Marujyu Kanaami Grills

Marujyu Kanaami Grills

Marujyu Kanaami Co., Ltd. was founded in Higashi-Osaka, Japan in 1947.  These type of grills have been used in Japanese cooking to grill fish, meat, vegetables, etc. We cook over hot coals outside but they can also be cooked on a gas stove.

It is a beautiful grill and makes eating enjoyable.

- For care, please wash with a sponge.
- Do not soak in water or you will damage the ceramic.
- Do not put it in the dishwasher.
- The ceramic eventually will get burned but with care, you can keep it for many years.

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Rice by Mitsuyoshi Shinousan:

We were attracted to the pet bottle packaging when we saw this brand at a trade show.

This brown rice, also called "Yume Shizuku" was cultivated and polished in the Saga prefecture in Japan. This organic rice was grown without using any pesticide nor other chemical products, in order to ensure that it would be natural from soil and 100% organic.

This brown rice comes with a natural and unique sweetness and firmness.

The PET bottle was chosen for the packing for these rices, and so that the rice would not be easily oxidized, and it would be also easy to store. We would recommend storing this product in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator after opening !

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Nakagawa Seimen. Founded in 1891

Seventy Years of continuous commitment to noodles. Nakagawa seimen is our new favorite noodle brand with many types of noodles, both hot and cold. The brand is from Hiroshima and currently the 3rd generation Nakagawa-san. A special technique was developed by them to make half dried noodles unlike deep fried noodles that are used by other companies. Because of this, the noodles have a delicious texture. The shelf life is only about 6 months.

They have Ramen noodles that can be eaten hot and other noodles to be eaten cold. Our favorite is the Setouchi lemon noodles. This Is a relatively new trend in Japan and we the lemons are sourced from around Hiroshima.

Nakagawa Seimen:

Introducing the noodle manufacturing by family run Nakagawa Seimen from Hiroshima in 1891, with years of making dry noodles they have perfected their technique. These half dry noodles are exceptional and used at many high end ramen restaurants in Japan. Half dry noodles can be exported because they have a shelf life of 6 months. There are no preservatives in the half dry noodles. Whereas the full dried noodle block that is found in most instant noodles are usually created by flash frying cooked noodles and are generally less healthy and with less texture. These Nakagawa Seimen noodles were introduced to us by a friend in Japan. They are usually bought by professionals or ordered online.

Keeping their tried and proven soup recipes, they also continue to create new sauces. Our favorite ones for the warmer seasons use Setouchi Lemon or sometimes Yuzu Lemons. These lemons are grown close to Hiroshima and are very famous in Japan.

Half-raw noodle manufacturing process: 

For Spring Summer we sell 2 types of noodles

- Hot Yuzu Udon: This can be eaten Hot or cold:
1 pack serves 2 people. The sauce is included in the set. Cooking time is 5 minutes and afterwards you just add the sauce directly in the water (sauce is made from Yuzu from Seto inland Sea area). Instructions all written on the back in English. Recommended toppings: Leeks, baby spinach, light vegetables, radish, Boiled egg cut in half, Steamed Chicken, Light Pork.

- Setouchi Lemon Salt Ramen (this can be eaten hot or cold):
Hot: 1 pack serves 2 people. The sauce is included in the set. Cooking time is 2 minutes and afterwards you just add the sauce directly in the water (sauce is made from Yuzu from Seto inland Sea area). Instructions all written on the back in English. Recommended toppings: Leeks, baby spinach, light vegetables, radish, Bok Choy, Bean sprouts, Boiled egg cut in half, Steamed Chicken, Light Pork.

If you want to try it cold: Cook the noodles for about 3-5 minutes, depending on how al dente you like them. Rinse under cold water. Chill the sauce inside the freezer for about 10 minutes, dilute with water according to your taste. 

Recommended toppings: Leeks, baby spinach, light vegetables, radish, cucumber sliced thinly, Thin egg omelette thinly sliced, Light ham thinly sliced, Steamed Chicken.

Our first selection spring/summer for the store will be Yuzu Udon and Setouchi Lemon Salt Ramen. Please try them!

Nakajima Pencil Sharpeners, Washable Anti Viral Masks, Cat shaped Bread Cafe

Nakajima Pencil Sharpeners

We have stalked Nakajima san after some of the companies we work with recommended his brand and use them. He is a household name in the offices of designers and offices and people who love design. We finally met him at a tradeshow and tested his products. It is the best pencil sharpeners on the market. We started buying pencils just to use his sharpeners.

 Nakajima Jukyudo was founded in 1933 , Osaka , Japan. They have a philosophy of quality that it is light as peeling an apple, and it is as sharp as Samurai sword. They are very trusted and supported by consumers and main stationary companies in Japan because of their high quality and technical skill. The edge of the pencil sharpener of our company has impress of “JAPAN” and “NJK”. It is a proof of reliance. Skilled workmen have consistently manufactured edged tool and sharpener body at factory in Osaka. Junya Nakajima is the third generation Nakajima to take the company's helm.

Please come to our store to try these extraordinary sharpeners.

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Washable Anti Viral Masks

Being well protected by the Japanese technology! We are all being very careful to keep ourselves and others safe during this time. Wearing masks come more naturally to Asians but not for such an extended period of time. Because of this we have found a safe, washable mask for our store.

This series of masks has 3 layers structure, while the outside and the inner face layer are made from botanicaldyed organic cotton, and the center layer is made from the anti-virus effect facbric.

The anti-virus layer is developed by Sikibo, which is supplying masks, medical uniforms, and other medical related accessories to hospitals in Japan, since more than 10 years.

For more natural color options, please visit our website:
https://www.japan-best.net/antivirus-masks

< Natural Washable Anti-virus Masks, Color Cherry Blossom >

Composition: organic cotton
Colors: naturally dyed with cherry blossom
Virus filtration level: 99 %
Product feature: washable up to 50 times
Made in Japan

Size: 18 x 15 cm

For more technical details please visit: http://www.shikibo.co.jp/english/e_fabrics/flutect/flutect_news.html

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Neko Neko Cat shaped Bread Cafe

Newly opened in one of our favorite streets in Omotesando, the Cutest bread in cat shapes.!https://nekoshoku.jp
4-chōme-8-2 Jingūmae, Shibuya -ku, Tōkyō, Japan

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Chushin Kobo, Sayama Tea, Hydrangea flowers.

History of Yamagata Iron Casting:

Ironwork began in Yamagata 950 years ago during the Kohei Period. Yoroyoshi Minamoto got an order to conquer Oushu (an old part of Yamagata)> During their battle in Yamagata, one of their warriors, (who happened to be a casting master) found that the sand along Mamigasaki river and the soil at Chitose Park was perfect for casting. He decided to move there and start working with the natural resources. Yamagata’s casting continues today and is based on everyday commodity and art. It has a winning distinction with a solid reputation of traditional thin casting technique and the beauty of the surface called “Thin Beauty” 

Yamagata’s casting continues up to today and is based on everyday commodity and art. It has a winning distinction with a solid reputation. Yamagata casting is characterized by the traditional casting called “Usuniku-birei”, which means the thin casting and the beauty of cast surface.

Craftsman Hisanori Masuda's casting studio, Chushin-kobo, aspires to design ironwork which integrates the beauty of traditional Japanese casting with modern day functionality.

