At first glance, it looks like something out of a sci-fi movie—big goggle-like eyes, a strange rounded body, and intricate patterns.But this isn’t a robot or alien. It’s a Shakōki Dogū, one of Japan’s most iconic clay figurines from thousands of years ago. In this article, we’ll introduce these mysterious artifacts and show you how…
Introduction In Japan, sewing is actually part of the elementary school curriculum. Starting around 5th grade, students learn how to sew by hand, attach buttons, and make simple fabric projects. It’s a basic life skill taught early on in school. Because of this, many Japanese children own their very own sewing kits. These kits are…
Bring simplicity, elegance, and function to your daily meals with magewappa—a traditional Japanese craft that transforms cedar wood into beautiful and durable bento boxes. What is Magewappa? Magewappa (literally “bent woodware”) is a form of traditional woodworking from Odate City in Akita Prefecture, northern Japan. This craft dates back over 400 years, when it was…
Introduction: Have You Ever Used a Pentel Sign Pen? If you’ve spent time in Japan or explored Japanese stationery, you’ve probably come across the Pentel Sign Pen. In Japan, it’s a household name—especially familiar to students, teachers, and anyone who’s visited a school. Known for its bright ink, it’s the go-to pen teachers use for…
Crafted from the bark of wild cherry trees, Kabazaiku is a traditional Japanese art form that’s as practical as it is beautiful. Originating in Kakunodate, a picturesque town in Akita Prefecture, Kabazaiku (literally “cherry bark work”) is made using the bark of the Yamazakura, a type of mountain cherry tree native to Japan. Known for…
If you assume elementary school kids in Japan can bring whatever school supplies they like, think again. In many Japanese schools, strict and sometimes puzzling rules govern even the smallest stationery choices. While some are based on clear educational reasons, others are more about long-standing customs—and the reasoning isn’t always obvious. In this article, we’ll…
In the world of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, even the most ordinary tools can carry extraordinary stories. One such example is the Higonokami—a deceptively simple yet storied folding knife. Once a staple in every Japanese schoolchild’s pencil case, this classic blade still holds a special place in the hearts of collectors, artisans, and lovers of Japanese…
You’ll Feel the History in Your Hands There’s something special about holding a Nambu Tekki cast iron kettle or pan. The weight, the warmth—it feels different from anything mass-produced. Nambu Tekki is a traditional craft from Iwate Prefecture in northern Japan, specifically the regions of Morioka and Oshu. With over 400 years of history, it…
Breathe New Life into Broken Ceramics Have you ever chipped your favorite teacup or dropped a plate you loved? It feels like such a loss. Throwing it away seems wasteful, but just gluing it back together doesn’t feel quite right either. Enter Kintsugi, a traditional Japanese technique that restores broken pottery with lacquer and powdered…
Pencil cases are more than just containers for pens and pencils—they reflect the culture, trends, and values of each generation. In Japan, the evolution of children’s pencil cases tells a fascinating story of design, material innovation, and personal expression. From sturdy tin boxes of the 1950s to today’s transparent pouches styled for social media, every…