed (somé) kimonos made from white cloth dyed in various colors and patterns, and woven (ori) made from cloth woven using dyed threads. Although tie-dyeing (shiborizome) and embroidery (shishu) have been used to create patterns on kimonos, the emergence of yuzen has plants, landscapes and other scenery on the cloth.

Yuzen dyeing itself has two main methods. Kata Yuzen uses stencils of carved paper for the dyeing process, which makes it suitable for use in mass production. In Tegaki Yuzen though, which is the approach used at Tsukuruya, artisans hand draw and dye patterns onto each piece of cloth. This laborious and time-consuming technique of hand drawing truly unique and original kimonos.

There are three central schools of Yuzen originating from different regions in Japan. Kyo Yuzen is noted for its use of distinctive and vivid colors by Kyoto's nobility, while Kaga Yuzen from Ishikawa prefecture is characterized by its graphic designs of plants and flowers. Then there is Tokyo (or Edo Yuzen) with its chic style and style that allows the craftsmen to express their unique sense of design. Yuzen, Yuzen, are each of the three types of Yuzen. Among the many artisans who have chosen to follow the path of Yuzen in the footsteps of their ancestors, Kuwabara is the first generation of the Tsukuruya studio she founded. Tsukuruya is Kuwabara's original brand of Tegaki Yuzen.

Kuwabara grew up in the natural environment of Sado Island, which has a population of around 60,000. Having earnedestly studied woodblock prints and Japanese calligraphy of a young age, she moved to Tokyo as a university student in Japanese calligraphy at the Faculty of Education at Tokyo Gakugei University. After graduating in 1997, Kuwabara worked at a publishing company for five years, where she edited textbooks and other publications. It was around then started to learn how to wear a kimono, which led to a developing interest in the process of making a kimono. Captivated by this essential item in any Japanese woman 's wadrobe, Kuwabara refects on that time. "I had started learning how to dress myself in a kimono, and I liked wearing it.
This also got me interested in kimono itself as a craft which motivated me to be involved in making it.

The timing was also right for Kuwabara to quit her job at the publishing company and embark on the path of studying Yuzen. Many of Japan's traditional crafts companies, including Tegaki Yuzen, have been passed down through generations; so it took some time to make this decision to start this technique on her own. Fortunately, she was able to find a studio ready to take care of her apprenticeship, and she learned to work under the tutelage of Minoru and Tamae Ueda. As the only apprentice there, Kuwabara spent seven years at the studio studying the fundamentals of Tegaki Yuzen, but also being busy with other daily chores from early morning to midnight. She reminisces about that precious life being a kind of "life training" for her.

Kuwabara's training started with learning how to trace the master's sketches and designs in pencil in order to copy their lines. Yuzen school; Yuzen school; but this one was also able to learn the subtleties of Yuzen. By 2009 Kuwabara had acquired enough skills to work independently in Yuzen Craftsman, and in Tsukuruya in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture (in the outskirts of Tokyo).

In her studio she has various sketches and designs and a temple, which is an adjustable stretcher used to keep the cloth stretched during various processes such as shinshi (stretching out the cloth on tenterhooks), tegakizome and hikizome (hand and brush dyeing), and ji-ire (basecoat application). It has gotten down to each end to attach the cloth onto. She uses an Aobana-eki dye (obtained from the petals of the tsuyukasa blue dayflower) on the cloth to draw rough sketches; the color disappears with water, so it's easy to make corrections or adjustments to the sketches. Kuwabara also has an assortment of brushes for painting on the colors, and itome nori, an amber-colored resist pasture which stops the yuzen dyes from mixing into each other. She made the most of the lines of the sketched patterns. Her other tools include cones for the nori, and color samples for checking combinations and hues of various colors. Kuwabara uses silk as her base cloth, but the silk itself comes in various patterns and weaves; so she buys and spells the silk according to the type of pattern or kimono she wants to create.

One of the issues facing the world in the world, and the
subsequent introduction of these products, and the subsequent implementation of the requirements. For instance, there are fewer people making base materials, such as brushes, base fabric, the resist paste used in the ji-ire (basecoat application) and fuse nori-oki (resist paste application) processes; this impact is clearly visible in the industry.

Kuwabara does everything on her own. She drafts the yuzen design and refines it through ongoing discussions with the customer, so she can check if it is what they want; she delivers the finished product to the customer herself. Kuwabara prefers to sell her items at pop-up events at other stores and wholesale outlets.

Kuwabara is also focused on broadening the range of her work. She has started teaching in Tokyo city and Chiba prefecture, and she has been taking part in traditional craft exhibitions and local town revitalization events.

Handcraft creation inspired by nature

Kuwabara has been working alone ever since she started Tsukuruya. This means
doing everything - from creating yuzen to selling them, running workshops and completing various other tasks. Tegaki yuzen is an extremely labor-intensive and time-consuming process in which everything is done by hand.

There are 13 steps in tegaki yuzen.