Hisanori Masuda was born in 1949 in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. After graduating from Musashino University of Art (Fine Arts and Design) where he studied under Prof. Mosuke Yoshitake, Hisanori stayed on as a studio assistant to his professor for 5 years. During this time, Hisanori was successful in revitalizing local industries through product design. Later he moved to Yamagata City and established his own studio, "Chushin-Kobo" in 1997. He seeks to recreate objects retaining the beauty of traditional Japanese cast iron but stylishly adapted to fit contemporary life-style. Using iron, aluminum and bronze, he designs, produces and sells all his own work. He is currently a member of Japan Craft Design Association and teaches at Tohoku University of Art and Design.

Traditional craft design is not conservative. It is innovative, encompassing both the hardware and software of its era. For traditional crafts to be passed on to future generations, artisans must undertake to design practical, refined and modern items.

Cast iron eliminates chlorine from tap water, so the boiled water will be mild, have no smell and will be tasty even just as hot water. The water in turn will have iron, which is a merit to be able to take iron naturally as we need it for our body. So you can enjoy tasty hot tea with a hint of healthy iron. The iron of hot water and tannin of tea react together to make and enjoyable tasty tea. 

Our selection includes cast iron tea pots with both rough and polished tops.

The “Hiratsubo” style is a very classic style tea pot. Well made and strong, a tried and proven design that dates back from long ago. Hiratsubo is popular with its stable design. If you are looking for modern and elegant teapot, this teapot will satisfy you with its traditional beauty.

The Wood Handle Kettle” comes with a handle made of molded plywood. The materials of iron and wood suit each other very well.  The folded plywood handles are very strong, durable and functional. On the kettles lid, the wooden knob is designed for ease of use and you can choose either white oak or a walnut one. The casting kettles` inside has a burnt finish of lacquer; the iron kettle has a finishing of bisque. The bottom of the kettle is a flat design and can be used on either an electric cooker or an electric range stove. The modern designed kettle which is made with a traditional technique that is suited for a modern lifestyle. 

Another model is from the “Crest“ collection. These iron kettles are designed with a motif of an exquisitely designed crest from long ago. From ancient times, the scholar and military senior statesmen gave a character or a god pring, and they made it into a house crest, a banner and a horse seal.  The crests originationg from these coat of arms are now as many as 4,650 types. Chushin Kobo used 4 types for the shape of the iron kettle that include Quince Type and a gourd shaped crest. The handle is a bow-shaped design that matches the shape of the main body, the copper lid knob is a combination of a chrysanthemum. A pine tree, a chrysanthemum split, and a gourd that harmonize with the shape of the main body. The finish is uncalcined at 800 degrees, an oxide film is applied then hand painted with a baked finish of urushi lacquer which is done by using a traditional technique from long ago.

The “Warmer”, of course, has the function of keeping warm, but the light of the candle illuminates the table and enhances the atmosphere. Setting the Iron kettle on a warmer, you can enjoy tea time with a feeling of relaxation. Warmers are a tool to be used every day in Europe and America, but there are still few things used in Japanese homes yet. Please use it to make a relaxing atmosphere around the table. The warmer is not a tool to boil water, it is a tool to keep water warm.

All the teapots keep the temperature of hot water. Therefore, you can extract the taste and aroma of tea leaves carefully. In addition to this, the teapot can keep the temperature of the tea for a long time. Enjoy a chat without caring about time! 

These cast iron teapots will last for many generations with care. Please dry after use to ensure that it is kept in a good condition.  

We have many other models that can be ordered from the catalogues when you visit our store.

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Sayama Tea

 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 bush 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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Hydrangea Season

It is Hydrangea season in Japan. If you happen to be there, please take our favorite train to the hot springs with the best possible hydrangea flower viewing. Train cars are designed for the best flower viewing experience. It’s called the Ajisai Train, Hakone Hydrangea Train. Enjoy your train ride there, then hot-spring onsen, then illuminated view of the flowers on your trip back!

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Chushin Kobo Tea Pots

History of Yamagata Iron Casting:

Ironwork began in Yamagata 950 years ago during the Kohei Period. Yoroyoshi Minamoto got an order to conquer Oushu (an old part of Yamagata)> During their battle in Yamagata, one of their warriors, (who happened to be a casting master) found that the sand along Mamigasaki river and the soil at Chitose Park was perfect for casting. He decided to move there and start working with the natural resources. Yamagata’s casting continues today and is based on everyday commodity and art. It has a winning distinction with a solid reputation of traditional thin casting technique and the beauty of the surface called “Thin Beauty” 

Yamagata’s casting continues up to today and is based on everyday commodity and art. It has a winning distinction with a solid reputation. Yamagata casting is characterized by the traditional casting called “Usuniku-birei”, which means the thin casting and the beauty of cast surface.

Craftsman Hisanori Masuda's casting studio, Chushin-kobo, aspires to design ironwork which integrates the beauty of traditional Japanese casting with modern day functionality.

Hisanori Masuda was born in 1949 in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. After graduating from Musashino University of Art (Fine Arts and Design) where he studied under Prof. Mosuke Yoshitake, Hisanori stayed on as a studio assistant to his professor for 5 years. During this time, Hisanori was successful in revitalizing local industries through product design. Later he moved to Yamagata City and established his own studio, "Chushin-Kobo" in 1997. He seeks to recreate objects retaining the beauty of traditional Japanese cast iron but stylishly adapted to fit contemporary life-style. Using iron, aluminum and bronze, he designs, produces and sells all his own work. He is currently a member of Japan Craft Design Association and teaches at Tohoku University of Art and Design.

Traditional craft design is not conservative. It is innovative, encompassing both the hardware and software of its era. For traditional crafts to be passed on to future generations, artisans must undertake to design practical, refined and modern items.

Cast iron eliminates chlorine from tap water, so the boiled water will be mild, have no smell and will be tasty even just as hot water. The water in turn will have iron, which is a merit to be able to take iron naturally as we need it for our body. So you can enjoy tasty hot tea with a hint of healthy iron. The iron of hot water and tannin of tea react together to make and enjoyable tasty tea. 

Our selection includes cast iron tea pots with both rough and polished tops.

The “Hiratsubo” style is a very classic style tea pot. Well made and strong, a tried and proven design that dates back from long ago. Hiratsubo is popular with its stable design. If you are looking for modern and elegant teapot, this teapot will satisfy you with its traditional beauty.

The Wood Handle Kettle” comes with a handle made of molded plywood. The materials of iron and wood suit each other very well.  The folded plywood handles are very strong, durable and functional. On the kettles lid, the wooden knob is designed for ease of use and you can choose either white oak or a walnut one. The casting kettles` inside has a burnt finish of lacquer; the iron kettle has a finishing of bisque. The bottom of the kettle is a flat design and can be used on either an electric cooker or an electric range stove. The modern designed kettle which is made with a traditional technique that is suited for a modern lifestyle. 

Another model is from the “Crest“ collection. These iron kettles are designed with a motif of an exquisitely designed crest from long ago. From ancient times, the scholar and military senior statesmen gave a character or a god pring, and they made it into a house crest, a banner and a horse seal.  The crests originationg from these coat of arms are now as many as 4,650 types. Chushin Kobo used 4 types for the shape of the iron kettle that include Quince Type and a gourd shaped crest. The handle is a bow-shaped design that matches the shape of the main body, the copper lid knob is a combination of a chrysanthemum. A pine tree, a chrysanthemum split, and a gourd that harmonize with the shape of the main body. The finish is uncalcined at 800 degrees, an oxide film is applied then hand painted with a baked finish of urushi lacquer which is done by using a traditional technique from long ago.

