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.
Twinbird builds where 95% of Japan's flatware is made. Neither the toaster nor the coffee maker has a 120V version — so here is what you can own instead. Read More
About 13 min readNara wove mosquito netting until repellent killed the market. The cloth survived as a dishcloth that dries too fast t... Read More
About 11 min read
Both descend from the Indian mala, but a juzu is held across both hands and rubbed, not counted. Which type to buy if... Read More
About 12 min read
In 2008 a Tango weaver threw out its power looms and bought hand looms instead. Huntsman stocks the result. First, th... Read More
About 12 min read
Keep-warm dries rice out over hours. A sawara cypress tub buffers moisture instead — better cold rice, not hotter. An... Read More
About 13 min read
The cross-back apron came from Japan and has been copied everywhere. What the design actually does, and what still se... Read More
About 13 min read
Dense azuki jelly that keeps a year unrefrigerated, and which Japanese climbers carry as fuel. Plus why dorayaki cann... Read More
About 13 min read
Japanese rush-grass yoga mats smell of cut grass instead of rubber. But you cannot wash one, and it grips less than r... Read More
About 13 min read
The West layers gloves and socks; Japan insulates the torso. Seamless circular knitting means no side seam — and no, ... Read More
About 11 min read
Good nori dissolves on the tongue; cheap nori is leather. The Ariake tide lifts the crop into the air twice a day, an... Read More
About 12 min read