1. Coming up with ideas and skits of designs, and selecting the cloth to use.

2. Drawing the current size patterns based on the designs.

3. Copying the patterns from fullscale drawing on the actual cloth (using Aobana-eki dye for the sketches).

4. Tracing the patterns on the cloth (itome nori-oki)

5. Fixing the paste on the cloth (ji-ire)

6. Mixing the dyes, and painting them onto the patterns.

7. Steaming the cloth in high temperatures to the dyes (mushi)

8. Applying resist paste to the patterns to cover them (fuse nori-oki)

9. Paste Funori (Endocladiaceae paste) and bean juice to process in order to make a ji-zome process qualified (second ji-ire)

10. Dyeing the background (non-patterned sections) using a big brush (ji-zome)

11. Steaming the cloth again.

12. Washing the cloth to remove the mizumoto

13. Steaming the cloth to remove wrinkles from it, and then straightening and adjusting its width (yunoshi)

14. Finishing the cloth by correcting the colors, and decorating it with gold leaf / powder and / or embroidery and other embellishments.

Creating exquisite designs
while teaching Yuzen how to wear a kimono

The kimono was one of the main clothes worn by Japanese people during the Edo period; However, the influx of Western culture has had a greater impact on the Japanese, and there are fewer opportunities for kimono. Purchasing a good-quality kimono can be quite expensive, so many people look like it will last a lifetime. But Kuwahara considers a kimono to be part of a woman's daily wardrobe, just like Western clothes.

Kuwabara herself became interested in Yuzen when she started learning how to wear a kimono and had more
opportunities to actually wear one. She believes it is important for her customers to become familiar with a new way of life. It's easy to think that wearing a kimono Kuwabara is a fashionable daily wear, it does not change in style.

Kuwabara makes kimonos mostly for women. She often wears a kimono herself, so when she is making it easier for her to consider such aspects as coordinating the kimono and obi. For instance, if it is asked to make a kimono to match an obi a customer already has, she will suggest patterns and designs with colors and elements that will create a balance between the kimono and obi. Kuwabara also keeps in mind that they really want, and then creates a kimono that their preferences and requests.

Introducing Yuzen to the world with a new range of items

Kuwabara draws inspiration for her creations from the nature surrounding her studio, which is also her home. So she gets ideas when she's gardening and from the greenery around her, especially the leaves of various trees. Her works are also influenced by the changing seasons, as seen in the patterns of autumn leaves and other seasonal plants and flowers.

Although Kuwabara's work centers on making kimonos, obis and other related items, Yuzen, and so on, and other everyday fashion items. Kuwabara is hoping to launch this new line of Tegaki Yuzen items in the overseas market, where there is no custom of wearing a kimono. She is excited about elevating the techniques and expressions of Tegaki Yuzen into a Western context and marketing her items overseas; and so are we.

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Bongo Onigiri

Bongo Onigiri in Otsuka, Tokyo

Onigiri (rice balls) are integral to their communities.

Bongo was founded in 1960 in Otsuka, Tokyo, and the line is very long before it opens. The variety is extensive - the shop now has 55 standard and rotating filling, and two of these can be ordered for each onigiri. Westerners especially like the tuna and bacon. Asions mostly prefer salmon and mayonnaise. The rice comes from Iwafune in Nigata prefecture, and the seaweed is chosen from affinity. The shop sells over 1000 onigiri everyday from 11:30 am to midnight.

"Warm rice, lots of filling, big sized - If you leave one out it's not a Bongo Onigiri

2-chome-26-3 Kitaotsuka, Toshima, Tokyo.
+ 81-3-3910-5617

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Sakamoto’s Playlist on Spotify

Annoyed by Restaurant Playlists, a Master Musician Made His Own

How Ryuichi Sakamoto assembled the soundtrack for Kajitsu, in Murray Hill, and what it says about the sounds we hear (or should) while we eat.

Last fall a friend told me a story about Ryuichi Sakamoto, the renowned musician and composer who lives in the West Village. Mr. Sakamoto, it seems, so likes a particular Japanese restaurant in Murray Hill, and visits it so often, that he finally had to be straight with the chef: He could not bear the music it played for its patrons.

The issue was not so much that the music was loud, but that it was thoughtless. Mr. Sakamoto suggested that he could take over the job of choosing it, without pay, if only so he could feel more comfortable eating there. The chef agreed, and so Mr. Sakamoto started making playlists for the restaurant, none of which include any of his own music. Few people knew about this, because Mr. Sakamoto has no particular desire to publicize it.

It took me a few weeks to appreciate how radical the story was, if indeed it was true. I consider thoughtless music in restaurants a problem that has gotten worse over the years, even since the advent of the music-streaming services, which — you’d think — should have made it better.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3RQRMG11Suy8wU2IHh4HYD

Autumn, Seaweed, Washi Paper

Autumn in Japan

Autumn is a very special time to be in Japan. We enjoy autumn leaves (called koyo) as much as we enjoy cherry blossom season. Red, Yellow, Orange leaves cover the mountains all over Japan.  

We take trips to the countryside to see the trees from special viewing spots or sightseeing busses and trains especially catering to this season. There are trekking paths that you can follow to get the full experience as well. You will often find that you share the path with grandma’s and grandpa’s as these colors bring out a very sentimental beauty and connection to nature. 

