Japanophile

Onitsuka Tiger x Versace Tai-Chi Sakura Trainers

We love when collabs hit just right. Onitsuka Tiger’s TAI-CHI Sakura trainers get reimagined in a restrained and tasteful way with Versace, in suede, Nappa leather and a fun half gold metallic and white treatment that’s surprisingly fresh for summer. The trainers are available in many colors and available for all genders.

This product is sold by Versace

Yin + Yang Red + Black Koi Fish by a Waterfall Yunomi Tea Cups (six pack)

This product is sold by Wayfair

Helmet Shoulder Bag

The leather Helmet Shoulder Bag from Japan’s Slow & Co is meticulously made with simple but perfectly executed lines and details. It’s an ideal mid-sized bag for your every day carry. The outside flap’s magnetic closure is just one of many considered design choices. Available in several colors and other sizes. The price (at time of publication) is around $240 USD.

This product is sold by Slow & Co

Indigo Dyed Bandana

Crafted in collaboration with Brooklyn-based Shibori artist Teresa Misagal of Dailola, Taylor Stitch’s Hand-Dyed Bandanas are a study in artistry and craftsmanship. Each piece is meticulously hand-dyed, ensuring no two are alike, with prints derived from original artwork developed by Misagal exclusively for the collection. The deep indigo hues lend a timeless elegance, while the intricate dyeing process speaks to a reverence for tradition and technique. Made from 100% organic cotton, these bandanas are durable and refined—they embody the intersection of heritage, design and utility. The collection also includes two beautiful short sleeve shirt designs.

This product is sold by Taylor Stitch x Dailola

nwm ONE

The nwm ONE headphones have an open-air design to blend premium sound quality with environmental awareness. Equipped with two-way drivers and NTT’s dual sound enhancement technology, they deliver rich, immersive sound yet are nearly inaudible for people nearby. The lightweight, ergonomic design ensures all-day comfort and advanced features like 360 Reality Audio and Bluetooth LE Audio/Auracast enhance versatility. Perfect for music lovers who want to also hear their surroundings, these headphones offer a seamless fusion of sound and comfort, redefining the auditory experience. They’re available in dark or light gray and the USB-C rechargeable battery delivers 20 hours of use.

This product is sold by nwm

Gasha 1.75

Based in Los Angeles, Japanese designer Mutsu creates clothes with a contemporary interpretation of traditional styles under brand name Prospective Flow. Within PF, Mutsu’s eponymous collection of art-forward items includes stunning hand-stitched pieces and leather accessories. Gasha 1.75 is like a scale model of their Gasha 12 giant leather skull bag and it’s designed to be used as a charm on its included strap that can attach to the big skull bag or any other.

This product is sold by Mutsu by Prospective Flow

Exfoliating Hand Wash (Hinoki)

On Earth Momentarily (OEM) creates “better tools for care” and sees that the best ones come from a blend of design, quality and sustainability with thoughtfulness for all the senses. Their new exfoliating hand wash is a perfect example—milled pumice and Japanese Hinoki oil define the feel and scent while the mirrored aluminum bottle is a delight to look at. The calm-yet-revitalizing Hinoki scent lingers gently on the skin after washing and drying.

This product is sold by OEM

G-SHOCK Ref. 5600

Second in the series of Casio G-SHOCK collaborations curated by John Mayer for Hodinkee is this clever watch designed by Online Ceramics. Loved for their Dead & Co t-shirts and started in 2016 by Elijah Funk and Alix Ross, Online Ceramics has risen in popularity without compromising their style as epitomized in this piece. “Mushroom House Haunted Wagon” and “Sun Watch Moon Time” are among the messages embedded in the strap and then there’s the reminder that “Love Grows in the Sunshine” that appears when the backlight is illuminated. A limited edition made in Japan, this G-SHOCK includes all the standard functions and its resin case and strap promise durability that will transcend space and time.

This product is sold by Hodinkee

1967 Japan GP Winner Tetsu Ikuzawa Porsche Carrera 6 Model

This product is sold by Team Ikuzawa

Chore Jacket

We find so much joy in seeing two brands that do good things for the world collaborating to make something special. For this limited collection Transnomadica reworked vintage blue chore jackets in four different styles exclusively for Proto. Transnomadica is the evolution of Maurizio Donadi’s vast collection of vintage denim, military and workwear which he curates into informative and inspiring gallery exhibitions and also reworks using both modern and traditional techniques to bring peace, love and fun to old pieces. Proto is an upstart footwear brand dedicated to finding a better path in the industry by focusing on equity, representation, fairness and sustainability through the entire value chain of what they do. Prices range from $280 – $320 depending on the style.

This product is sold by Proto

Smiley Duck Sneakers

Made from cotton canvas with a rubber outsole and toecap, Prospective Flow’s latest sneaker design puts a smile on your feet. Like all of the LA-based brand’s clothes and accessories these shoes are designed with timeless style and enduring quality by a Japanese-American team that leans heavily into traditional craft. The Smiley Ducks are available in natural (shown) and black with pre-orders now until 29 September and deliveries in 4-6 months.

This product is sold by Prospective Flow

FUJI Japanese Whisky

FUJI Japanese Whisky is one of historic Mt. Fuji Distillery’s newest products, created for and exclusively available in the US market. A blend of the brand’s malt and grain whiskies aged for an average of eight years in 100% American White Oak, the liquid is fruity on the nose, well balanced and well priced for the quality.

This product is sold by FUJI Whisky

Eight-Color Crayon

Designed and manufactured in Japan by stationery brand Hightide (founded in Fukuoka in 1994), this non-toxic wax crayon includes eight colors in one instrument. Choose from pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, black or purple and let the creativity flow.

