Stories and Objects
Deep from within Japan
New Stories
Japanese Chopsticks: Woods, Lacquer and Traditions
Carrying centuries of craftsmanship and cultural significance, Japanese chopsticks make an excellent gift. This introduction to materials, finishes and customs will help you to pick the perfect pai...
Miyabi Knives: Where German Engineering Meets Japanese Steel
Table of Contents Introduction A quick overview of the Miyabi knife A Japanese knife by… Zwilling Henckels? Harder, better, sharper, stronger Which Miyabi knife is right for you? Introduction I...
Sushi at Home? How to Build a Fish Knife Collection
Love sushi and sashimi, but hate the price of eating out? Get some fish knives and learn how to make your own.
Global Knives: The Japanese Brand That Conquered Kitchens Around the World
Is a Global knife worth the purchase? Find out here.
Look Sharp: Why Buy a Japanese Knife?
Dipping your toes into the world of Japanese knives? Here’s a good place to start.
Traditional Japanese Sweets: Wagashi and Seasonal Art
A sweet and a season in one: traditional Japanese confections mirror the shifting calendar, capturing the colors and changes of the natural world. Taking you through the history of wagashi, this gu...
Japanese Calligraphy: Shodo and the Four Treasures
Japanese calligraphy, or shodo, turns brush, ink, inkstone and paper into a path of focus and self-cultivation. This guide takes you through the basics: script styles, Zen connections and setting u...
The Cool Breeze in Your Hand: Japanese Fans Uchiwa and Sensu
Sharing a common ancestor, the sensu introduced the elegance of the fold while the uchiwa developed the flat, rigid form. Together, they show how a single object can take on multiple roles in realm...
Fish Stories: Shrines and Temples for Sea Creatures, Part 1
Meet the shrines and temples dedicated to sea creatures like prawns, clams, oysters, and stingrays.
How to Choose the Right Tamagoyaki Pan
Thinking about making tamagoyaki at home? Here's a guide to choosing your first rolled omelette pan.
Omelette You Finish But Here’s How to Get Closer to Cooking a Perfect Tamagoyaki
Craving tamagoyaki? An essential read if you've ever wanted to learn how to make a delicious Japanese-style rolled omelette.
Japanese Kitchen Knives: Essential Blades for the Home Chef
Japanese kitchen knives can feel thrilling and confusing at the same time. Find out which blades to buy first, what to invest in when you're ready for the next step - and how to keep your knives sh...
Kokeshi: The Folk Art of Traditional Japanese Wooden Dolls
No arms, no legs but endless charm. Kokeshi, traditional wooden dolls from northeastern Japan, have become regional icons and a canvas for contemporary artistic expression. Read on for this Japanes...
A Guide to Japanese Tea Sets: Ceramics for Everyday Brewing
A practical guide to Japanese tea sets for daily loose-leaf brewing. Learn how to choose between the different types of kyusu and cups, and how to look after them.
Oyakodon: The Parent-and-Child Bowl
Oyakodon, one of Japan’s classic rice bowls, pairs tender chicken, onions and softly set egg in a savory dashi broth served over rice. Try this easy recipe for a taste of home-style Japanese cooking.
Sake Sets: Tokkuri, Ochoko and the Ritual of Pouring
A detailed guide to sake vessels: cups and carafes, ceramic traditions, etiquette and how to choose the right sake set to enhance aroma and flavor for different occasions.
Pack It Up: All About Bento and How to Choose The Perfect Bento Box
What's in a bento box? We dive into the history of the Japanese bento and offer some tips on choosing the perfect one for you.
Make Sushi at Home: Tools, Techniques and Perfect Sushi Rice
Sushi-making at home is easier than it looks once you master sushi rice and the rolling techniques. We walk you through the process, show you how to avoid common mistakes and give tips on plating s...
Nakiri: The Japanese Vegetable Knife for Perfect Prep
The Japanese vegetable knife known as nakiri makes light work of slicing and dicing. But do you need it if you already have a santoku? Find out who should invest in a nakiri, how to choose one - an...
Where to Buy Origami Paper in Tokyo
From origami specialists to variety shops, here's a complete guide to buying origami paper in Tokyo.
Don't know which origami paper is best for you? Here's a guide to choosing the paper best suited to your needs.
Santoku Knives: Japan's Blade of Three Virtues for Home Chefs
Born in postwar Japan, the santoku knife was shaped for everyday cooking. Find out its three virtues, how it differs from a Western chef knife and how to choose a size that fits your hand.
Ramen Bowls: Choosing the Right Bowls for Japan's Noodle Soups
Ramen bowls shape the way that noodles, broth and toppings come together. Find the right bowl by understanding how size, design and material affect heat retention, presentation and the overall dini...
Types of Japanese Noodles: Ramen, Udon, Soba and Beyond
A detailed guide to Japanese noodles covering soba, udon, ramen, eating etiquette and how to make fresh udon noodles at home.