There are many trees that help bring all the colors to autumn but two of the main ones are:

The deep red from the momiji (maple trees) leaves are particularly beautiful this time of the year. Many temples have both sakura (cherry blossoms trees) and momiji for this purpose of celebrating the beauty of nature. 

The bright yellow Ginkgo biloba trees are also deeply adored and much more convenient to view in Tokyo. There are a few streets in Tokyo that are lined with these trees just for this month where the world is yellow. The leaves on the sidewalk and street are yellow. We go out of our way to make sure to visit them. This leaf is also the symbol of Tokyo.

If you can’t make it to Tokyo for cherry blossom season, we highly recommend autumn.

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Numata Nori

Our favorite premium Nori (dried seaweed) and we are so pleased to have at our store. A wonderful family who have been harvesting and making premium Nori! They harvest the first cut and process it by themselves. You can only buy this in limited quantities at their store. No salt or additives are used. From Yanagawa located in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Yamato-Kita Maru-Yu-Ichi”, the seaweed picked at Ariake Sea in Fukuoka. This seaweed has a complex mixture of umami and saltiness that is suitable for Yu grade, the best grade that seaweed can be achieved.

Well balanced first taste and after taste makes this seaweed edible just by itself. You can grill it for about 30 seconds to make it crispy. There are no additives or salt so it is easily adapted for various dishes. We eat it with rice, add it to salad, but there are no limits to pairings. A favorite amongst chefs and people who love good food.

Please enjoy the mouthful of umami changing as you take each bite.

Parings: You could top this on rice or make an onigiri rice ball. Inside we can put salmon eggs, picked plum (umeboshi), tuna fish, There are no rules, just make a rice ball with filling that you like. Perfect light lunch or snack!

Enjoy it with beurre d'echire for a rich snack

The original flavor of the seaweed is kept elegantly, and it has a pleasant taste that lasts until the end. With its delicate meltiness, the taste spreads gently with memorable after taste. Please experience the finest aroma of the top grade seaweed.

Good pairing：Prosciutto and white wine:
Pair the seaweed with prosciutto and have a mellow-flavored prosciutto with a fresh blue aroma of seaweed makes it an excellently balanced snack. 

Morodomimachi Ichi-Maru-Ichi”grew with minerals that were carried by Chikugo and Hayatsue River. We are introducing you to the finest light texture delivered from the fishing grounds that won the Grand Prize at the Omori Nori Fair in 2019. The essence of umami is condensed in this rich seaweed.

Good Pairings：Flavored Rice, Whole Grain Rice, Multigrain Rice
If it is flavored rice, it will make a meal even for gorgeous. Gouda Cheese and Mimolette Cheese.

The rich taste of semi-hard cheese and mild seaweed matches wonderfully.

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Ozu Washi Japanese Paper

For Washi paper lovers, our favorite address in Nihonbashi. They carry everything from high-grade handmade paper and other types of handmade paper products for daily use, and fine products used by discerning artists from all over the entire country.

"Ozu Washi" was established as a paper wholesale store called "Ozuya" in Nihombashi in 1653. Since then, during more than 360 years since then their company has continued in thier original location.

Dealing in a variety of paper for Shodo (Calligraphy), Nihon-ga (Japanese style painting), Suiboku-ga(Sumi art), Buddhist painting, block print, paper art, pressed flowers, etc.

3 floors with a store on the first floor. On the second floor you can make your own paper with masters. On the 3rd floor there is a gallery / museum with about the history of washi paper.

OzuHonkan Bldg., 3-6-2 Nihombashihoncho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Drawers and drawers of beautiful paper in every shade of color!

A wonderful place to visit and explore the history and world of this beautiful paper.

Pilot Capless Pens

The first PILOT pens were launched in Japan in 1918. At this time, the country was opening up to Western influences and was importing European techniques.

Trade agreements and contracts were being signed and the Japanese whose writing was poorly suited to the demands of commercial trade quickly had to simplify the lines of their characters and adopt international calligraphy standards. Many pen manufacturers were set up in Japan during this time. 

Ryosuke NAMIKI, a mechanical engineer and professor at the Tokyo Merchant Marine Collage, was captivated by the ingenuity of these fountain pens which his contemporaries called "10,000 year brushes" because of their uninterrupted ink flow. However, at the same time Ryosuke NAMIKI remained convinced about their imperfections 

Using his skills in industrial engineering, he created a high quality prototype. After forming a partnership with one of his colleagues, Masao WADA, he created the NAMIKI MANUFACTURING COMPANY and started producing fountain pens.

In 1964 Pilot's engineers created many new products to celebrate the Tokyo Olympics.  The greatest of their achievements was the Pilot Capless fountain pen.  Known as the Vanishing Point in the US, the Capless is 'the perfect combination of luxury and technology'.  A simple push-button withdraws the nib into the body, closing an air-tight seal behind it to prevent it from drying out.  The Capless can be used with ink cartridges but is also supplied with a converter to allow use of bottled ink. The tip of the pen is exceptional.

In our store we carry a few models.

