Y took me a beautiful ceramics shop called Higashiya where they also produce the most luxurious mochi and sweets. I loved the whole design of the space and found the packaging to be incredible.

[1-4. Higashiya]

I found the most amazing little things at Tokyu Hands, a mega-store filled with six floors of everything you could ever want to fill your new Japanese apartment or to take home as souvenirs for friends. The selection is overwhelming and there are so many well-priced gems all over the place.

First, I found these little stainless-steel pitchers that are filled with cream and served with coffee. They are adorable and really remind me of the cafe at Tas Yard.

Second, these hilarious doggy squeak toys in the shape of a gyoza and baozi (steamed bun) with faces on them! Is that a mustache on the steamed bun? I'm not completely sure, but it's amazingly cute. Oh, and I love that the gyoza has a yaki (grilled) brown bottom.



[1. atk1983; 2-3. c. lynn]

Let's have cereal for every meal! Or at least stews, soups, porridge, ice cream, and anything else that could be served by bowl. Who needs plates, if you set the table with these bowls from One Kiln.

[1-2. One Kiln]

Cool Japanese rhinoceros beetle wall hooks from Chigo in Tokyo. I've seen rhinoceros beetles in Malaysia, just crawling around. They're huge!

How cool would it be to have several of these hanging in a kid's room?

(Below: An Atlas beetle, species of rhinoceros beetle)



[1-3. Chigo; 4. c. lynn]

One of the things that I hope to pick up in Tokyo is a set of chopstick rests. I adore this brass version by one of Japan's oldest ironworks Futagami in collaboration with designer Masanori Oji.

[1-4. Analoque Life]

I happened to stop in a little paper shop and press near Playmountain, called Papier Labo. Among the handsome bound books of photography and letterpress cards, I found some adorable postcards by Sab Letterpress.  

Isn't their lightbox sign cool? I love it.

[1 & 2. c. lynn; 3-5. Sab Letterpress]

I've been hearing about the Playmountain pop-up shop at Heath Ceramics in L.A., but was unable to make it. Luckily, I was able to visit their shop in Shibuya, Tokyo. What lovely wares! 

We also visited their garden shop and cafe, Tas Yard, located just a few blocks away. I loved every inch of the cafe, from their Heath plates and excellent iced coffee to their selection of garden accessories including pot brushes, terracotta flower pots, and copper spades. 

Although the coffee was a little expensive due to the poor exchange rate, their lovely menu stated that the second and third cups would have a discounted rate, which made us smile. The first cup of coffee is always the most important.



[1-5. c. lynn]

We ran a lot of errands today trying to sneak in as many of our favorite things in Tokyo before we leave on Monday. Our first stop was Kiddyland, a mega toy store devoted to all things Hello Kitty and Disney as well as many hilarious gag gifts and inventive toys for kids. We always used pick up these amazing birthday candles that include a single sparkler, moving parts, and an electronic musical version of the "Happy Birthday" song. These candles are showstoppers and have made an appearance at two good friends' thirtieth birthdays, but unfortunately Kiddyland no longer carries them.

[1. Brian Daniel]

Today I am admiring the delicate vases from Sugahara Glassworks in Japan. How refreshing! They are available at Canoe in Portland.

On another note, I am very excited about our upcoming trip to Japan and Malaysia. I cannot wait for big bowls of ramen, design shops, sticks of kushiyaki, nomihodai (all-you-can-drink) karaoke bars, and so much more.

[1. Canoe]

I would have loved to be in L.A./Sausalito for the Playmountain pop-up shop that opened this month in Heath Ceramics. I will have to plan a visit when I'm in Tokyo in late September.

[1-5. Heath Ceramics]

I was looking for an attractive plate on which to serve our housewarming buffet and at first, I thought of durable melamine plates like the Liberty of London collection for Target or the Thomas Paul sealife collection. However, I never thought that I would stumble upon such a beautiful biodegradable and compostable option from the Japanese brand Wasara. Designed by Shinichiro Ogata of Simplicity, the plates and cups are made from 100 percent tree-free materials: sugar cane fiber, bamboo, and reed pulp. Buy them at A+R store.

Even the package design is beautiful. I can't wait to visit Japan again this fall.


[1-5. Wasara]

A traditional Japanese garment, the yukata (浴衣), fashioned with a rocker sensibility. Natsuki Shigeta launched her collection called Tsukikageya in 2004. More here.

I'm really inspired by some good news... I've just found out that our holiday travels will take us to Japan!

It's an incredibly exciting time and we're gathering tips and advice on where to go and stay. We know that we'll spend time in Tokyo and Hakone with our friends, but we're still mapping everything out. I will keep you posted. (A special thanks to Renee for all of her recommendations for our trip.)

[above]
Samiro Yunoki is trained in the art of stencil-dyeing (katazome) in the tradition of local Japanese folk crafts (mingei). Yunoki has been submitting his work to Kokugakai Tenrankai ( the society for exhibiting Japanese Arts and Crafts) since 1949. He is ever tireless at his craft, long after he has retired. You can read more about him here.

を見せて

I love Japanese package design.
via The Dieline

炬燵

The Kotatsu Work Table was designed with collaborative effort in mind. It is modeled after the traditional Japanese kotatsu which is a low family gathering table. In Iranian culture, this is called a korsi.

The table is uniquely repellant against tabletop clutter thanks to shelving built within the table itself. The middle of the table features insets where beverages, pencils, and remote controls can be placed while the table is in use.