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…
Japan is renowned for its high-quality stationery, and in recent years, many manufacturers have embraced sustainability, creating eco-friendly products that are both functional and environmentally conscious. Here are seven notable examples: Pilot Super Grip G Ocean Plastic: A Pen Made from Recycled Ocean Waste Launched in December 2020, Pilot’s Super Grip G Ocean Plastic is…
Looking for high-quality stationery from Japan? Whether you’re a student, artist, or office worker, Japan is home to some of the most trusted and innovative stationery brands in the world. In this article, we introduce 6 iconic Japanese stationery makers known for their craftsmanship, design, and everyday usability. Tombow: Japan’s Icon of Everyday Stationery Tombow…
Introduction: Discovering Craft Band Have you ever heard of craft band weaving? It’s a popular DIY trend among Japanese crafters, using flat, paper-based bands made from recycled materials. Known locally as “Craft Band” or “Eco Craft,” this unique art form is gradually gaining attention abroad under terms like paper band weaving or Japanese eco craft….
How It All Began M’s Factory is now a well-known name across Japan for its colorful craft band creations. But how did it all start? The company’s founder, Hiromi Matsuda, once appeared on a Japanese TV show that featured her inspiring journey. The episode detailed how she built a company that would go on to…
Discover the most charming washi tape brands from Japan for crafting, journaling, and design. Japan is home to a dazzling variety of washi tape brands—each offering its own charm, creativity, and cultural flair. While often called “masking tape” in Japan, these tapes are a far cry from the utilitarian kind used in hardware stores. They…