The perfect combination of luxury and technology, Capless’ barrel contains a mechanism of rare precision which allows the nib to retract into the barrel when not in use. Capless is adorned with the prestigious rhodium, also used in jewellery. 18-carat rhodium-plated gold nib with rhodium-plated clip and rings. Capless is available in 3 different nib sizes: fine, medium and broad. An extra fine nib size is also available on request.

Please come visit our store to try one of these beautiful pens.

Engimono God Masks

Kanuma is a city located in Tochigi Prefecture. In 1636, Nikko Toshogu Temple was built using highly skilled artisans from all over Japan. For 400 years, the region has kept this know-how kept to become a high place of carpentry and cabinetmaking. In addition, the city of Kanuma is surrounded by cedar forests and cypress hinoki, allowing it to be self-sufficient with the supply of wood as well as the preservation of the trees so that their carpentry tradition will continue into the future.

Kouichi Wakasugi is an industrial designer in Tokyo. His work is intimately linked to the woodworking trades. Most of its products are made in the Tochigi region. He decided to collaborate with the craftsmen of Kanuma with series of objects designed in Tokyo and crafted in Kanuma to thus promote the ancestral know-how of an entire region.

One of Kouichi Wakasugi's projects is a line of "Engimono" (catching-luck) with characters drawn from Japanese Gods. Each god has his symbol, bringing luck to business, love, professional success, etc.

These come in the shape of small masks or pins. Use the mask for kids, pins for your clothes, or decorate your home with a Japanese deity to bring luck into your life. Available in store and on our e-shop.

Kakigori Shaved Ice

Kakigori is shaved ice in Japanese style which is flavored with syrup. There are many kinds of syrup that you can choose your favorite one or more than one. A super refreshing treat during the hot summer. On top is some sweet condensed milk. 

The traditional one is Japanese green tea flavor which some shops will serve you with Azuki (sweet red bean paste) and Dango ( ball-shaped mochi dumplings).

Now there are many flavors including melon, lemon, strawberry, orange, ramune, caramel, tea, coffee are usually available on the street. There are speciality places that also sell inventive recipes using avocado, chili, tiramisu, mango, and many more recipes.

It is a summer treat that we all love and seeing the Kakigori Kanji flag always makes us feel like kids again. This is probably a universal delight but we call ours Kakigori. 

Ryoma Rum

Ryoma is a 7-Year rum from Japan.

The rum produced by Kikusui, a distillery located on the southern island of Shikoku, in a village in the east of Kohi prefecture, which is known as the oldest producer of sugar cane in Japan. The sugar cane is freshly pressed and then aged for 7 years in oak barrels. Rum made from sugar cane juice tastes different from rum made from molasses. The final taste is full of rich vanilla and caramel fragrances.

Ryoma Rum is named after Sakamoto Ryōma, a prominent figure in the Tokugawa shogun's overthrow, marking the end of Japan's last feudal military government that transitioned in 1868.

In presentation box. 70cl. 40%

We have this rum at our store.

Japanese Basket Vases

Bamboo is a common theme in Japanese literature and a favored subject of painters and craftsmen. With the abundance of bamboo in Japan and the variety of species, we have many uses for it.

Along with the evergreen pine and plum, which is the first flower of spring, bamboo is a part of the traditional Three Friends of Winter. The three are a symbol of steadfastness, perseverance, and resilience. Japanese artists have often represented bamboo enduring inclement weather, such as rain or snow, reflecting its reputation for being flexible but unbreakable, and its association with steadfastness and loyalty.

These “karamono” baskets had formal, symmetrical structures with tightly plaited weaves. It was the 16th-century tea master Sen no Rikyū (1522–1591) who advocated for a simple, austere wabi-cha style with natural and spontaneous or seemingly artless utensils. These tea utensils established a Japanese bamboo art distinct. Baskets were developed to appear in a natural, asymmetric style, called wamono (Japanese-style, 和物). Recognition of bamboo craftsmanship as a traditional Japanese decorative art began at the end of the 19th century, and became accepted as an art form.

Most of the master artisans designated Living National Treasures are selected from among participants in the annual Japan Kōgei Association exhibitions. Whereas the annual Japan Art Academy exhibitions (日展, Nitten) emphasize artistic expression, the Art and Crafts exhibitions prioritize the preservation of traditional skills and typically feature functional, though modern, baskets. In the postwar era, many of the leading bamboo artists were linked to established lineages.  Although most artists are men, a number of female artists have emerged recently, such as Toshie Ōki (大木 淑恵), and Setsuko Isohi (磯飛 節子, 1964)

Strong, yet lightweight and flexible, bamboo is a challenging material to work with. Mastering the art involves not only weaving the bamboo, but harvesting, processing, dyeing and splicing it. Yet, it has huge potential to be expressive.

Since the ancient days this tradition has carried on with many new designers and craftsmen who have come up with different styles.  

We have a selection of vintage baskets at our store. Many different styles. All are precious, we buy them in Japan from specialist dealers. 

Azmaya Butter and Cheese Knives

This butter and cheese knife set are designed by Osamu Saruyama and made in Ishikawa, Japan. Azmaya collaborates with Japanese artisans to create contemporary products using traditional techniques and materials. Attention to detail and high quality materials are emphasised. The resulting products reflect the high standards and superior techniques of craft produced in Japan today. The brass handle of the knife will darken over time to a deep rich tone.

