Whether you plan to travel to Japan, or you just like the aesthetic, here are a few things that reminded me of my last trip to Japan. Some are more authentic than others – though I did buy that same Catzilla design on a tote bag at a cat-theme store in Nagasaki, so I guess it’s relative.
As a fan of cats and of tea, I think this kyusu (side-handled teapot) is adorable.
Sukajan jackets date back to WWII, and combine western jacket styling with Japanese embroidery. Such a cool look.
Edo Kiriko is cut or carved glass from Tokyo. They can be quite elaborate. And quite beautiful. This one is from Kagami-Cristal.
Chawanmushi is savory pudding, often studded with seafood. You will see it as an accompaniment to “sets” of meals. We firs tried it with sushi. These dishes are an adorable way to serve it.
Public restrooms in Japan are less likely to have paper towels or hand driers, so many people carry handkerchiefs. And these are quite beautiful.
What is Japan without flavored Kit-Kats? This box contains so many different flavors!
If you want to have a try at whisking matcha, this set is a gorgeous place to start. The chawan (tea bowl) is traditional mina ware and recommends not to use soap when cleaning.
Gotta have a cookbook from my favorite Iron Chef. When he was on the show, he was seen as an upstart revolutionary, wanting to update Japanese food with global technique. Now, Morimoto is seen as the standard to aspire to.
Such a beautiful kimono. But so much easier to wear . . .
If tea is more your jam than coffee.
My favorite Japanese rice cracker. For the name alone – “Happy Turn.”
Another mina ware chawan, with a modern design.
Shizuoka is the cruise stop where folks go to view Mount Fuji, and it is the largest producer of green tea in Japan. So this hand-painted chawan featuring Mt. Fuji is perfect. From Tea Kimikura.
Shiboridashi kyusu are small teapots meant for brewing concentrated tea. They also look cool when you pour the tea.
Japanese puzzle boxes date back to the Edo period. Look how beautiful this one is.
Y’all know I love cats and music! I’m also a fan of the woodblock print, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, which was a big influence behind the way Godzilla moves in the early movies. So it doesn’t get much cooler than this hoodie.
Plum blossom and teacup design too. So cool.
I love the look of cast-iron teapots, and the green enamel design on this one is so beautiful.
Outdoor Solar Lights with a Japanese feel.
Cat Boba tee shirt.
Japanese stationary stores rock. Look at these gel pens.
When we were in Japan, I fell in love with erasable pens.
A kotatsu is a warming table. It comes in handy on cold nights.
Rice cookers are awesome! In addition to making rice simple to cook, you can make a cake in this thing.
When you take your shoes off everywhere, you need to have cute socks.
Or some really fun slippers.
You might as well get a whole pack of them for guests.
Look at these Japan-Inspired Cat Posters. So cute!
Koi Print Lantern Pants – I love the koi fish pattern on the fabric for these comfortable summertime pants.
These are a bit more subdued pattern. And they have pockets!
Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary was last year. This keyboard shows her with all her friends.
Our favorite brand of rice for making sushi.
Who doesn’t need a tee-shirt featuring a cat eating ramen?
And a classic Godzilla Tee-Shirt
Musical Synthesizer Toy. What else do I need to say?
Because I laughed at the OG meme.
A futon is better than an air mattress, in my opinion, because it doesn’t pop the moment a cat enters the room. And they’re actually quite comfortable.
Japanese Curry is my favorite curry dish. The blocks of roux make it easy to complete.
The only mayo at our house.
So many cute bento boxes. I like the traditional look of this one.
Another pretty bento box. And this one claims to be microwave safe.
An adorable shiba inu on a blanket!
If you’re missing those Japanese vending machines, you need to get some Ito In tea. Jake’s favorite is the oolong.
I have always wanted to try this. I have a broken mug with a Van Gogh painting printed on it that could be stunning, if my kintsugi method came out right. Kintsugi is the art of repairing pottery with gold, celebrating the beauty of the repair.
We got to try the Kona coffee this is made from at the UCC farm in Hawaii.