If you’re at all familiar with Japanese pop culture, you probably have heard of or know about Gundam. Mobile Suit Gundam, originally a television anime series which aired in 1979, has since grown into a massive franchise spanning various stories across anime, manga, films, and even an upcoming live-action film from Godzilla: King of the…

When in Kyoto, it is highly recommended to visit the various shrines and temples which boast unique charm and are usually located in scenic locations. However, besides visiting these sacred places of interest, you may not know that there are many temporary flea markets held in these places. They offer an interesting array of things…

When you read the word “crochet” or “knit”, you will probably think of things that relate to winter essentials like sweaters, beanies, and shawls. Perhaps you will think there is nothing new you can learn about crochet and knitting. Well, in Japan there is a unique way in which crochet and knitting are put to…

Do you step into Japanese stationery shops and go crazy over the wide variety of cute products they have? One favorite spot is Tokyu Hands (東急ハンズ), a Japanese lifestyle store that sells an array of goods ranging from outdoor equipment to even DIY materials. More often than not, I end up buying many different designs…

One of the most beautiful forms of art in Japan is the art of inlaying woods known as “marquetry.” It is a typical woodwork which can be found in Hakone (箱根), a town in Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川県). It can often be found on the finest furniture and can also be seen in elaborate patterns and…

Many people all over the world are familiar with the Japanese art form bonsai. This art form has been practiced for hundreds of years thanks to the inspiration from the Chinese. Bonsais need a great amount of time to look after and of course the right care to grow beautifully. View this post on Instagram…

One of the many ways to understand the local culture of Tokyo is through its traditional arts and crafts. Every year, several exhibits are held showcasing the craftsmanship of the Japanese and how such traditional arts and crafts have been cultivated over the ages. To promote local economic development and culture, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government…

Most people have heard the term “Washi” before but what exactly does it mean? Translated, Washi simply mean Japanese paper. This style of paper is handmade in Japan from resources such as trees, rice, or wheat. Washi tends to be a bit thicker than the everyday paper you’ll find. This makes it ideal for a…

Ikebana is one of the traditional art forms of Japan. With a rich history of over 600 years the art of ikebana is continually evolving. Let’s learn about this fascinating art form and where it came from. The History of Ikebana Ikebana is said to have started around 600 years ago with its origins in…

Paper is an integral part of the Japanese culture. Together with dyes, pigments, and woodblocks, decorative paper such as karakami makes it more interesting for poets to write on, but how exactly do craftsmen produce decorative karakami paper? Before karakami became a wallpaper and a cover for the sliding door (fusuma), it was popularly used…