Japanese Fashion & ClothingTurn it over: a chusen yukata looks the same on both sides, a printed one does not. Arimatsu shibori, sizing for tall buyers, and which side goes on…
Samue vs Jinbei: The Difference and How to Wear It
Japanese Fashion & ClothingSamue means Zen work clothes; jinbei is summer only. Kurume and Awa shijira weaves, and the 1,300-year rule about which side goes on top.
Japanese Colored Pencils and Graphite: Hi-uni to Holbein
Japanese Lifestyle & Daily GoodsThe Mitsubishi on your pencil is not the car company, and Blackwing is made in Japan. Hi-uni's 22 grades, Holbein's 150 colors, wax vs oil.
Iwatani Cassette Stoves: Fuel Is the Real Question
Japanese Tableware & KitchenwareNo voltage problem — it runs on gas. But canisters cannot be shipped, so buy the model sold where you live. Iwatani's US line, and the oversized-plate danger.
Japanese Outdoor Knives: Nata, Higonokami, the Law
Japanese Lifestyle & Daily GoodsA nata is a billhook, not a machete, and a Higonokami does not lock — which matters where you live. Japanese camp blades, and the carry rules to…
Japanese Fashion & ClothingThe name is Yokosuka plus jumper, and the jackets were made for US servicemen. What separates hand-guided embroidery from a printed copy, and what to buy.
