All About Japan

Learning to Love 'Sumi' Ink Sticks

Ink sticks, or 'sumi,' were a practical way of conserving and transporting ink. They're the classic tool for writing Japanese calligraphy—and using them has an almost Zen-like quality.

A Beauty Shop for Anime Lovers

If you're looking to splash up your makeup bag with some anime-themed cosmetics, look no further than 'Otona Joshi Biyori'.

Looking for a Next-Level Sharpener?

Made in Osaka, these next-level pencil and makeup sharpeners boast of being 'light as an apple peel, sharp as a samurai sword.' Try them out to be sure!

Wear Pandas & Space Cats on Your Back

From designs inspired by traditional 'ukiyo-e' woodblock prints to pandas and space cats, these kimono jackets are sure to turn heads when you step out the door.

Tsuchimochi Completes His '100 Views of Tokyo'

Revisit Shinji Tsuchimochi's stunning artwork series, '100 Views of Tokyo.'

Add Some Bushido Flair to Your Home ‎Décor

Guard against water rings on your favorite coffee table thanks to these sword handguard coasters inspired by four famous samurai.

Hydrophobic Brollies Make Light of Heavy Rain

Don't let a soggy umbrella get you down! With these water-resistant umbrellas, both you and your brolly will be water-drop free!

7+ Kinds of Calligraphy Brushes

The kind of calligraphy brush you need depends on the kind of lines you want to draw. Here are seven-plus options from a historic shop in Toyohashi that you can order from anywhere!

Realistic Fake Food Bookmarks

If these bookmarks were any more real, you could eat them!

Sea-Inspired Miniature Newspaper Collages

This artist uses a wide range of multimedia—everything from snippets of foreign newspapers and magazines to 'nihonga' materials to create collages that illustrate the ocean that connects all.

Hydroponic Greens Grown Under the Tokyo Metro

Tokyo's elevated train spaces might be shaded from the sun, dreary and have most often been turned into bicycle and car parking, but surprisingly, where the sun doesn’t shine turns out to be an ideal setting for a garden.

4 Useful Supplies for Summer Festivals

You've got your 'yukata' on and you're ready to roll—but don't leave the house before you've grabbed these useful festival items too!

Andy Warhol 'Randoseru'

With Japanese kids' backpacks becoming fashion icons in their own right, why not up the ante with a splash of Andy?

Life-Enhancing Stationery (& More) from Muji!

For many, Muji stationery sets the bar. Compact and cool, it's perfect for gifts and personal use. And if you're not sure what to set your sights on, here are our nine best recommendations!

Beat the Heat With Some Cool 'Yukata'

Look cool and stay cool during the hot Japanese summers with lightweight 'yukata' that feature the Loch Ness Monster and Edo Period assassination tools.

Revitalizing Fukushima One Shoe at a Time

Keep a centuries-old tradition alive on the streets by wearing 450 years of history on your feet.

Dress Up Your Dreary Office

Tired of staring at dreary, drab walls and your boring, messy desk? Let these items transform your cubicle into a lawn or a library!

Luxurious Stationery from Itoya

Itoya is an historic brand that that offers luxurious stationery in one of Japan's most fashionable districts.

Charms That Will Keep Your Phone Safe!

These phone cases come embroidered with declarations of protection against ignored messages and low batteries.

¥100 Shop Stationery

From basic writing tools to adorable character goods, ¥100 shops are the choice for getting papered in style—without breaking the bank!

know-before-you-go