Pop-Up Event Report: Guild Alive Art with Culture 2024
The first time of attending to Guild Alive with Culture Art Festival, 2024 as a vendor. It was really hot weekend but it was fun! Thank you for stopping my…
Pop-Up Event Report: Sudbury Japan Festival 2024
The first time for Japan Festival as a vendor. It was a great experience to see lots of Japanese cultural lovers up north! On July 20 (Saturday), we embarked on…
Pop-Up Event Report: Lakeview Artisan Market 2024
The first time of attending to Lakeview Artisan Market 2024 as a vendor. We enjoyed seeing new people in the warm and hearful atmosphere. Today, I tried setting up a…
Is this Japanese Terrible Habit?
Japan is known for its deep traditions, respect for etiquette, and unique cultural habits that may seem unusual to visitors. Some of these customs are so ingrained in daily life…
About Shippou(Seven Treasures) Pattern
The Meaning of the Shippo Pattern The Shippo (七宝) pattern, meaning “Seven Treasures,” is a revered geometric design in Japanese culture. In Buddhism, the Seven Treasures represent the spiritual virtues…
The Art of Temari(手鞠)
The Beauty of Temari (手鞠) Temari, meaning “handball” in Japanese, is a traditional folk craft that originated as a children’s toy but has since evolved into an intricate art form.…
Using Tatami Hem to make the card case
The Art of Upcycling at Tokita Kobo At Tokita Kobo, we love finding creative ways to repurpose traditional Japanese materials. One of our favorite projects is crafting elegant card cases…
Ōmisoka(大晦日): Japanese New Year’s Eve Traditions Explained
As the final day of the year, Ōmisoka (大晦日, New Year’s Eve) is one of the most important days in Japan. Unlike Western countries, where December 31st is often filled…
Hozuki(鬼灯)、Japanese (Chinese) Lantern Plant
Today, when I was walking on the street, I found the nostalgic plant. The Japanese lantern plant (紫湊草, Hōzuki) is a vibrant and culturally significant plant often associated with Obon,…
About Asanoha/麻の葉 (Hemp Leaves) Pattern
The Meaning Behind the Hemp Leaf Pattern The Hemp Leaf Pattern (Asanoha, 橘葉) is one of the most cherished and enduring motifs in Japanese textile design. This geometric pattern, resembling…