The “Warmer”, of course, has the function of keeping warm, but the light of the candle illuminates the table and enhances the atmosphere. Setting the Iron kettle on a warmer, you can enjoy tea time with a feeling of relaxation. Warmers are a tool to be used every day in Europe and America, but there are still few things used in Japanese homes yet. Please use it to make a relaxing atmosphere around the table. The warmer is not a tool to boil water, it is a tool to keep water warm.

All the teapots keep the temperature of hot water. Therefore, you can extract the taste and aroma of tea leaves carefully. In addition to this, the teapot can keep the temperature of the tea for a long time. Enjoy a chat without caring about time! 

These cast iron teapots will last for many generations with care. Please dry after use to ensure that it is kept in a good condition.  

We have many other models that can be ordered from the catalogues when you visit our store.

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Yahei hot hot peppers, Robot Pepper san, Zushi Beach Summer event this weekend!

During one of our food sourcing trips in Japan, we were at a trade show and saw a booth with the most brilliant bright orange chili peppers. As huge fans of chili peppers, we were fascinated by the colors and wanted try all the ways they were prepared. Yahira hot pepper is a hot pepper that has been made for over 150 years in the Shimoda, Konan City, Shiga Prefecture. We met Mr. Hiroshi Yamamoto and he told us his story. He was working in the advertising industry and couldn’t find his favorite chili peppers from his childhood. He decided to investigate and discovered that no one was growing these anymore. At that moment he decided to quit his job and cultivate and promote Yahira chili. Mr Yamamoto bought a farm and started growing them and experimented with various ways of using them in raw form and then seasonings, etc. We are so happy he did because these are truly exceptional chili peppers! The hottest Japanese peppers with a very unique taste that compliments dishes with the perfect dash of HOTness and spice. The shape is super cute, like a naughty little girl who smiles at you and packs a good uppercut PUNCH to surprise you … and then smiles afterwards! We immediately decided to import these peppers to Europe and hope that you enjoy them as much as we do.

Be careful, the chili has a fire that burns fast but then goes into an almost citrus taste and then slightly sweet with hints of summer peach. She is refreshing and compliments so many dishes, we keep coming up with new recipes to add a splash of these chili wonders too. And of course, we share and support Mr Yamamoto’s dream of chili! The locals in his village roast these peppers over an open fire and have them with snacks when they drink Japanese sake!

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Pepper Parlour Tokyo

 Before lockdown, he was our absolute favorite new robot. Somewhere to go with friends or alone. Pepper takes your orders and comes to your table and talks and dances. Not as sad as it might sound. Very entertaining : Only in Japan! https://pepperparlor.com/en/

We Love Pepper san!

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Zushi Summer Bliss

Where the lovely people will be this weekend. 1 hour by train from Tokyo. Good music, Yummy food by Mama Luli, Nature by Zushi, surprises / hide and seek .... with all of our friends!

http://www.underthepalmo.jp/

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Koinobori - Boys Day & Children's Day

In Japan May 5th is Children's day and we celebrate with Koinobori, which are carp streamers which the wind passes through and makes them look like they are swimming.

Koinobori (鯉のぼり), meaning "carp streamer" in Japanese, are carp-shaped kind of wind are hung out of your window and all over Japan to celebrate Tango no Sekku (端午の節句), a traditional calendrical event which is now designated a national holiday: Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi, 子供の日). These wind socks are made by drawing carp patterns on paper, cloth or other non-woven fabric, now nylon are the most popular. They are then allowed to flutter in the wind. They are also known as satsuki-nobori (皐のぼり).

Children's Day takes place on May 5, the last day of Golden Week, the largest break for workers and also a week in which businesses usually close for up to 9–10 days. Landscapes across Japan are decorated with koinobori from April to early May, in honor of children for a good future and in the hope that they will grow up healthy and strong.

A typical koinobori set consists of, from the top of the pole down, a pair of arrow-spoked wheels (矢車 yaguruma) with a ball-shaped spinning vane, flying-dragon streamer (飛龍吹流し hiryū fukinagashi) that looks like a windstock. The number and meaning of the carp socks or koinobori that fly beneath the streamer has changed over time. Traditionally, the set would contain a black koinobori representing the father, followed by a smaller, red koinobori representing his eldest son. If more boys were in the household, an additional blue, green and then, depending on the region, either purple or orange koinobori were added. After the government's decree that converted Boy's Day (Tango no Sekku) into the present Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi), the holiday came to celebrate the happiness of both boys and girls. As a result, the red koinobori came to represent the mother of the family and it is not uncommon for the color to be varied as pink. Similarly, the other colors and sizes of carp came to represent all the family's children, both sons and daughters. At present, the koinobori are commonly flown above the roofs of houses with children, with the biggest (black) koinobori for the father, next biggest (red or pink) for the mother, and an additional, smaller carp of a different color for each child in decreasing order by age.

These koinobori range from a few centimetres to a few metres long. In 1988, a 100m long koinobori weighing 350kg was made in Kazo, Saitama. 

The carp was chosen as a symbol for Childrens Day because Japanese consider it the most spirited fish -- so full of energy and power that it can fight its way up swift-running streams and cascades. Because of its strength and determination to overcome all obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals.

Since these are also traits desired in boys, samurai warrior figurines and samurai kabuto helmets are also displayed in homes to inspire strength and bravery.

Children's Day, has been celebrated for more than 700 years, but no one knows exactly when or why it began. One story says that it started in the year 1282, as a celebration for a victory won by samurai warriors in a battle with invaders.

Showa Day - The Beginning of Golden Week Holiday

Showa no Hi marks the first day of Golden week at the end of April.

It was originally celebrated as the birthday of emperor Hirohito, the reigning emperor from 1926 to 1989. The purpose of the holiday was to reflect on his life, as well as the rebuilding of Japan after WW2.

After his death is was “Greenery Day” and is the first day of Japan’s Golden Week, which is one of the longest holidays for Japanese people. There are 4 national holidays (Beginning with Showa Day, then Constitution Day, Greenery Day and Children’s Day), with the combination of the weekend’s it is a celebrated time to go on Holidays. In Japan we have less holidays that those that live in western countries so we prepare in advance. Naturally it is one of the busiest time to travel within Japan and overseas. Even for those who do not travel far, it is a time to enjoy the countryside and Spring. 

Strawberry Season

Strawberry Season

Strawberry season beginning in Japan! You can visit farms and take home as many as you can in a short time. It is one of the most popular fruits in Japan and they are grown with a lot of attention. Strawberries are featured in many films, books, paintings etc. They are very much a part of the culture. Many people like to have them with a special condensed milk. Very much a part of childhood in Japan. There are many fun recipes including strawberry sandwiches.

We have many variety’s, some of the most famous ones with cute names are: Tochigi Prefecture for a variety called Tochi Otome (which means “Tochigi Maiden”), a relatively small, sweet and fragrant variety, while Fukuoka Prefecture, which is second in strawberry production after Tochigi, has the Amao (“Sweet King”), with enormous, sweet berries that are four to five times the size of other varieties. Strawberry producers vie fiercely for the claim to the sweetest, most fragrant variety, some with imaginative names such as Beni Hoppe (“Red Cheeks”), Hatsukoi no Kaori (“The Scent of First Love,” which is a striking white berry) and Bijin-hime (“Beautiful Princess”).

