Japan’s allure cannot be attributed to any one specific trait. Be it cuisine or culture, design and architecture, cities of the future or soothing reprieves, the island nation offers unparalleled experiences across the spectrum of high and low. This is why we continue to return and explore. Our Japanophile Gift Guide is particularly close to our hearts, as it includes items from our Omakase gift box, a collection of 13 gifts crafted in collaboration with Japanese artisans. Every design object we’ve developed has function, but to decipher their untold value requires history lessons. With products exquisitely made by Asahiyaki (now led by a talented 16th generation ceramist), Chi Chi, Grisal, KIUN, Taro Tabuchi, Hajime Shoji, Zillion and others, this is an exclusive, high-quality gift for any Japanophile or lover of textile, design and craftsmanship. For that high-end gift, and so many more thoughtful products, take a look at our Japanophile Gift Guide.
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.
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.
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 …
Tsukemono are preserved vegetables produced through a traditional Japanese process of pickling that inspires balance and connection to each meal. While these vegetables often appear on a small plate as a side to a main course, tsukemono are not an afterthought. Across all varieties, they pack a bounty of spicy, sweet or sour flavors that add depth to every dish. Sold by KonMari, this 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Legent Bourbon and NYC-based menswear designer Todd Snyder join forces for the limited edition Bourbon Selvedge Denim Jacket. The accessory employs hand-selected Japanese denim produced on a shuttle loom in Okayama, which is then cut, sewn and expertly tailored here in the US by Snyder’s team. It’s based on the body of the fashion brand’s classic Dylan jacket but repeatedly nods to the bourbon and …
Nike’s new ACG Mt Fuji collection features plenty of wind- and water-resistant garments and accessories inspired by the Japanese mountain’s terrain. A lava-like camouflage print covers these durable overall shorts and a woven, retro Nike ACG patch adds a pop of color. This piece is meant to match the rest of the collection, which includes a poncho, sneakers, sandals and a vest. The full collection …
