What are we doing when the slower moments at the market?
Craft markets are full of energy—friendly faces, creative displays, and one-of-a-kind items everywhere you look. But not every moment is busy. So, what are we doing behind the booth when…
Obon in Japan: A Festival of Remembrance and Light
Every August, Japan is filled with the warm glow of lanterns, the rhythm of drums, and the graceful movements of traditional dance. This is Obon (お盆)—one of Japan’s most important…
Cool & Refreshing: Traditional Japanese Foods for Summer
Japanese summers are hot and humid, but Japanese cuisine has long embraced the power of seasonal eating. Summer dishes in Japan are crafted not just for taste, but also to…
How to Handle Extreme Heat in Japan: Everyday Tips from Japanese Summers
Japanese summers are beautiful—but also hot, humid, and intense. Especially in July and August, temperatures often soar above 35°C, with high humidity that makes it feel even hotter (Feels like…
How to Take Care of Your Tokita Kobo Items
Thank you for supporting Tokita Kobo and choosing our handcrafted items made from upcycled kimono fabric and Japanese Kimono Pattern fabric.Because our products are crafted with traditional materials and special…
What Does “Otsukaresama”(お疲れ様) Mean? Understanding a Uniquely Japanese Expression of Appreciation
If you’ve spent time around Japanese people or studied Japanese culture, you may have heard the phrase “Otsukaresama desu” (お疲れ様です) or its more casual form, “Otsukare” (おつかれ). It’s often said…
Exploring Asakusa: Treasure Hunting for Secondhand Kimono in Tokyo’s Historic Heart
If you’re a lover of traditional Japanese fashion or sustainable vintage style, Asakusa (浅草) is worth to find them besides sightseeing—it’s a haven for secondhand kimono shopping. Known for its…
Natto (納豆) – A Superfood with a Sticky Surprise!
What is Natto? Natto is made by fermenting soybeans with a special bacteria called Bacillus subtilis natto. It’s packed with protein, probiotics, and vitamin K2, making it a powerhouse for…
Exploring Nippori Fabric Town(日暮里繊維街): Tokyo’s Hidden Treasure for Textile Lovers
For fabric lovers, DIY creators, and fashion designers, there’s no place in Japan quite like Nippori Fabric Town (日暮里繊維街). Tucked away in Tokyo’s Arakawa Ward, this historic district is a…
The Timeless Beauty of Tsumami Zaiku(つまみ細工): Japanese Fabric Art from Edo to Today
Tsumami Zaiku is a traditional Japanese craft that transforms small squares of fabric—usually silk—into intricate floral motifs and decorative ornaments. With a technique as delicate as the name suggests (tsumami…