Monozukuri products, made in Japan with skill and craftmanship

Tenugui towels, mini works of art

“If you're looking for a souvenir that is truly Japanese, look no further than "tenugui" - a thin hand towel made of cotton. Although the idea of a hand towel as a gift sounds simple, and it well may be, tenugui also happen to be one of the most popular souvenirs you can buy in Japan - popular even *especially* among Japanese.”

Read the full post http://www.deepjapan.org/a/4179

Organic towels made from cotton and bamboo

“Ikeuchi Organic is a Japanese company that makes towels like no other. Towels are not its only products, but towels are the company's core products. And what wonderful towels they are! The company philosophy is totally organic. Certified organic: There are no chemical fertilizers or agricultural chemicals used on the farms for a minimum of three years.”

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Beautiful knives that inspire you to cook

“Kappabashi, Tokyo's kitchenware wholesaler's district, is a treasure trove of gorgeous ceramics, unusual spices, pots and pans of all sizes and, of course, Japan's world-class knives. No place glitters more than Kamata Hakensha, a bustling shop where every surface is covered with perfect, sharp pieces of art. From useful stainless steel choppers to more eclectic choices such as heavy cleavers and fugu knives, this is heaven for chefs of all levels.”

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Handmade Washi paper

“Washi is handmade paper and is typically made from the fibers of one of three types of bushes; gampi, mitsumata, or paper mulberry. Washi is actually amazingly tough, even more so than paper made from normal wood pulp. It's used in a variety of items such as Japanese kites, lampshades, woodblock prints, and even clothing. The production of washi is similar to regular paper.”

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Pop tabi socks with Japanese motifs

“Japanese people typically wear tabi when they dress up in Japanese clothes, such as kimono. These resemble socks apart from the fact that the big toe is separated out from the other toes. These days most people wear western clothes and few Japanese wear tabi on a daily basis. Musashino Uniform Co., Ltd. in Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture, manufactures and sells “pop tabi.””

Read the full post http://www.deepjapan.org/a/4310

Colorful shoes that incorporate Japanese design elements

“Tokuyama Shoes has its home in Kawanehoncho, tucked away in the northwestern side of Shizuoka Prefecture, inland from Shizuoka City… Here, in the quiet rural land, home to farmers and campers and scarce few others, a shoemaker lives and works, relying on collaborations with outsiders to make his designs.”

Read the full post http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3043