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On the first morning of our urushi forestry and kintsugi program in Daigo, we ask for two things. Bring a pen and a notebook, and take your notes by hand. And please don't photograph the slides — we won't be handing out printouts either. For a room of people who mostly work through a screen: designers, engineers, people who make things by tablet and keyboard — this lands as a small inconvenience. Photographing a slide is faster, and it feels like a reliable way to keep some

This is Part 2 of our kintsugi kit discussions. Part 1 looked at what's actually inside a $100–$200 kit and what that money gets you elsewhere. This piece is the practical companion to it — focused on one question: when you are choosing what to buy, which material differences actually matter, and when? Traditional kintsugi is a Japanese lacquer repair technique using urushi lacquer, natural adhesives, mineral powders, and precious metals such as gold or silver. Unlike modern

If you've searched for "best urushi supplier" or "where to buy urushi lacquer," whether for kintsugi, lacquer craft projects, fountain pen finishing, or any other application, you've likely encountered YouTube videos and blog posts reviewing Japanese urushi suppliers as if they were art supply stores. This article discusses why that approach is misguided and how it may harm one of Japan's most fragile craft supply chains. Understanding the Urushi Ecosystem To grasp why this m

A story of a Hakata bentwood artisan in Fukuoka, and what a true craft experience in Japan can offer beyond making and taking.

On microplastics in food containers, a documentary that arrived late; and a craft that never needed reassurance. Netflix’s Plastic Detox arrives at a moment when the word ‘microplastic’ has moved out of scientific journals and into everyday anxiety. It shows up in tap water. In the bloodstream. In human placentas. The documentary follows that thread with urgency, expanding outward into fast fashion, fast-moving consumer goods, and single-use packaging. Different industries,

What Changed in U.S. Import Policy in 2025? In August 2025, a major shift occurred in U.S. import policy. For decades, the United States allowed duty-free entry for parcels valued under $800 under the “de minimis” rule. This exemption enabled affordable international shipping for small businesses and individual consumers. That exemption has now ended. Every commercial shipment entering the United States from Japan is subject to formal customs processing — regardless of value.

Beyond Tokyo & Kyoto. More than just a urushi & kintsugi workshop. In October 2025, five participants traveled to the mountainous town of Daigo in Ibaraki Prefecture to experience the living world of urushi lacquer. With crisp autumn air, gentle morning mist, and the earliest hints of fall foliage brushing the mountains, this year’s Japan Urushi Forestry & Kintsugi Travel Workshop felt as intimate, inspiring and deeply personal as in 2024. A Small Cohort, A Deeper Journey

Dive into the world of Japanese urushi lacquer and its use in fine art and everyday objects.

From Aug 29, 2025, the U.S. will tax all goods from Japan, ending the $800 duty-free limit. See how this impacts prices, duties, and shipping options for customers.

Character bento (kyaraben) may look playful, but behind every cute bite is real commitment—early mornings, careful prep, and daily creativity. Whether for your child or your own lunch, it's a way to show care and pride. And with a stacked wooden bento box, each layer becomes a small surprise. As school starts, are you ready for this kind of joy? 🍱 Shop handmade bento box!

From the chirp of cicadas to the clink of ice in a porcelain cup, Japan’s summer is a full-sensory experience. Explore the idea of fuubutsushi—the seasonal ambience—and how objects like soba choko cups, setta sandals, wind chimes, and natural incense bring comfort and tradition into everyday life.

Discover why kintsugi captured global attention—and why hands-on cultural experience still matters. This blog explores what slow craft, travel, and time can teach us that no tutorial ever could.

The global matcha boom is fueling a shortage in Japan. Learn how overconsumption is disrupting Japanese green tea culture—and what we can do about it.

How to Wear Japanese Sandals In Part 1, we explored the history, types and craftsmanship behind traditional Japanese setta sandals. Now,...

This Mother’s Day, pause and reflect on the quiet strength, care, and intention she’s shown—often unseen, but never unfelt. Celebrate her with a gift that honors who she is: a handmade Japanese wood bento box, crafted with the same care she lives by. Thoughtful, timeless, and made to last.

Japan has long embraced a system of deep, immersive apprenticeship known as deshi-iri, where an apprentice trains under a a master.

Every journey tells a story, but some experiences leave a lasting imprint on the heart. The Daigo Urushi Forestry and Kintsugi Travel Workshop was one such journey—an extraordinary fusion of cultural immersion, hands-on craftsmanship, and deep connection with Japan’s rural artisans. Harvesting Japan’s precious lacquer—urushi tapping requires skill, patience, and deep respect for nature. Over seven unforgettable days in December 2024, participants ventured into the world of u

The possibilities with a beautifully crafted wooden bento box are endless. But how far would you go with it? As our iconic Japanese wood...

Welcome to another chapter of our Japanese Wood Bento Box Challenge! For the home chefs and foodies out there, a handcrafted wooden bento...

Easy lunch ideas using traditional Japanese wood bento boxes. Makes your day more enjoyable with a beautiful, well-balanced meal on-the-go