Materials: Brass and Stainless Steel

Made from a contrast of golden brass and silvery stainless steel, this butter knife adds a touch of elegance to your daily breakfast routine. With usage, the handle of the knife will darken over time to a deep rich tone.  

This collection features a collaboration between Japanese artisans, designers and small manufacturers in the Ishikawa prefecture. It aims to present contemporary housewares using traditional techniques and Japan-found materials like brass and cherry wood. Minimalist design, a focus on details and high quality materials are hallmarks of the movement, with the resulting products reflecting the high level of skill and superior techniques of Japanese artisans today.

Kinkan

Summer is on its way and with that all the little mosquitos and bugs that come out. In Japan we use mosquito coils, which can be found in every country, but sometimes you just get a mosquito bites and it’s extremely annoying. In Japan we use a product to master this called KINKAN.

KINKAN has excellent effects on insect bites, itching, also for stiff shoulders, lumbar pain, bruising and sprains by removing heat from the affected site and suppressing the conduction of itching/pain.

Ingredient and amount [per 100 mL]:

Contains:

Aqueous ammonia 21.3 mL

ℓ -menthol 1.97 g

d-camphor 2.41 g

Salicylic acid 0.57 g

Capsicum tincture 0.35 mL (35 mg as an amount of raw herbal medicine)

This product contains ginseng extract as an additive and alcohol as a solvent.

Dose and administration

Apply an appropriate amount onto the affected area several times a day.

（1）When this product is used by children, use it under the supervision of a parent or guardian.

（2）Take care to prevent contact with the eyes. If the eyes should be exposed, flush them promptly with lukewarm water. If the symptom is severe, consult an ophthalmologist.

（3）This product should be used only for topical application. Gargle with water when a child ingests it by mistake. Consult a physician if a child swallows the liquid.

♦ How to use:

①Keep the bottle upward and push the center of the sponge several times. Air inside the bottle is removed and excess discharge can be prevented.

②Keep the affected site clean (free of impurities/cosmetics/drugs).

③Push the sponge on the affected site lightly so that the site is soaked with the liquid.

④Repeat the procedure of “apply and dry” several times.

Keep this product away from flammable sources such as heating devices because there is a risk of explosion or ignition.

Do not leave the product in a car because the temperature is prone to be very high inside.

Use the product as soon as possible after opening regardless of the expiration date.

On holiday I always keep Kinkan in my bag, just I keep a bottle to touch up when I need protection from the sun.

We only have a few bottles left at our store.

Suuu Sponges

The Suuu brand originated from a technology group that has been developing super absorbent material for more than 60 years.

While making products that support high-tech industries where high quality technology is required, the engineers of Suuu have asked themselves this question:

Can this state-of-the-art technology be useful for everyone in their daily lives using water?

The result is the creation of wonderful and charming forms that had never existed before in sponges.

The name “Suuu” comes from the Japanese verb  “Suu” (吸う )- “to absorb” - the additional “u” indicates the enhanced absorbing powers of the sponges.

Suuu is a brand of everyday goods made of super absorbent material created in 2016 by Aion Corporation.

Polyvinyl alcohol and polyurethane, which have cultivated manufacturing technology since its basic patent establishment in 1951, are materials made of pores, also called functional precise porous body. Around 90% of the volume is made of pores.

Until now, the material has demonstrated its water-absorption qualities in state-of-the-art high-tech fields such as “precision-cleaning" of semiconductors.

As engineers, the creators hope that the almost magical water absorption power of the Suuu material will enrich people's everyday lives. For more enjoyment of usage, they have added a playful spirit in form of charming design and colours to the technological spirit of Suuu.

Before usage:

Massage and rinse product thoroughly with water.

The slightly coloured water comes from the material and is not unusual. As the product is hand-crafted, slight changes in colour or form can occur but this does not effect the product’s functional efficacy.

Usage:

Product becomes solid when dried.

When using the product for the first time or after it dried up, make it soft and moist first by rinsing it with water.

Place product on liquid you want to remove and absorb by pushing the product. Use cleansing lotion if necessary.

Clean product after usage to protect it from mold.

Warnings:

Do not use product for other purposes than absorbing liquids.

Minor damages on product do not affect its functional performance.

Keep away from cloths as product can lose colour.

Do not expose to boiling water, heat or direct sunlight.

Matsunoya Strong Gardening Bag

Matsunoya strong cotton canvas tote bag for gardening tools.  Matsunoya Threadline tote is made from 100% heavy duty cotton canvas. The trademarked fabric makes it durable enough to maintain its shape. 100% cotton and is very strong. The Canvas that is woven in Okayama, Japan.

Multi pockets to fit your gardening tools or other tools but it definatly has a feel for work outdoors. Very strong and you can wash the bag in the washing machine with cold water. Small silver latches let you adjust its shape and size. Perfect for summer gardening. 

Perfect for summertime tending to the garden.

Kinto

KINTO

Kinto design studio since 1972. A brand specializing in professional and home use coffee and tea accessories.

