GUIDES & STORIES
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.
Vacuum panels rather than thick foam, and a retention rating printed on the box. What the numbers mean — and why these are hard to buy outside Japan. Read More
About 13 min read
Microcurrent, platinum coating and a kneading action — what the makers state, what is marketing, and how to buy the g... Read More
About 11 min read
Real yuzu kosho is yuzu peel, chilli and salt. Anything else on the label is filler. Green versus red, where it comes... Read More
About 11 min read
Sugar stars grown a layer a day for one to two weeks, and a pressed sugar that comes in two regional styles. Which to... Read More
About 11 min read
Japan's best mail-order ramen is frozen and will never reach you. Dried stick ramen will — and kansui is why any of i... Read More
About 11 min read
Japanese sofas sit lower and shallower because the rooms are small. Useful criteria even if you buy locally — plus th... Read More
About 11 min read
The handle should meet your wrist crease, and the cane goes in the hand opposite your weaker leg. Plus what Japan's S... Read More
About 12 min read
The superstition dates from the Showa era and was invented to teach tidying. The real reason to pack them away is hum... Read More
About 12 min read
Koji amazake is rice and koji, alcohol-free, and sweet without sugar. Sake-lees amazake contains alcohol and added su... Read More
About 11 min read
India to Britain to Japan, plus a French roux. And the pouch needs no preservatives because it was sterilised sealed.... Read More
About 12 min read