Japanese crafts

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

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

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