Japan’s allure cannot be attributed to any specific sector—be it cuisine or culture, design and architecture, cities of the future or quiet reprieves, the island nation offers unparalleled experiences. This is why we continue to return and explore. On the ground, we’ve seen this magnetism translate into the development of many globally acclaimed products, too. We are always on the look out for Japanese indigo, but that’s not all. There are so many products that reflect the values of the country and its aesthetic interests—many of which are in this gift guide, which is sure to appeal to those dreaming of a visit or anyone who appreciates items produced with thoughtful details in mind.
After two years of development and testing with NYC-based athletes and Japanese engineers, District Vision’s running sunglasses are functional and stylish. Instead of wearing goggle-style shades when you jog, now you can wear performance sunnies that are light and comfortable while also striking in appearance. Featuring a hypoallergenic adjustable nosepad, the sunglasses weigh just 22 grams.
With no heating, fermentation or extra ingredients, Yamato Indigo only needs water and you’re on your way to dyeing fabric a lush, vibrant blue. Able to color natural materials (including cotton, linen, silk, leather, wood and washi paper), the starter kit comes with 10g of Yamato Indigo, three cotton bandanas, wood sticks, rubber bands and two pairs of gloves.
Milled in the historic Guimarães region of Portugal, the 100% linen (front) and 100% Percale (reverse) fabric of this contemporary quilt yields both a gentle texture on one side and sheer softness on the other. References are made to the traditional box pattern blanket, but the garment-dyed linen hasn’t been artificially treated—which is a common practice aimed at further softening. Instead, the Percale lends the extra comfort. At a medium weight, due in part to the poly batting fill, this is also an ideal item for layering.
Dyed and printed in Japan on 100% combed, ring-spun cotton yarn, this T-shirt has a few messages up its sleeves. Of course, there’s the graphic on the front encouraging peace. But further details, from the vintage-inspired small cut-out gussets at each side to the half moon panel on the back for position, define this as more than a novelty T-shirt. It offers a classic fit, and the fabric feels quite substantial without excess weight—due to choice of a heavier yarn but looser knit.
Cinnamon Projects’ elegant incense burner is inspired by traditional 16th century koh-do ceremonies in Japan, which are thought to remove impurities, refresh the spirit and bring about a moment of peace. “Circa” comes packed in a handsome gift box and includes the solid brass burner and 50-stick set of five scents, each designed for a particular time of day.
Made in Japan, from Japanese cotton kimono fabric at a 100-year-old factory, these pants are a modern take—with Hamptons flourishes—on the traditional worker pant known as Monpe. Indigo stripes complement the navy cotton, offering visual texture but an understated, solid navy is available, too. This is premium loungewear, designed to be worn at home, on the beach or even out at night.
More than just a tea shop, Kyoto-based retailer Ippodo Tea Co. has specialized in the cultivation and blending of matcha, sencha and other Japanese teas for nearly three centuries. Their Kan-no-shiro 40g can of matcha powder is ground from shade-cultivated leaves and soothes with its full-bodied flavor and mellow sweetness. It’s an unfailing choice for green tea aficionados and newcomers alike.
Designed by Japanese architecture firm Kengo Kuma and Associates, these Tsumiki balancing triangles echo the playfulness of childhood games in a more refined form. Available in sets of seven, 13 or 22, the pieces can be stacked to create various architectural structures to decorate your home. And since they’re made from solid cedar wood from the Miyazaki prefecture, they’ll not only add beauty, but a pleasant scent too. Price is in Yen.
From 100% Japanese cotton, The Hill-Side’s long-sleeve indigo ombre plaid flannel shirt is all about the details. From the button-down collar to the gusset at each side seam and an interior twill tape locker loop, everything has been taken into consideration for a shirt that can be dressed up or worn quite casually. Further, there’s a traditional single-needle construction utilized, manufactured in NYC’s Garment District.
An appropriate fit defines good T-shirts. With inspiration from military issue undershirts, Apolis’ indigo pocket T-shirt falls upon the body beautifully, without being too snug. From 100% pre-washed cotton, naturally indigo-dyed, that’s been grown and sewn in Peru, the construction’s top notch here, as well.
Centered around the simple concept of “make happy,” Buddy crafts effortless products for everyday use—and their Ear Tote Backpack is a prime example. It’s as basic as a backpack can get, yet there’s something about the Ear Tote’s design that elevates it to the next level—whether that be its slate grey hue, velour suede bottom paneling or Togichi vegetable-tanned leather detailing. The Japan-made bag’s unique stout shape and top tote handles add extra portability.
With 400+ houses featured across its 500+ pages, Jutaku: Japanese Houses is pretty big—considering its physical size is quite compact. Showcasing the best, strangest and most daring of contemporary Japanese residential architecture with full-color images, it’s a hardcover tome that will surprise and inspire readers to think outside the “duplex.”
Tokyo-based Ryo Kashiwazaki’s label Hender Scheme has become known for its thoughtfully designed shoes—many of which are crafted from natural, un-dyed leather. Kashiwazaki gives the same attention to this Home Bank made from raw cow leather. It’s a beautiful place to drop your loose change and, on those “rainy days,” it’s simple to take coins out without breaking it at all.
Inspired by the Japanese yukata (or summer robe) Hotel Saint Cecilia’s indigo kimono makes for luxuriant loungewear. Each has been custom made from 100% cotton indigo-dyed batik fabric. These are unisex, one-size-fits-all articles, with a sash belt to tie it up.
Ippodo has been producing high-quality tea for almost three centuries in the heart of Kyoto, and Matcha is one of their specialties. You can learn the nuances of making it yourself with their beautiful Matcha Starter Kit, an all-in-one set that includes Japanese utensils, instructions in English and 20 grams of Matcha powder.
In blue and black indigo, Self Edge’s watch caps feature Japanese rope-dyed indigo yarns; each being a 100% cotton custom woven fabric. These snug, soft items also sport a custom pewter concho pin—a nice differentiating touch on a common staple item. In many ways, retailers Self Edge have become denim and indigo experts and this find from Made in the USA brand 3SIXTEEN demonstrates this, as well.
