Tattoos in Japan: Still Associated with the Yakuza?
Tattoos (刺青, irezumi) have a long and complex history in Japan. While body art is widely accepted in many countries, in Japan, tattoos are still often linked to the Yakuza…
Pop-Up Event Report: Natsu Matsuri 2024
The first time of attending to Natsu Matsuri, 2024 as a vendor. It was really hot and strong windy day but it was fun! What a great day! I enjoyed…
Why So Many Layers in Kimono? The Beauty and Purpose Behind the Layers
When people think of a kimono, they often imagine an elegant, flowing garment with multiple layers. But why does traditional Japanese clothing involve so many layers? The answer lies in…
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…