Premium strawberries are a popular gift and can be quite expensive for perfect strawberries that are so perfect they sometimes look fake. If you are visiting Tokyo please try the strawberries including the famous White Strawberry that is only found in Japan.

Mineral Sola Cube, Rikugien Cherry Blossom, Good Design Award

Mineral Sola Cube

3.8 billion years have passed since the one single life began on Earth. Later, these lives evolved into flowers, fruit and seeds. These lives maintained the life cycles for millions upon millions of generations.

The colors and materials each have their own unique purposes. These intriguing shapes have form unpretentiously with each functional purpose by the hand of Mother Nature.

We offer beautifully preserved plants, exquisitely in the form of a 1.6 x 1.6in acrylic cube. Sola cubes can be arrange and combine in multiple patterns to inspire sensitivity and learning. Arrange your Sola cubes, observe them intently, and appreciate the wonder or botanical lives.

By observing a small plant carefully, we are able to glimpse a more perfect world. We express the name “Sola” with the Chinese kanji 宙, which means “universe.” This kanji explains everything we know and don’t know, including time and space, with a single character.

Sola also has another meaning: “blue sky.” An imaginary world spreads out like the sky before us.

Every Sola cube is carefully handmade by an experienced Japanese craftsman, and each one takes considerable time and effort to complete. Outstanding craftsmanship is required to ensure that this small transparent cube, which measures only 4cm, holds a plant at its very center and that no air bubbles get inside.

Manufacturing process:

Step 1 Foundation creation:

In the first step of manufacturing, liquid acrylic is poured into a mold, which is 5-6cm square, slightly larger than the Sola cube. The dried plant is carefully inserted when the liquid hardens toa gel.

Step 2 Pressurization:

Additional liquid acrylic is then poured into the mold.

The mold is placed into a vacuum kiln, then pressurized to force out any air bubbles.

Step 3 Heat treatment:

The product then undergoes a heat treatment. The cube is showered with hot air, at temperatures of 80 degrees for 3-4 hours. This stabilizes the binding of the acrylic, and ensures the cube is durable and long lasting.

Step 4 Processing:

The cube is cut to precisely 4cm on each side, then planed. The corners are rounded and smoothed at the end of this step.

Step 5 Polishing:

The surface of the cube is polished until it is shiny, and a clean, glossy finish is achieved.

These have multi functions, it can be a paperweight, a display piece, whatever you imagine. They are lovely on there own, also collectors items to enjoy the whole set. Each piece is handmade and unique.

New ones include:

Rock Crystal: The ice formed by hot water. In ancient Greek, crystal is known as Fossil of Ice. The world crystal itself meaning ice in Greek, and the root of the word comes from the Greek work Krystalos. However, crystals are not ice, but formed naturally inside hot springs. When the hot springs temperature and pressure become low, with silicic acid inside would slowly crystalize itself. The artificial crystal being used inside clocks has the same material as Rock crystal.

Amethyst: The incarnation of a tragic beauty. An Anecdote from the Greek mythology, has told the formation of this semi-precious stone. Dionysus, the Greek god of wine has been angered by a mortal, and swore to kill the next who came across his path. He has chosen a white tiger to complete the deed. An innocent maiden named Amethystos has fell for this reckfor this reckless revenge. The maiden turned to Artemis for protection and the Goddess only had time to turn into a white marble stone. Dionysus, then regreted his action and wept in grape wine over her and turned it into a beautiful gem stone, which is known as Amethyst

Aragonite: Many of the aragonite has been found around Aragon, Spain. Since the mineral comes in many shapes and colors, we have chosen to place its as a hexagonal crystal object in the acrylic. Although it is a common material that can be found in Morocco, and the shape is very similar to the Russian satellite “Sputnik” and thus has gotten its nickname as the satellite. The main material is made out of calcium carbonate and contains some iron, which gives it its color.

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Rikugien Cherry Blossom

It’s Cherry Blossom season in Japan and our happiest time of the year!

Rikugien is one of Tokyo's more beautiful gardens since the Edo period. The name Rikugi-en means Garden of the Six Principles, a reference to the 6 elements that are needed in a garden. The most famous and most photographed weeping cherry tree is a well-known symbol of the gardens, standing 15 meters tall and 20 meters across. This tree is so beloved and ancient that its branches are supported by wooden poles and is given constant care. The blossoms are equally beautiful viewed in the daytime sunshine or against the night sky

There are many places to view cherry blossoms and everyone has their favorites but this tree is exceptional. In Japan we believe that gods live in trees so they are not to be touched carelessly. If you have a chance please visit this beautiful tree!

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Good Design Store - Shibuya Scramble Building

“g-mark” Japan GOOD DESIGN award is the largest asian award founded in 1957 and reflects Japanese design values and principles that aim to enrich lives, industries and society. the 'g mark' emblem reflects comprehensive design values and principles that aim to enrich lives, industries and society. For the GOOD DESIGN AWARD, a good design is “a design which enriches life and society.” It is a design which is human, essential, creative, attractive and ethical.

The GOOD DESIGN STORE TOKYO by NOHARA proposes a lifestyle surrounded in items that the GOOD DESIGN AWARD considers to be good design. Each item has been crafted with the intention of enriching the lives of the people that use them.

In the new Shibuya Scramble Building there is a “Good Design” award shop with products that have won the design award. It’s very rare to see this collection of “G -mark” in one star as they come from many different companies and designers.

2-24-12 Shibuya, Tokyo.

Shubun no Hi, Hightide Tape Dispenser, SyuRo

Shubun no Hi - Vernal Equinox Day

March 20th will be the Japanese Vernal Equinox Day or Shunbun no Hi, where the daylight and night hours of equal length, marking the end of winter and the beginning of Spring.

For this change of seasons, as of with most changes of season or year, it is a time when we give our house a deep clean which is also cleaning our minds. A time to think about any changes in your life, start something new, etc.

During this national holiday we traditionally visit our families and go to visit our gravesite to clean the grave and pay respect to our ancestors. 

We also like to spend time enjoying the spring flowers and there are many famous spring flower viewing spots and gardens to enjoy all over Japan.

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Hightide Tape Dispenser

A simple, rugged steel tape dispenser. With rust and scratch resistant hammer tone finish, industrial coloring is attractive. 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.

Current available colors: Navy, Red, Green

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Cute Neighborhood

Some our favorite stores in a cute neighborhood close to Ueno.  We recommend starting off at かきもり (Kakimori):

1 Chome-6-2 Misuji, Taito City, Tokyo
Tel: 050-1744-8546
https://kakimori.com/

It’s a wonderful select stationary store. While you are there pick up one of their hand drawn illustrated maps and look for :“Raul General Store”, Ink Island, and many cafes and many hidden treasures on the map.

One of our favorite stores about a few blocks from Kakimori, isi SyuRo. It’s a bit difficult to find as it is on a back street in a residential neighborhood but we found many cute stores, cafes, etc in the neighborhood. A nice walk outside of the regular neighborhoods we visit in Tokyo.

1 Chome-16-5 Torigoe, Taito City, Tokyo
+81-3-3861-0675

Kaminoshigoto Notebooks. Kampo, Pepper Parlor

Kaminoshigoto Washi Paper books

"Gifts from Gifu, the Land of Clear Waters"

The Gifu area of Japan is surrounded with crystal clear water, flowing through lush forests. The blessings of these clear waters are deeply rooted in our lives, manifesting themselves in our local craftsmanship of woodworks, Mino Washi Japanese paper, cutlery and ceramics.

