Journal — Stories from the world of Japanese craft — makers, beauty, seasons, and the table.
Culture
Noh and Kabuki: A Look into Traditional Japanese Performing Arts
Learn about Noh and Kabuki, Japan's traditional performing arts, with our guide on origins,…
What Is Ochugen? All about Japan’s Summer Gift Giving
Learn about ochugen, the Japanese tradition of midyear gift-giving. Explore its history, timing, and…
Sunlit Geshi: Observing Japan's Summer Solstice
Learn about Geshi, the Japanese summer solstice, celebrated with rich cultural traditions and unique…
Tatami Change
Explore the history and cultural significance of tatami mats, and how they help maintain…
Michael Pronko
Japanese Food Displays: What Makes It Look So Real
Learn about Japanese fake food replicas at Iwasaki Be-I, and how they perform the…
Ito Ryo
Painter of the Northern Seas, Art and Life of Kitamura Takashi
Kutani ware master Kitamura Takashi speaks on his journey and taking inspiration from Edo-period…
Voyages of Prosperity: The Kitamaebune Unveiled
Learn about kitamaebune, Edo-period merchant ships that sailed Japan's seas and inspired master artisan…
Japanese Wedding Traditions and Customs: 5 Unfamiliar and Unique Practices
Discover five unique traditional Japanese wedding customs, from marriage certificates to symbolic yomeiri-dogu, and…
MUSUBI KILN Chado Series: A Journey Through the Chabako Tea Ceremony
Learn about the history, use, and significance of chabako, wooden boxes used to hold…
MUSUBI KILN Chado Series: A Deep Dive into the Tea Master's Philosophy
Explore the philosophy behind the practice of chado, or the Japanese tea ceremony, with…
A Bite of Spring: The Journey through Japanese Sakura Desserts
Discover the flavors of Japan's cherry blossom season with delectable wagashi desserts like sakura…
The Shogun's Table — What Did Ieyasu Eat?
Discover the unique meals of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan's iconic Edo period leader and inspiration…
Beauty Secrets of Ume and Sakura: Discover at Japanese Cosmetic Museum
We visit the Beni Museum, named after the brilliant red hue made of safflower.
A Sweet Journey into Matcha Treats
Discover matcha's sweet side with traditional and modern Japanese confections.
10 Cherry-picked Facts to Wow Your Blossom Buddies
Dazzle your friends with your cherry blossom knowledge with these 10 facts about sakura.
Precious Jewels: Tokyo's Exquisite Lacquerware Collection
We take a walk through the history of lacquerware at the Sen-oku Hakukokan Museum…
Thanks, Mom: Gift Ideas for Mother's Day
This gift guide can help you find the perfect handcrafted Japanese presents for Mother's…
Beauty Blossoming—Japan’s Cherry Trees
Novelist Michael Pronko muses on Japan's sakura season and the crowds of people who…
Michael Pronko
Meet Konamon, the Japanese Take on Flour-Based Foods
Get a taste of a delicious genre of Japanese cuisine, konamon, which includes okonomiyaki,…
Elegance Reimagined: The Rinpa Legacy Through MUSUBI KILN's Collections
Take a journey through our selection of Rimpa tableware, known for its use of…
Cracking Open the Wonderful World of Japan’s Tamago Cuisine
From sushi spot classic tamagoyaki to the world-famous tamago kake gohan (TKG), learn the…
Exploring the Subtle Depths: The Art of Yugen in Japanese Culture
Discover Yugen, a value ingrained in Japanese culture and arts celebrating the subtle beauty…
MUSUBI KILN Chado Series: Invitation to the Japanese Tea Ceremony
Explore the culture of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, from etiquette and hospitality to…
A Procession of Pottery: Onsen in Hakone
Novelist Michael Pronko shares insight into his grand, traditional tableware experience while visiting an…
Michael Pronko