Culture & Traditions

Japanese Kitchen Knives: Types, How to Care for Them, and How to Choose One

The main types of Japanese kitchen knives (gyuto, santoku, nakiri, yanagiba, deba), what makes them special, how to care for them, and how to choose your first one.

2026.06.14

Culture & Traditions

Edo Kiriko: Tokyo’s Cut Glass — Its History, Patterns, and How to Care for It

Edo kiriko is Tokyo's dazzling hand-cut glass, where fine cuts through a thin colored layer reveal the clear glass beneath in crisp, sparkling geometric patterns.

2026.06.14

Culture & Traditions

Hanko: Japan’s Personal Seals, Their Types, and How They’re Used

In Japan, a carved personal seal pressed in red ink often does the job of a signature — here's what hanko are, the three types, and how each is used.

2026.06.14

Culture & Traditions

Nambu Tekki: Japan’s Cast-Iron Teapots and Kettles, and How to Use Them

Nambu tekki is Iwate's 400-year-old cast ironware: a tetsubin boils your water while an enamel-lined iron kyusu brews the tea — here's how to use and care for each.

2026.06.14

Culture & Traditions

Kendama: How Japan’s Skill Toy Works, Its Parts, and How to Play

Meet kendama, Japan's deceptively simple wooden skill toy: learn its parts, how it's made, the beginner tricks, and how to pick your first one.

2026.06.14

Culture & Traditions

Kokeshi: The History, Types, and Charm of Japan’s Wooden Dolls

A friendly guide to kokeshi: the history, traditional and creative types, regional strains, and how these hand-painted Tohoku wooden dolls are made, chosen, and cared for.

2026.06.14

Culture & Traditions

Tenugui: What Japan’s Cotton Cloth Is, How It’s Made, and the Many Ways to Use It

Tenugui is Japan's thin cotton all-rounder: a hand-dyed cloth that works as a towel, gift wrap, headband, and framed wall art.

2026.06.14

Culture & Traditions

Omamori: What Japan’s Lucky Charms Mean, the Types, and How to Use Them

Omamori are Japan's beloved amulets, sold at shrines and temples to carry a wish for safe travels, love, success, or good fortune wherever you go.

2026.06.14

Culture & Traditions

Daruma: The Meaning, History, and How to Use Japan’s Wish-Making Doll

The daruma is Japan's beloved wish-making doll: make a goal, paint one eye, and fill in the second when it comes true.

2026.06.14

Culture & Traditions

Maneki-neko: The Meaning of Japan’s Beckoning Lucky Cat, Its Colors, and How to Choose One

Meet the maneki-neko, Japan's beckoning lucky cat: what its raised paw and colors traditionally mean, where it comes from, and how to choose one.

2026.06.14

Culture & Traditions