Traditional craftsmanship of Gifu 's 14 leading manufacturers combined with Mr. Sebastian Conran's "functional design in everyday life .A great example of "Japanese spirit combined with contemporary flair. Born of a fusion between East and West.

Since its formation Kaminoshigoto has engaged in the production and sales of traditional Japanese Lantern Washi. They also enjoy a wide share as a distributor of Washi related products and a variety of Mino Washi. They have also expanded their business into Washi printing using new such technologies as silkscreen and inkjet printing. Whilst continuing with traditional craftsmanship, they are also developing their own products and new technologies. By taking advantage of their accumulated knowledge, Kaminoshigoto is always seeking new possibilities and is committed to enriching lives with high quality products made from Mino Washi.

Each of these notebooks are inspected for the quality of the washi paper and hand sewn. With the current production system, using modern techniques and traditional craftsmanship, these are beautiful books that are affordable. We have a selection 2 sizes of these notebooks at our store.

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Pepper Parlor : New Favorite Robot Cafe in Tokyo

Across from Shibuya Station at the new Tokyu Plaza, on the 5th floor is our new favorite cafe where you are served and entertained by robots named “Pepper”. Very cute way to spend a break from crazy Tokyo life. There are many wonderful restaurants in this building including Beams Japan, Akomeya, a “Kampo” Japanese herbal and root remedies store with a Kampo doctor to discuss any issues that you have. On the same floor there are Japanese craft stores with a good selection of handmade crafts from all over Japan.

1 Chome-2-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo

Hinamatsuri - Girls Day

On March 3rd we have a day called Hinamatsuri. It's for wishing girls happiness and healthy growth. Hina dolls are displayed every year to represent the emperors family and towards the bottom they include attendants and musicians. As a girl grows every year older each year, your collection expands, usually given to you by your Mother and Grandmother, sometimes passed down from your family. These Dolls are quite expensive and made by skilled craftsmen. The costumes are made from the Heian period and a Japanese technique called Kimekomi is used. The whole process is complex from the molding of the head and hands to painting the faces that should be both regal and cute. Creating the tiny wigs and strapping in the hair then molding elaborate setting. From there, the hands and body are made with various techniques. The costumes are made in various ways according to the style of the maker. Kimekomi is a particular style that is used with dolls and animals for different festive occasions in Japan.

In the Edo period, not so many people can afford to display hina dolls in their homes. Craftsmen started to make, “Tsurushi Bina” instead. The dolls are made of the tiny pieces of kimonos, sewn and made a shape of flowers like plum, sakura, hydrangea, animals like rabbits, boar, dogs, vegetables like carrots, daikon radish, birds like owls, sparrows, and dolls like babies, etc. They are are hung over a babies crib and likewise new strings with characters are added

Each dolls has meaning：

For instance, rabbits represent that girls grow to be kind. Hydrangeas mean family’s bond. Carrots mean health.

Tsurushi-bina” makes small doll and “Okazari” (lucky motif) with “HAGIRE” (small cloth).
It”s hung on red string from a circle of a thin bamboo stick.

Each doll and “Okazari” contains wishes one by one.

For example.
・Peach: Amulet, longevity and prosperity of descendants.
・”kinchaku” (wallet): Don’t trouble about money.
・Rabbit： Errand of God.
・Book: To be able to read and write.

etc.

It is said that “Tsurushi-bina” has 110 kinds of motif.

There are three famous birthplace of “Tsurushi-bina”.
And, its names are different in the birthplace.

- Fukuoka region: “Sagemon”.
- Shizuoka region: “Hina-no-tsurushi-kazari”.
- Yamagata region: “Kasa-Fuku”.

If a mother, a grandmother, friends, and even neighbors want to wish a happiness of a new born girl baby, each makes a small doll. Then they suspend those dolls on a string, “Tsurushi bina,” which become an amulet for a new born girl baby.

A dog doll stands for a wish of a healthy baby as well as a charm against bad luck.

A flower of Japanese plum stands for a wish of growing beautifully just like a flower.

“Haikoningyo”, a doll of a baby crawling, stand for a wish of a baby to grow up bravely by crawling a lot.

A strawberry doll stands for a charm against bad luck.

“Harukoma”, a doll of a horse, stand for a wish of growing bravely and playing fun as well as having a steady work when she grows up.

“Houzuki”, a doll of a Chinese lantern plant, stands for a wish of avoiding feminine ailments.

There are some types of Tsurushi bina, to hang, to put on the floor and so on. We can choose them according to the lifestyles. Making small dolls and putting them together to wish happiness of the baby is one of the beautiful cultures in Japan.

Onisi Rice, Marcomonde,

ONISI Gomoku Rice

Onisi rice was developed 1n 1932 in preparation during times of war and food shortages, now used for Japan’s self defense force “Jietai”. This rice also is used by JASA for space expeditions. It is easy to use and it can be stored for up to 5 years. Easy to use with boiling water (20 minutes) or cold water (1 hour).  You just add hot water to this Alpha Rice to make a succulent, delicious rice dish without the need for steaming.

The original rice is processed by a dehydration process using freeze-drying technology.  Currently this rice stored at all Japanese municipal city centers for emergency relief food. In Japan we have many natural disasters that we are used to and it is Onisi’s company policy to make food not just for nourishment but it should be delicious as well and comforting. The mixed rice is carefully made without any of the 27 allergens.

Uses:

- A camping trip or ski trip or mountain climbing
- A quick snack at the office with many different flavors (vegetable).
- Regular rice to have at home when you don’t feel like cooking
- Food in case of an emergency where you don’t think you should leave the house
- A gift for your adventurous friends

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Maruyama

Natural Anti-bacterial and Anti-odor .Many of the products within Maruyama collection are infused with binchotan charcoal.

Binchotan is the highest grade of charcoal and has been used for centuries in Japan to naturally purify water and air. By Infusing binchotan into each fiber, the charcoal works to neutralize smelly odors. Even with use, the chacoal will remain permanently infused within the fabric.

Superior Function

The fabrics are made with a unique wave that is not found outside of Japan. They are breathable, water absorbent and soft 

Durable and Long-lasting

The unique wave of the textiles and the multiple layers of material ensure that our produts remain strong and extremely durable.

Color, Size and Design

Maruyama collection products come in a variety of different styles. There are many color and sizing options available to suit the clients’ needs, and their home.

Soft to the Touch
The products become incredibly soft over time. The more you use each item, the softer it would become.
Japanese Manufacturing
All items are produced entirely at brand’s own factory in Nara, Japan

Marcomonde Socks

MARCOMONDE was launched in 2007.. MARCOMONDE is a coined word consisting of [MARCO=MARCO POLO] and [MONDE=WORLD]. It is a Japanese brand which offers products, mainly legwear. For each season, a country or a city is chosen as a theme, and products are designed and made after the designer actually visits the place and experiences culture, seeing their folk crafts, climate and inhabitants.

In the 13th century, Marco Polo, merchant in Venezia, made a voyage aboard a big boat, searching for the spice that had a value equivalent to gold. And he provided people in the world with the foreign culture that no one on those days had ever seen. A travel would build up the spiritual richness in a person. Since those days when Marco Polo lived, it has still remained unchanged even today that a person starts traveling, longing for the culture and history in a foreign country.

