Old Journal

Cold Outside, Boiling Inside: How to Make Nabe

Around mid-October, the weather in Japan begins to settle into the chill of autumn. With autumn comes good vibes: the leaves change, the sweaters come out, the windows open to let cool air in. All ...

Celebrating Toji: The Winter Solstice in Japanese Culture

As the end of the year approaches and the evenings grow dark earlier, we prepare for the winter solstice's arrival. In Japan, this time, known as Toji, is distinguished by traditions such as bathin...

Recommended YouTube Channels with a Taste of Japan 

Japanese cuisine has long captured the global imagination, with its profile ranging from the iconic culinary battles of "Iron Chef" to the intimate exposes seen in recent Netflix documentaries. Whe...

Festive Arita Ware for the Holiday Season

As fallen autumn leaves color the streets and crispness permeates the air, we hear the faint tip-toes of the many celebratory holidays coming our way. And as home becomes the heart of intimate and ...

Reviving Usuki Ware: A Journey with Usami Hiroyuki

USUKIYAKI, gradually garnering attention, has brightened the spotlight through collaborations with celebrities, media appearances, and exhibitions at the pinnacle of global art showcases such as Ar...

Masters of Tradition: Japan's Artisanal Heritage

In the heart of Japan's rich cultural fabric lies a special designation bestowed upon its most skilled artisans: 伝統工芸士 (Dento-kougeishi), "Traditional Craftsperson." Instituted in 1974 to rejuvenat...

The Making of Musubi Kiln’s Greeting Cards

We are delighted to announce the addition of greeting cards to our product lineup. Available with three different messages - "Happy Birthday," "Happy Holidays," and "Thank You" - these cards, like ...

A Day in Usuki: An Unforgettable Journey Through History, Gastronomy, and Art

Situated just an hour by car from the famous Hotspring town of Beppu, the captivating city of Usuki offers a harmonious blend of historical wonders, culinary magic, and artistic prowess. As dawn il...

Experiencing Heritage: My Journey into Edo Kiriko Glass Cup Cutting

I have a friend who is a traditional Japanese candle craftsman, and every time I meet him, I am greatly influenced by the firsthand stories he shares about various traditional crafts from different...

The Story of Lost Porcelain: A Journey Through Zentoku-ji 

Situated amidst the picturesque vistas of Usuki City in Kyushu is Zentoku-ji, a temple echoing with tales from epochs past. The walls and grounds of this historic sanctuary speak of Japan's profoun...