Sourcing from Japan: How to Work With Japanese Makers
How to find, contact and work with Japanese manufacturers for OEM, wholesale or distribution — including what most overseas buyers get wrong, and what it costs. Read More
About 12 min readGUIDES & STORIES
Guides & stories about Japanese-made products
This archive brings together guides that explain how to choose Japanese-made products — such as “Japanese-made frying pans”, “domestic kitchen knives”, “baby tableware”, or plush toys — along with makers' stories and special features. Use it as a starting point when you want to carefully discover tools and daily essentials made in Japan.
Japanese Tableware & Kitchenware
Urushi: Japan’s Natural Lacquer, Its Properties & Care Guide
Urushi lacquer is antibacterial, acid-proof, and improves with use. Japan vs. China quality, allergy facts, and how t... Read More
About 15 min read
Japanese Lifestyle & Daily Goods
Tsubame-Sanjo Camp Gear: Beyond Snow Peak — 4 Japanese Brands
Tsubame-Sanjo makes Japan's finest camp gear. UNIFLAME fire grills, Mura no Kajiya forged stakes, Belmont titanium, a... Read More
About 12 min read
Japanese Fashion & Clothing
Toyooka Bags: Japan’s Certified Business Bag Guide
Only bags passing Hyogo's strict inspection earn the Toyooka mark. Dulles jaw-opening, self-standing structure, and t... Read More
About 11 min read
Japanese Lifestyle & Daily Goods
Tenugui Guide: Japan’s Versatile Cotton Cloth Explained
About 11 min read
Japanese Lifestyle & Daily Goods
Japanese Nail Clippers: SUWADA & 7 That Cut Clean
A cheap nail clipper crushes rather than cuts — that's why nails split. SUWADA in Tsubame-Sanjo and Kai in Seki make ... Read More
About 9 min read
Japanese Food & Drink
Matcha Sweets by Mail: Terrine, Daifuku & Ice Cream from Kyoto
Tired of watery convenience-store matcha? Kyoto's top tea houses now ship their rich matcha terrine, cream daifuku, a... Read More
About 10 min read
Japanese Lifestyle & Daily Goods
Japanese Luxury Notebooks: 7 Brands Worth Writing In
The difference between a cheap notebook and a Japanese luxury one is felt the moment your pen touches the page. No bl... Read More
About 10 min read
Japanese Fashion & Clothing
Japanese Wallets: The 7 Best Leather Brands, Compared
Japanese tannery leather starts unfinished and deepens with use. From GANZO cordovan to CYPRIS' hand-dyed skins, here... Read More
About 18 min read
Japanese Lifestyle & Daily Goods
Kumano Makeup Brushes: 3 to Start With & 4 Studios to Know
Kumano brushes never cut the tip — that one craft principle transforms your finish. Here are the 3 brushes to buy fir... Read More
About 12 min read