MARCOMONDE also have  a selection of “Tabi” socks. Tabi are traditional Japanese socks dating back to the 15th century when everyone wore geta or zori shoes which are similar to current flip flops where your large toe is separated from the other ones. This gives you good balance.  Many people still wear Tabi socks. In Japan, workmen also still use a type of  black Tabi  shoes because they more comfortable and give better stability while working.

Material: 50% Nylon, 50% Polyester.

Made in Japan

Hokkaido Snow Festival, Ainu,

HOKKAIDO

Japans most northern island, Hokkaido, has only officially been a part of Japan for about 150 years. In 1957
Taro and Jiro.

Hokkaido Snow Festival

If you plan a trip to Hokkaido in winter there is an incredible festival of snow sculptures

This year it opens on Feb.4 (Tue.) - Feb.11 (Tue), 2020

"You can visit Odori site at any time.
(Illuminations turned on at sunset, and turned off at 22:00.)"

Located in Odori Park in the center of Sapporo, here you will find a fascinating world of snow and ice stretching across approximately 1.5 kilometers. You can enjoy a wealth of attractions such as the amazing huge snow sculptures, Hokkaido-specialty gourmet options, a skating rink, and much more! Again this year, the popular projection mapping shows are not to be missed.

https://www.snowfes.com/english/

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Ainu

The Ainu are an indigenous ethnic group of people who live in Hokkaido in Japan today as well as in Russia (the Kuril Islands and Sakhalin). In the 19th Century, Japanese people called the northern island of Hokkaido “Ezochi” which means “Land of the Ainu”. The term Ainu generally referred to the fair-skinned, long-haired hunter-gatherer-fishering people with animistic beliefs who had lived there for hundreds of years.

From the 15th century, waves of Japanese settlers began crowding out Ainu communities on Honshu island and pushing them northwards. The settlers also brought infectious diseases that caused Ainu populations to fall. Ainu land was redistributed to Japanese farmers.

In 1899, the Japanese government passed an act which labelled the Ainu “former Aborigines”, ostensibly declaring that the Ainu had been integrated into the Japanese population – the act, together with the various assimilation policies had the drastic effect of eroding Ainu identity and traditions. The Meiji government’s 1899 assimilation policies resulted in the ban of the Ainu language and Ainu children being given Japanese names and put into Japanese schools.  As a result of these policies, many Ainu people suffered discrimination and became ashamed of their language and culture. The act continued for a hundred years.

The 1899 act was finally officially reversed on June 6th, 2008, when the Japanese government passed a resolution adopt a resolution that, for the first time, formally recognised the Ainu as “an indigenous people who have their own language, religion and culture”.

Today only small numbers of Ainu remain, and they constitute one of Japan’s most marginalised groups. The Ainu are thought to number around 25,000 (official sources) while unofficially, they are believed to number around 200,000 or more since many Ainu still do not disclose their roots out of fear of discrimination.

Historically, they spoke the Ainu language and have traditionally been considered the descendents of the Jomon or post-Jomon people of Japan.  In their Yukar Upopo (Ainu Legends) is told, “The Ainu lived in this place a hundred thousand years before the Children of the Sun came”.

There are still Ainu communities in Hokkaido and you can visit them and learn about their culture.

First of all, both men and women keep their hair at shoulder length and wear traditional Ainu garb. Men, never shaving after a certain age, usually have full beards, and women undergo mouth tattooing to signify their coming to adulthood.

Kokeshi, Roasted Tea, Tokyo Story

SAKURAI KOKESHI

The Kokeshi studio of Akihiro Sakurai, is located in Naruko, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.

Naruko, a very famous spa community, has one of the oldest and strongest traditions of Kokeshi that dates back more than a hundred years. Surrounded by the majestic nature of Naruko and nurtured by a lively flow of travelers, they are always striving for further sophistication while honoring generations of family Kokeshi tradition—meeting contemporary demands while promoting Kokeshi culture. They produce traditional Kokeshis in types such as “Iwazo,” “Mannojo,” and “Eikichi,” (all named after their ancestors) as well as wooden Hina-ningyo type Kokeshs.

Kokeshi has a tradition nurtured by harsh winters, blessing of hot springs, and uncompromising craftspeople-kokeshi, a type of simple, traditional wooden doll, is thought to have originated as a children's toy during the mid-19th century in the hot-springs communities deep within the mountains of today's Miyagi Prefecture. In the mid-20th century, people "discovered" kokeshi, and the emergence of collectors transformed it from an everyday toy to a coveted treasure for all generations. With their stark simplicity and gentle expressions, kokeshis have long been used as beloved gifts suitable to a variety of occasions, such as birthdays, house warmings, weddings, and births, and as unique design objects to illuminate contemporary homes.

Most of the kokeshis are made of Mizuki wood, dogwood/cornus in english. Its name translated in english means "water wood", it is known in Japan to resist well to fire and having a kokeshi at home protects the entire house from it.  It is also strong yet light to support its sculpture and painting.

Sakura cherry wood is also a common type of wood used for kokeshis, you can easily see the difference as Sakura is darker compared to Mizuki.

Direction la région de Miyagi, dans la ville de Naruko connue pour ses onsen et ses poupées kokeshi artisanales. Le maitre Akihiro Sakurai nous ouvre les portes de son studio et atelier Sakurai Kokeshi. Vous y découvrirez la fabrication des kokeshi .

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Roasted Tea

On the Makinohara Plateau, Shizuoka Prefecture, overlooked by Mt. Fuji, there is a vast 6 hectare tea plantation of Kaneroku Matsumotoen. Kaneroku Matsumotoen, a tea farmer that has been running for three generations. In the Edo period, ancestors cleared the wasteland and started producing tea. 1st, 2nd, 3rd generation.

They are particular about making tea and have expanded our possibilities.

The tea is grown using the Shizuoka tea plantation farming method, which has been awarded the highest ranking of World Agricultural Heritage . In the Oi River basin of Shizuoka Prefecture, the traditional method of farming is to apply grass such as Japanese pampas grass to the tea garden. The farming practices that have been handed down to create good soil in tea cultivation have preserved the diversity of native plants in tea plants. Other sasa, etc. are used as Japanese grass in the tea garden. Through regular harvesting, endangered and rare wildlife species, such as Fennel, Chrysanthemum, Amaranthus carambola, and Lily of the valley, survive with a variety of animals and plants in the grasslands. By cutting the grass, sunlight is brought to the blessings of the earth and life is nurtured.

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Tokyo Story - A favorite Film of ours

Konjac Sponge, Makanai, Ogata Paris

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.

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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

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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

Eau de KI - The Secret Water of Anti-Aging

All women dream of eternally young skin. 
The Sankodo House shares this same dream, and that is why the Water of Ki has never ceased to be improved, reworked and innovated.

The Water of Ki was born from the passion of the founder of the Sankodo house who wanted to restore youth to the skin of women, and the desire to offer the fruit of the most advanced research in the field of anti-aging. The know-how and secrecy of Ki Water is transmitted religiously from generation to generation.

Since its creation in 1926, Sankodo has never stopped its quest for perfection in the development of Ki Water, with the aim of making women even more beautiful and offering them the best anti-aging care ever created. Thanks to the permanent research of the scientific team and its collaborators, Eastern wisdom gave birth to Eau de Ki, the epitome of anti-aging care.