This product is sold by Hightide

FUKU Jacket

FUKU is a kimono-style garment, lined with a soft fleece for extra warmth and comfort. From the Japanese brand Prospective Flow, the traditional jacket (with roomy pockets and a single button closure) is relaxed but imbued with sophistication.

This product is sold by Prospective Flow

Cast Iron Mosquito Coil Case

From NYC-based Natala Natala (a homeware brand that sells beautiful pieces crafted by artisans in Japan and the US) comes a mosquito coil case that makes an otherwise unattractive—but very useful—item much more appealing. Designed by Suzuki Morihisa studio, located in the Iwate Prefecture in Japan’s Tōhoku region, this piece can be hung or laid flat on any surface. Its super-durable textured iron composition lends it an industrial look.

This product is sold by Nalata Nalata

N°39 Medium Triangle Tote Bag

Inspired by the knot used for traditional Japanese furoshiki wrapping cloth, this medium-sized tote bag by CaBas is crafted using sashiko-embroidered Mikawa cotton from Aichi-based Atelier Tanei (one of the rare manufacturers with the skill required to work with the material). With a leather strap, the bag features inner and outer pockets secured by a stud. Altogether, it’s sculptural, durable and elegant. Price is in Pounds.

This product is sold by CaBas

Camber Top Tool Box

Made is Osaka, Japan, this minimalist toolbox from Toyo Steel combines modern style with compact design to refine the ubiquitous household necessity. The sleek box, crafted with stainless steel, is the perfect size for storing handy tools, classic gadgets and miscellaneous gizmos. The toolbox comes in vibrant blue, red or black.

This product is sold by Toyo Steel

Hand-Dyed Indigo Uchiwa Fan

From Tokushima, Japan-based Awagami, a washi brand run by the Fujimori family, comes a lovely Uchiwa fan—a traditional Japanese non-folding fan whose style dates back to the 14th century. Hand-dyed with indigo in an ombre pattern by Awagami artisans, it’s made from kozo paper and bamboo.

This product is sold by Awagami

Takenobu Igarashi Playing Cards

These playing cards by Takenobu Igarashi, which were first commissioned from the artist by MoMA in the late 1980s, have never lost their charm. Igarashi—a Japanese-born educator and graphic designer who founded and taught programs at Chiba University and Tama Art University in Japan and the University of California, LA—plays with negative space to create elegant and timeless designs. Piatnik produces these reproductions of Igarashi’s cards in red or black.

This product is sold by Piatnik

Large Kenzan Set

For dazzling, gravity-defying bouquets, Plantgem’s kenzan set is a sturdy yet delicate holder for the Japanese art of flower arranging, ikebana. A kenzan (“sword mountain” in Japanese) fixes flowers to a specific spot as spikes within the item keep stems in place. This large rust-proof set uses brass pins to provide solid support while being small enough for fragile blooms. Made in Japan, this kenzan ensures endless, mesmerizing floral displays.

This product is sold by Plantgem

Crean Mate Rust Eraser + Tool Cleaner

Made in Japan, Niwaki’s scouring block is ideal for cleaning rust, resin and grime from blades, particularly secateurs, shears and knives. This easy-to-use tool works with just a few drops of water, but can be better supported by Niwaki’s Camellia Oil, which helps keep blades sharper for longer. Simply add the water or oil to a blade and scrub with the Crean Mate as if it were an eraser. Note, however, that due to the cleaner’s rough texture, it is recommended that a sample test is done for beloved blades.

This product is sold by Niwaki

Origami Dripper M

The ceramic Origami Dripper M features 20 ribs to maximize airflow and increase flavor in pour over coffee. Made from porcelain, the dripper boasts high thermal conductivity, which makes it ideal for maintaining high temperatures as steam separates from hot water. The shape of the structure also slows water absorption into the ground beans. The Origami Dripper M is also dishwasher and microwave safe and available in array of colors.

This product is sold by ORIGAMI

Vase by Nakagawa Mokkouegi

Third-generation woodworker Shuji Nakagawa at Nakagawa Mokkouegi in Shiga used a 700-year-old technique called Ki-Oke (or bucket-making) to craft these vases—in an edition of 30 unique pieces. Today there are just a few of these traditional artisans left—and unlike many of his peers, Nakagawa also uses the technique to create more modern objects like these. For this particular commission, we asked him to create a vase with an organic shape unlike one he’d ever produced before. When he presented the stellar collection of 30 pieces he said the commission was the most challenging project he’s worked on.

This product is sold by Shuji Nakagawa

COOL HUNTING EDITION Kiun Incense

COOL HUNTING commissioned Kazushi Iwasa, Kiun’s fifth-generation incense-maker in Takamatsu, Japan, to craft a unique incense for our annual limited edition gift series, Omakase, using natural indigo. The earthy, woody, musky scent is light and refreshing—and the incense does not drop ash as it burns, rather, it curls inward together. Of note, the Taro Tabuchi incense plate shown is not included with this two box purchase, but is available as a set with four boxes.

This product is sold by Kiun

Indigo Garment Dye Kit

A powdered indigo dye developed at Aikuma Senryo (originally a Chinese herbal apothecary founded in Tokyo circa 1818), Yamato Indigo makes it easy to dye apparel, accessories and other fabrics at home. This kit includes enough of each individual component to concoct a large vat of dye in order to lend a vibrant hue to shirts, pants and even sneakers. Specifically, that means 50 grams of Yamato Indigo dye, 100ml of vinegar, 100ml of a fixative, as well as a portion of soda ash and Sodium Hydrosulfite (and possibly a pair of rubber gloves, current shortage pending). Instructions are easy and the entire process is fun as a group activity, too.

This product is sold by Yamato Indigo