Let your day be filled with what inspires you.

It's about slowing down and seeing the beauty of nature in the change of seasons. It's about savoring a delightful dish with close family and friends to unwind and feel wholesome. It's about coming to understand the joys of finding things that feel just right in your hands. We imagine the scenes that enrich your life to develop and bring you products with genuine creativity and thoughtfulness.

Usability and aesthetics. We as makers, value the balance between these two elements. Products with an ease of use is comforting to all the senses and lead to a growing fondness over time. A tableware with elegant presence blends naturally with the living space and adds color to daily life. 

We aspire to create products that stand by you in your everyday life. This is why we continue to seek inspiration from moments and stories held precious by the users. We work to create products which will inspire and give fulfillment with every touch and use.

Inspirations may come from dining experiences, interior spaces, or fields such as fashion. Our passion is ignited by diverse cultures and lifestyles. Often our designs are rooted in Japanese traditions and interpreted in a way that fits with the modern lifestyles all around the world.

To make the daily life richer and more comfortable.

Mizuiro Crayons and Dough

In reality water is clear and colorless, yet we imagine it to be light blue. In Japanese, the term mizuiro refers to a light blue color (mizu means “water” and iro “color”; literally “water color”).  At mizuiro Inc., we see ourselves as being like the color of water. We want to generate new values, creating precious and enjoyable moments for parents and children to share. Japan is a treasure trove of vegetables. 

There is a large variety of traditional cuisine and culture in Japan. Since the quality of the vegetables produced in Japan is very high they are very delicious and healthy as well. “If ink and drawing material made from such vegetables existed, the charm of Japan would be expressed in a whole new way to the world!”. This is what I thought one day and how it all started. 

“A drawing material made out of vegetables color?”
“What kind of material can we make using vegetables colors?”
This is what our development team has thought for many days.

 The crayons are made of wax and the way they are made is similar to candle making.
“If we try, we might be able to make our own prototype!” we thought.
The road of vegetable crayons development has started!

 Since major manufacturers would not make it, we aimed for niche product development. We stuck to the world of safety and security of vegetables color, made in Japan.

Trial starts at the factory
First we tried a prototype powder made from carrots, spinach, cassis, pumpkin, bamboo charcoal, garlic, indigo, red pepper, gardenia and safflower. The first crayons’ drawing experience was very poor. The crayons were crumbly and a mix of wax and vegetable powder would remain on the paper after use. One could still not enjoy drawing with the vegetable crayons.

We came to realize that in order to satisfy the customers we needed to improve our product. Because of the rough condition of the vegetable powder we had to micronize it. Also, in order to compensate the product accuracy, we had to slightly add some pigment. The off the shelf vegetable powder and the rough granularity made the experience of drawing a bad experience. After several adjustments we found out that we need to bring the granularity to a fine degree to obtain a good product. Because of the big amount of sugar in the fruits, it would stick to the machine, making the task of obtaining the necessary amount of powder difficult.

Fruits and vegetables that would not stick to the machine during the process were selected and processed into fine powder through a mesh. Further repeated improvements towards pulverization and we succeeded in obtaining the powder!

 [Mottainai] Japanese expression meaning “Stop wasting” 
In the process of getting the vegetables we learned that large amounts of vegetables are being disposed after harvest. We decided to make the crayons’ powder using the vegetable leftovers as much as possible! The raw material cost reduction and recycling vegetables was a success!

Safe and secure, the Japanese vegetable crayons are very popular in Japan.

 As of now there are 3 products that we offer in Europe. All these products have been tested by European scientists and have been approved with safety license in Europe, USA, and Asia. We currently offer Vegetable Crayon set, Rice Crayons, Vegetable Molding Dough.

Vegetable Crayons:
Set of 10 vegetable crayons with the real colors of fruits and vegetables. Colors derived from cabbage, leek, burdock, yam, corn, carrot, apple, cassis, purple potato, bamboo charcoal. These are all vegetables that grow everywhere in Japan. 

Because of this they are %100 safe for children. Crayons shouldn't however be eaten. Small children should be supervised by an adult - Store in a cool, dry place

Materials: rice wax, vegetable powder, food coloring - Made in Japan
Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.4 x 1.1"

Rice Crayons:

Set of 16 colors. Rice Crayons are made from rice wax, and they’re a dream to draw with. Not only that, but they come in vivid colors and lack the distinctive odor that crayons usually have.

The colors are produced using both organic color and inorganic pigments that comply with European safety standards for toys. We’ve selected sixteen basic colors from the Turner Colour Works Acryl Gouache Japanesque Color range, including shades of blue and red that cannot be reproduced with our Vegetable Crayons. Artists both young and old will enjoy drawing with this new and exciting range of crayons.