The origin of the name Eau de Ki

Like the flow of clear water from an inexhaustible source, Eau de Ki infuses your skin with an incomparable luster, a sign of eternal youth.
The secret of this beauty elixir is born from the encounter between two worlds: a perfect marriage of Asian medicinal ingredients and precious herbal extracts. 
Water and Ki are two fundamental and necessary elements of life in Japan. Ki is the vital energy, water everything that is liquid. Ki-water therefore refers to the perfect balance between these two elements that will make your skin beautiful forever.

Beautiful skin is the reflection of inner serenity

Our skin "lives" and feels all our emotions. The skin is a reflection of youth but also of our physical and psychic condition. A young skin with luster is healthy skin. 
The skin is a barometer of our psyche and alerts us when it undergoes aggression.
Time alters the skin naturally, but other factors are also responsible for aging:

• The oxidation of cells that lack oxygen

• The cutaneous dryness due to the water content of the cells which decreases and which alters the natural process of hydration

• The physiological thinning of skin due to the weakening of the function of cell production as a function of age.

• The physiological thinning of the skin which becomes finer as time passes

• UV rays that damage the skin when not protected

Ingredients

The Secret of Ki Water: the Benefit of Asian Natural and Ancestral Ingredients

Ki Water contains 8 natural and medicinal ingredients of Asian origin and 4 Western aromatic plants.

A deep knowledge of the natural ingredients and long years of research in our laboratory have allowed Sankodo to harmoniously combine these ancestral ingredients.

Ki Water is slowly concocted according to a traditional Japanese ritual. For more than six months, the synergy of oriental and western ingredients will infuse in order to reap the quintessence of these natural ingredients and to unite their treasures.

Thanks to this nectar, Ki Water allows the skin to repair itself naturally using its own strength, making it youthful and brilliant.

Heritage

Ki Water, the icon of the house for more than 90 years, draws its roots from the Japanese family Sankodo. 

Founded in 1926, the Japanese company Sankodo had designed a mysterious and original water called "Opal Medicinal Water". This water met with immense success when it was proposed to the general public by Sankodo. Perceived as a miraculous water, "the Water of Opal Medicinal" was constantly improved until becoming the Water of Ki. 

The Water of Ki is the result of a skilfully balanced combination of oriental ingredients and
Western plants .  Ki (qi) means energy, life, a Japanese spiritual approach, which designates Ki as the element that dictates all creation of the world. 

It is thanks to the research of Umeji Sasaki, the grandfather of the current president of Sankodo, and the founder of the house, that the Water of Ki saw the light. More than 100 years ago, he undertook cosmetic research to treat his family members who suffered from dermatological problems. 

Very attentive to the quality of the products, he developed an innovative fermentation technique in collaboration with his scientific team. The fruit of more than a century of research, he succeeded in developing a product called Curiously "Eau Etrange" because of its marvelous and astonishing efficiency. This water was then named in a different way, according to the improvements made to its composition, until it became the Water of Ki.

How to use

Ritual for the face

Ki water is used morning and evening, after removing make-up and on a clean face. 
Gently slide the cotton wool soaked with Ki water over the entire face. Do not rinse Ki Water once applied.

For sensitive skin, it is advisable to mix two drops of Water of Ki in a cotton padded with flat water, to wring it and to slide it delicately on the whole face.

Body Ritual

Gently wipe a cotton soaked with Ki water, on all parts of the body and especially those revealing the age like neckline, behind the neck, and also acne-prone back, or rough elbows and heels.

You can also apply Ki water in the palm of your wet hands and gently tap the entire face and body.

Contraindications

Do not use cotton soaked with Ki Water as a mask or dressing. 
Ki water is forbidden to patients under medical treatment containing adrenal cortical hormones. 
If you are taking a dermatological treatment, consult your doctor before use. 
Do not use in case of irritated or reactive skin. 
Stop use if you notice redness, swelling or itching and consult a dermatologist.

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BINGOYA

One of favorite stores in Tokyo. 3 floors of crafts from all over Japan! Bingoya is one of those unassuming souvenir shops that offers excellent quality "Made In Japan" products. Ranging from ceramics to paper crafts, our favorite was the variety of wooden toys unique to Japan. The best part is you can even get your souvenirs delivered to your foreign address!!

10-6 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Open AM 10:00-PM 7:00

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Rhapsody of a Foolish Family: Fukujuro, Takashi, and Yuji Murakami

To celebrate the publication of Good Timing Club, an art book by Fukujuro Murakami, father of artist Takashi Murakami, Kaikai Kiki Gallery presents this first-ever father-and-sons exhibition. This group show features Fukujuro along with his two sons, Takashi and his younger brother and Nihonga artist Yuji. For decades, Fukujuro, an 85-year-old former taxi driver, produced artwork in his spare time. His sons are each established artists, with Takashi gaining worldwide attention and acclaim.

Winter Solstice celebrate with cleaning Onsen & Food, Makanai Bath Salts

In ancient Japan, people regarded the winter solstice as "the sun's power getting weak, the day that death impending". Hence activities and customs of "removing disasters and ill fortune" were developed, which have been passed down to now.

Then, let's get right to the point and introduce to you what people do on the winter solstice in modern Japan.

1: In the past, food was not as plentiful as it is now, so people preserved the summer vegetable pumpkin well until winter. Eating pumpkin in winter would warm up your body, then people could spend (get through) winter, and this is with the meaning of removing disasters and ill fortune. In addition, since pumpkin is nutritious, it can prevent you from cold or stroke.

2: Take a Yuzu Bath. Warm your body and soul with a trip to the hot spring, onsen. It is said that the custom of taking a bath with yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit, started during the Edo period (1603 – 1868). As the Japanese value the wisdom of their elders, this tradition exists to this day.

There are many different reasons why both eating and taking a yuzu bath is a good thing to do on this day. Yuzu packs a lot of vitamin C and is essential to protect yourself against colds and the flu. Adding yuzu to a warm bath gives it a nice fragrance and rubbing the yuzu against your skin heals it from the cold damage. Because of the sharp smell of citrus it is also believed to keep demons and bad luck at bay.

It’s easy, just pop some store-bought yuzu in your hot bath and you’re done. You can also cut the yuzu in slices and soak them in the bath using a sheer towel or cloth like you’re making tea.

3: In the lunisolar calendar in ancient China, the winter solstice was regarded as the day that "Yin qi ends while Yang qi returns". Ichiyoraifuku (一陽来復) conveys exactly the same meaning, and it also has the meaning of "The end of winter and the beginning of spring" or "The end of bad things and the beginning of good things (After a storm comes a calm)". Therefore, from the winter solstice to the Setsubun (Feb. 3rd) the next year, some shrines will hand out the "一陽来復" good-luck charms.
Japan has adopted many traditions from China, and amongst them is the belief in auspicious days. The Winter Solstice usually comes paired with a new moon, the mark to start something new. Since the day is also very short, it is seen as “the day when both moon and sun are rejuvenated”. It truly is a day about revitalizing both body and nature.

From this day onward the days will start getting longer again, bringing more sun. With this swing from night to day it is also believed that it’s a swing from the negative to the positive, meaning everyone’s luck will turn for the positive side!

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Makanai

Beauty secrets Since 1899

Inspired by the natural resources of Kanazawa, northeast of Japan, as well as the wisdom of women from the area, Makanai brings to you the best of Japanese natural beauty care.

