All About Japan

Baby Keepsake Calligraphy Brushes

The concept of saving your baby's hair after their first haircut isn't uncommon, but families in Japan can opt to turn those shorn locks into unique calligraphy brushes!

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!

New Akihabara Animate for Your Ikemen Needs

Opened on June 16, 2016, Akiba Girls Station is a massive, seven-floor shopping center dedicated entirely to anime/manga for the female audience.

7 Prime Presents from the ¥100 Shop

These great items may only be ¥108 after tax, but your friends and family don't need to know that! And the quality's so good, they probably won't be able to tell!

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!

4 Ingenious Office Supplies from Japan

Make quick work of your office tasks with these modern and ergonomic tools—great for scrapbooking fans!

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.

Have a Cuppa in Kanazawa’s Old Town

While traveling in Kanazawa, be sure to stop for a nice, fresh cup of tea from a tea shop dating back to the Edo Period (1603-1868)!

12 Things Every ALT Needs from the ¥100 Shop

Being an ALT is a resource-intensive profession. The ¥100 shop has almost everything you need to be ready for the classroom!

Dustless Chalk & Erasable Window Crayons

Make playtime a little cleaner with dustless chalk made from scallop shells, and crayons that can draw on windows and then wash off like the art was never there!

Luxurious Stationery from Itoya

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

Dive into a Daiso

Take a four-minute tour through all the weird and wonderful stuff at Daiso, Japan's largest ¥100 chain.

Painted Imaginary Camouflaged Leaf Insects

To avoid becoming prey, leaf insects use mimicry to blend into their surroundings. But what happens when the insect's natural environment has been completely destroyed?

5 Tools for Getting Started with 'Sumi-e'

Japanese 'sumi-e' ink wash painting is a great hobby to pick up—it's cheap and easy to get started!

3 Historic Fan Shops in Kyoto

Japanese fans are as much about fashion and art as they are about keeping cool, and these traditional shops have really mastered the craft!

¥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!

10 of the Best Gift Shops in Kyoto

Kyoto is a great city to look for souvenirs, but personally, we think these 10 shops in Kyoto take the cake when it comes to bringing back a bit of Japan back home with you.

Masterful Memo Blocks & Drawing Pads

These memo blocks and drawing pads are so good they garnered a Good Design Award and have been featured in the UK's Monocle Magazine.

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!

Perfectly Equipped Tablecloth for Craft Fairs

Check out this tablecloth specifically designed for fair booths, and how it makes all the difference in staying organized!

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