Contents - Set of 16 colors: 

shojohi (猩々緋, scarlet), kobai-iro (紅梅色, light pink), shuro-iro (棕櫚色, palm brown), ouni (黄丹, yellow-orange), kitsune-iro (狐色, fox fur orange), tonoko-iro (砥の粉色, cream), kihada-iro (黄檗色, bright yellow), wakakusa-iro (若草色, bright green), senzai-midori (千歳緑, deep green), ruri-iro (瑠璃色, lapis lazuli), usumizu-iro (淡水色, pale blue), fuji-murasaki (藤紫, wisteria purple), edo-murasaki (江戸紫, royal purple), ainezu (藍鼠, steel gray), keshizumi (消炭色, ash gray), junpaku-gofun (純白胡粉, pure white)

Ingredients:   Rice wax, pigment

Size:    210 mm x 102 mm

Precautions:   Do not swallow. Crayons are not edible. Small children should be supervised by an adult.

Handling instructions: Store in a cool, dry place.

Vegetable Modeling Dough:

Pigments made from fruits and vegetables are used to color our Vegetable Modeling Dough, so you can enjoy natural colors and scents unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

The modeling dough’s light base gives it a soft and fluffy texture. 

Even better, it won’t make a mess, as it’s easy for children to handle and doesn’t get sticky.

Environmentally friendly, the pigments used in Vegetable Modeling Dough are made with surplus fruits and vegetables produce such as juice pulp.

 Contents: 5 individually wrapped 10 g packets (single-use type)

(Coffee, tomato, mandarin, cabbage, purple potato)

Ingredients: Resin microspheres, water, synthetic adhesive, fiber powder, preservative, vegetable powder, food coloring

Size:    W11.5 x D210 x H35 mm (package)

Precautions:   Do not swallow. The playdough is not edible. Small children should be supervised by an adult.

Handling instructions: Store in a cool, dry place.

Buube Children's Apparel

The founder of the brand, Naoyuki was born in Tokyo in 1977. She graduated from Fashion Institute Technology New York.

He continued to do packaging and graphic design for the client such as Isetan, Converse, Nike and various fashion stores as a freelance designer since graduating from university.

““I was at a turning point 7 years ago. Almost my works were not independent but depending on the partner of brand. It was that that I decided start over and study design again.””

— NAOYUKI

While being a huge fan of Japanese craftsmanship she started noticing that many prominent factories have moved to China. The quality of, “Made in China” products are improving every year, however she started to think about what Japanese identity is.

She collected any historical graphic design and typography books all over the world. With her collection she started up the online library and book store for graphic designer and students. Most visitors of her website are based in Europe. Among other activities, she regularly teaches graphic design in Tokyo.

After becoming a mother 3 years ago, she studied and learned about childcare including baby and kids fashion, child education. Her impression was that children need to be surrounded by and have an education in art and design, along with her older students.

She came up with product idea with Japanese standard baby products, adding modern design concept for baby and kids item. Each product contains a wish for a good design education.

This is how bib brand began. As her son grew she added additional products including baby and children’s apparel.

The name of a brand is “buube", this doesn’t mean anything and can be pronounced in different ways, because all of new-born babies can’t speak a specific language. It’s just the word which you could imagine coming from a baby in any country. 

Maruyama Nawrap Towels

Maruyama Fiber Industry Co. Ltd was founded in Nara, Japan in 1930. They began manufacturing traditional mosquito nets that were woven from cotton and hemp fabrics. Mosquito nets later lost their relevance in Japan because of modern living and convenience. The traditional mosquito net fabric has since been adapted using traditional weaving technologies, into a line of multipurpose eco cloths. This absorbent, quick-drying fabric is perfect for the home. It is high quality, durable and soft. They have products that will work in your bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and more!

Hightide Tape Dispenser

A simple, rugged steel tape dispenser. With rust and scratch resistant hammer tone finish, industrial coloring. With two sizes of S / L, S size is perfect for masking tape etc. It is a tape base that is perfect for professional use with a bottom screw hole for fixing to a wall or desk. L size upgraded the body weight, renewed more easy to use on the desktop.

Nagashi Somen:

Nagashi Somen is a unique way of serving the thin white noodle via flowing cold water, conventionally slide down from sliced bamboo that is sliced in half. Diners will have to use chopstick to pick up the noodles as they float down from the bamboo pipe, dip them into cold dipping sauce before eating, as would the way we eat cold soba.

The most famous Nagashi Somen can be found at Hirobun restaurant, situated in Kibune, Kyoto. They only serve Nagashi Somen in the Summer, when you can sit on a platform "Kawadoko (川床)" with the river as background while having fun enjoying your noodle in a bizarre manner. But you will have to be skillful and quick though, noodles that aren't caught will not be re-cycled. And when you see the red somen coming, that means it's your final chance before giving up your seat to others in the queue. Chances are, you will not feel full after the session, but it's the experience you are after anyway.

It is a wonderful refreshing summer dish and very fun.

Whoval Denim Jackets

Whoval is a denim brand based in Okayama, Japan.

Okayama is the Japanese capital of denim production. Japanese denim became to be famous from the 1970’s. At that time, few Japanese pioneers started to study the post­war American denim. They decided to make Japanese denim collections, even better than the American originals: better quality, sizes and shapes more adapted to the demand of the Japanese markets.

They bought vintage American machines, bought the best possible cotton, used the famous Japanese Indigo process, and from there, the Japanese denim industry was born.

