Journal — Stories from the world of Japanese craft — makers, beauty, seasons, and the table.
Culture
Your First Taste of Ozoni: A Delicious New Year’s Tradition
Learn about ozoni, a Japanese New Year’s soup brimming with mochi and seasonal veggies…
How to Wrap a Present Like a Japanese Gifting Pro
Master the art of Japanese gift wrapping with our step-by-step guide, with tips on…
Rebecca Menasché
Konbini Cuisine: Your Ultimate Guide to Japan's Convenience Store Foods
From onigiri to oden, explore Japan's convenience store favorites at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson.
Tokyo's Toyosu Market: Stories from the World's Largest Fish Market
Explore Toyosu Market, the world’s largest fish market, and the people and stories behind…
Ito Ryo
Welcome a Joyful New Year with Lucky Japanese Plants
Celebrate the New Year with Japan's cherished plant symbols. Pine, bamboo, plum, and more…
Oseibo: A Reflection of Gratitude in Japan's End-of-Year Gift-Giving Tradition
Explore oseibo, Japan’s end-of-year tradition of gift-giving. Explore its origins, meaning, and tips for…
Hirata Paku Kayoko
Eat Like Your Favorite Ghibli Characters
Recreate iconic Studio Ghibli dishes and bring the magic of animated food to life…
Make Your Own Luck: Creating Shimekazari with Team Musubi
Craft your own Japanese shimekazari wreath for the new year with DIY tips and…
Farming Good Fortune with Auspicious Animals
Discover Japan's lucky animals and their symbolism in traditional figurines that bring good fortune…
For Everything There is a Season: Japan’s Solar Terms
Learn about Japan’s 24 solar terms, nijushi-sekki, that reveal the subtle seasonal changes beyond…
Aesthetics of Japanese Traditional Colors
Explore Japan's traditional colors, from fiery red to serene blue, rooted in nature and…
MUSUBI KILN Chado Series: A Walk through a Samurai's Path of Tea
Team Musubi experienced the uniqueness of Japanese tea ceremonies at Komaba Warakuan, a chado…
What Is the Meaning of Animals Painted on Japanese Tableware?
Discover the symbolism of animal motifs in Japanese tableware, and how they reflect seasons,…
Making a Mark: What Are Goshuin?
Discover the deep meanings and history behind Goshuin, Japan's traditional temple stamps, and how…
Fall for Ginkgo: Golden Leaves and Tasty Treats
Discover the beauty of Japan's golden ginkgo trees, from their iconic fan-shaped leaves to…
Purr-fectly Curated: 8 Intriguing Insights about Cats in Japan
Discover eight fascinating facts about cats in Japan, from their role in Edo art…
Japanese Motifs with Fall Inspiration
Discover Japanese fall motifs and items inspired by autumn’s beauty, featuring maple leaves, chrysanthemums,…
Autumn's Embrace: The Warm Hues of Japan's Fall Flowers
Embrace Japanese autumn with the warm hues of osmanthus, chrysanthemums, and spider lilies, and…
Kawasaki Daishi Furin-Ichi: Exploring 800 Types of Japanese Wind Chimes
Explore over 800 Japanese wind chimes at the Kawasaki Daishi Furin Festival, a celebration…
Ito Ryo
Sip and Savor: Undiscovered Japanese Teas
Uncover Japan's hidden tea gems, including genmaicha and sakuracha, and learn how to pair…
Tracing the History of Tuna in Japan
Trace the history of tuna in Japan and discover how it became one of…
Ito Ryo
5 Recommended Items for Kimono Lovers: Blending Tradition with Modern Elegance
Discover five unique gifts that feature kimono motifs or aesthetics, perfect for lovers of…
The Flavor of Ages: Japanese Pickles
Learn all about Japanese pickles with our guide to tsukemono, covering pickling methods, common…
No Knife, No Cuisine: All About Japanese Kitchen Knives
Explore our guide to Japanese kitchen knives. Learn about different types, their history, and…
Ito Ryo