Makanai products are cruely-free, safe from harmful chemicals and are filled with the natural goodness of essential oils, food-based ingredients and Japanese-harvested, naturally-derived materials.

Carefully selected, high quality natural ingredients such as Konnyaku, Washi paper, rice bran, silk, soy beans, black sugar and gold leaves are combined together using tried-and-true beauty recipes passed down by women over many generations.

These treatments are now professionally-developed, clinically-tested and made relevant in our modern world to provide skin with the ultimate natural pampering.

MAKANAI Yuzu Herbal Bath Soaks

Create your own healing space at home with our luxurious series of natural and fragrant bath soaks. 

How to use: 

• Insert the bath soak bag into a bathtub filled with water

• Let it steep for several minutes

• Then enjoy your bath

Our bath soaks can also be used for foot or hand baths. After use, you can recycle the herb bag by drying it and placing it in the wardrobe, under your pillow, in the car or inside your shoes as a deodorizer. 

INGREDIENTS:

• Yuzu, Dandelion (orange peel), coriander, Mandarin orange peel oil, Orange Oil & Riboflavin

Sola Cube, Olympic Stadium

3.8 billion years have passed since the one single life began on Earth. Later, these lives evolved into flowers, fruit and seeds. These lives maintained the life cycles for millions upon millions of generations.

The colors and materials each have their own unique purposes. These intriguing shapes have form unpretentiously with each functional purpose by the hand of Mother Nature.

We offer beautifully preserved plants, exquisitely in the form of a 1.6 x 1.6in acrylic cube. Sola cubes can be arrange and combine in multiple patterns to inspire sensitivity and learning. Arrange your Sola cubes, observe them intently, and appreciate the wonder or botanical lives.

By observing a small plant carefully, we are able to glimpse a more perfect world.
We express the name “Sola” with the Chinese kanji 宙, which means “universe.” 
This kanji explains everything we know and don’t know, including time and space, with a single character.
Sola also has another meaning: “blue sky.” An imaginary world spreads out like the sky before us.

Manufacturing process:
STEP 1 : Foundation creation
The first step of manufacturing, liquid acrylic is poured into a mold which is 5-6cm square, slightly larger than the Sola cube. The dried plant is carefully inserted when the liquid hardens to a gel.

 STEP 2 : Pressurization
Additional liquid acrylic is then poured into the mold.
The mold is placed into a vacuum kiln, then pressurized to force out any air bubbles.

 STEP 3 : Heat treatment
The product then undergoes a heat treatment. The cube is showered with hot air, at temperatures of 80 degrees for 3-4 hours. This stabilizes the binding of the acrylic, and ensures the cube is durable and long lasting.

 STEP 4 : Processing
The cube is cut to precisely 4cm on each side, then planed. The corners are rounded and smoothed at the end of this step.

 STEP 5 : Polishing
The surface of the cube is polished until it is shiny, and a clean, glossy finish is achieved.
* The manufacturing process and resin used in polishing is adjusted, depending on the variety of plant to be set inside the cube.

You can use them as a paper-weight or an accessory for your home and office.

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Opening of the Olympic Stadium

The Crown Jewel of the Tokyo Olympics is ready and will be officially inaugurated on December 21st. On January 1st, you will receive the first official event, the final match of the Emperor's cup of football. The New Olympic Stadium, which houses 60.000 people, and hosted the opening and closing ceremonies and also events of athletics and football during the games, cost no less than $ 1,6 billion. Construction began in December 2016, about 14 months after planned - the original project was discarded due to a public protest about costs - would consume $ 2 Bi. The five-Storey Stadium, designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, waves to traditional Japanese construction techniques through the prominent use of wood. About 2.000 M3 of cedar were brought from all 47 prefectures of Japan, with emphasis on the wood of the northern Tohoku region, hit by a devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011. The use of layered wood blades too It is a reference to the 1.300-Year-old five-Storey Pagoda in the Horyuji temple, in the Western Prefecture of Nara, the oldest wooden building in the world. As the heat should be the main enemy of athletes and public during games - thermometers should mark 40 degrees Celsius in July and August -, a top layer of the roof was designed to let wind in and cool the temperature inside the stadium . All seats stay in the shade and the temperature should be 10 degrees colder than outside the structure. 185 Cooling Mist Transmitters and large and powerful fans were installed. The site also houses the largest wi-fi infrastructure ever designed for an event space, which will allow about 30.000 simultaneous connections. The last floor, 850 meters long, surrounding the stadium, will be open to the public even after the games, when no event is held. From There, visitors can enjoy seasonal views of cherry blossom or bright autumn leaves, beyond the horizon of Shinjuku, Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji.

Fuji Folding Knife, Eatrip Tokyo

Fuji Knife of Mujin

'Fuji Knife' is a multipurpose foldable knife, which is both functional and beautiful; a drawing of Mt. Fuji from a famous view from Miho peninsula comes out from the handle when it's folded. The end of the handle is a bottle opener. The double-edged blade and the brass handle ensure long-time use of the knife.
Size / Weight : W110 (Open:180) × H24 × D9mm / 50g
Material Blade:   White carbon steel & Soft iron / Handle: Brass

Made by craftmen from Banshu Hamono. Since the Edo era (1603-1868) the blacksmith and hardware industry known as Banshu (in the Hyogo prefecture of Japan) started long ago as a Katana (sword) manufacturers. Each sword carefully handmade which have stood the tests of time and are still remain an exceptional instrument. Banshu Hamono was originally a family business coming from this region and history of craftsmen. What began as an industry producing swords, they began to produce knives for the kitchen and have since expanded to now manufactures a variety of products including utility knives, traditional Japanese razors, Japanese gripping shears used for cutting thread, pruning shears, floral shears, and various gardening tools. Each individual piece is painstakingly hand-made by skilled craftsmen using the same techniques that have been employed for generations. For about 250 years, various new designs have been created to meet the needs of customers.

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Eat Trip by Yuri Nomura

Our dear friend and chef Yuri Nomura wrote a wonderful guide with her favorite restaurants and many of our favorite spots as well. The book is well written with articles about each restaurant in English and Japanese. If you get a chance to pick up a copy, this is definitely a book that you will want to own. It’s a wonderful guide to getting to know Tokyo through food.

"Tokyo is the most populous metropolitan area in the world.  It is also a major destination for both domestic and foreign tourists.  When it comes to dining, the abundance of places to eat cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.  The scale of eateries come in all sizes, from shops that can only seat a few at the counter, like yatai's (portable food stalls) to huge restaurants where you can enjoy a party with friends.  As for the actual cooking, there are chefs that have made it their life's goal to pursue and elevate their skill in certain cuisines and there are other chefs that continue a tradition passed down through generations of family business.  This book is a collection of restaurants that I would like to introduce to my close friends.  This is a list of places that have personal signifance.  Some of the places listed I have been going to since I was a child with my parents.  Some of these shops I only discovered recently, through relationships made after opening my own restaurant in Harajuku.   All in all, these are the ones that are special to me."
- Yuri Nomura

After many years of working in various restaurants in Japan and internationally, in 2012 she opened her own restaurant in Harajuku called Eatrip with all produce sourced directly by her, and many vegetables coming from her fathers organic farm. A beautiful restaurant in Harajuku with a flower store and a very organic atmosphere. She has also directed a film about eating and last year she published this wonderful book.

Eatrip: 6 Chome-31-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
+81 3-3409-4002