If you visit Okamayama city, you’ll be able to visit a Denim Museum and several factories and ­stores.

Whoval belongs to the young generation of denim makers. Not only do they have their own brand but they also do production for many other famous brands including Nike Japan, Beams, United Arrows, and many others.

Their famous Kimono jacket is an homage to real denim with a Japanese twist.

By representative director Shuji Ishibashi:

Because I was born in Kojima and grew up with denim, it was natural to ste into the denim industry.

We established WHOVAL in 2007. From the thought that we can’t realize our creations without washing process,so we started the processing plant.Employees has exceeded 30, and we are striving to raise the value of “made in Kojima”. Skilled engineers and sensitiveness young guys work hard together to expand the range of their works and also challenge various processing.

Now here in Kojima has become widely known as a town of jeans over the world.

“Bring to the world from Kojima,the birthplace of Japanese domestic jeans . 

This is our belief to develop unknown technology and new products.

Yuzu Kosho - Japanese Citris Pepper

Japanese condiment made from fresh chiles (most often green or red Thai or bird's eye chiles) then fermented with salt along with zest and juice from yuzu.

Yuzu kosho is a chilies (usually green or red bird’s eye chilies) which is fermented with  yuzu (Japanese citris) until it becomes a thick delicious paste. We like to have it in mixed in with the soy sauce used to dip in sashimi, sometimes gyoza, etc. It’s a wonderful seasoning from everything including sauces, dressings, and we use it on everything from grilled meats, vegetables, beef tartar, pizza’s, etc.

Beautiful balance between green chili and fresh yuzu, no bitterness. One thing that is particularly special is that it cuts through strong flavors such as fish, fatty meats, etc without overwhelming the taste. It just lightens and freshens the taste.

Ingredients: Yuzu peel, pepper, salt.

Come try some at our store. If you like your food with a little spice, you will be addicted like we are.

Livrer Washing Liquid

Livrer Yokohama is a one-of-a-kind dry cleaning shop in Yokohama that specializes in cleaning stage costumes for clients that include Cirque du Soleil's "Totem," and some of the world's top artists including Paul McCartney, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and famous Japanese artists. Costumes used for live performances are often made with complex patterns and delicate materials, making them very difficult to clean without exceptional experience, knowledge, and skill. There are problems with sweat, make up, etc, and Livrer Yokohama is the best of the best to gently and thoroughly 

Utilizing this expertise, Livrer Yokohama developed a laundry detergent that does not need a fabric softener. A gentle detergent made by a dry-cleaning shop. A luxurious blend of palm-derived cleaning ingredients, and amino acids and amino silicone, which are cosmetic grade moisturizing and softening ingredients. This detergent has superior cleaning properties while also softening and preventing clothes from shrinking.

For fragrance, it uses a base of natural essential oils to which synthetic fragrances have been added so that the pleasant fragrance remains after washing.

The fragrances that we are available at Bows & Arrows include: Beach, Bergamot, Forest, Green Apple, Rose.

When you do laundry at home, the last thing you want is to have a dirty washer tub. If any of the things listed bellow apply to you, it's time to get your washing machine cleaned.

Causes of this are: You use a softner, Your laundries smell, You use soap at the laundry detergent, You never cleaned your washer tub, You have soaked clothes for too long:  For all of these reasons your washer tub smell bad, in turn your clothes small bad. Solution: Pour 30mL LIVRER YOKOHAMA WASHING MACHINE CLEANER

Select "washer tub cleaning course" and clean the washer tub. After cleaning the tub, select a normal course without any laundries (repeat this procedure twice). Remove rubbish if there are any. Wash your everyday laundry 

To Wash using a machine:

1。Make a pre-laundry liquid in a spray bottle (mix 1:1 ratio of detergent and water)

２. Spray the pre-laundry liquid on stubborn stains and tap it with a brush

３。Make sure you use plenty of water for laundry. The normal laundry course will not have enough water.

- 40mL of detergent for 50-60L of water

- 30mL of detergent for 35-50L of water

- 20mL of detergent for 20-35L of water

４。 Mix water with detergent. Set your laundry machine, and start it up but without the laundry for the first 3 minutes. 

５. Once the water and the detergent is mixed, place the laundries in the laundry machine.

６. Rinse your laundry once, and spin for 5 minutes. You'll have your laundry done perfectly and beautifully soft.

To Handwash Delicates like cashmere, silk, wool, etc.

１．Make a pre-laundry liquid in a spray bottle (mix1:1ratio of detergent and water)

２. Spray the pre-laundry liquid on stubborn stains and tap it with a brush

３. Put your items that require a light touch in a mesh laundry bag

４. Mix water with detergent. 5cc of detergent will be necessary for every 5L of water. If the item has a stubborn stain, pre-soak it using 40℃ water

5。Put your laundry in and wash them by hand. Keep the bag tight and tie it if necessary so that there isn’t excess space inside. It should be as compact as possible.

６. Put your laundry into the laundry machine and spin it for 1 minute

７. Rinse your laundries once using 5L of water

８. Spin your laundries again in the bag for 1 - 3minutes

９. Dry flat items such as knitted ones, which will lose shape when hung from a hanger.