Journal — Stories from the world of Japanese craft — makers, beauty, seasons, and the table.
winter
Cozy Stoneware to Make Your Winter Warm and Bright
Stay warm this winter with Japanese stoneware. Explore mugs, donabe pots, and bowls designed…
Japanese Vases for Winter
Style your home with Japanese winter vases featuring camellia motifs, gold and silver details,…
The Allure of Snow in Japan
Uncover how snow shapes Japanese life, culture, and crafts, from winter traditions to snow-inspired…
Otayori Winter Issue: Cozy Moments at Home
Discover the Otayori Winter Issue, a seasonal magazine filled with cozy Japanese recipes, incense…
A Calm, Quiet Ending—the End of the Year in Japan
Explore Japan’s peaceful New Year traditions, from year-end cleaning and osechi to temple visits…
Michael Pronko
Shades of the Seasons: Gift Ideas with Winter Colors
Explore curated winter gift ideas in soft whites, silvers, creams, and grays to add…
How to Decorate for the New Year Like Japan
Discover Japanese New Year decorations like shimekazari and kadomatsu, plus insights on their lucky…
Japanese Christmas Traditions
Learn how Japan celebrates Christmas with unique traditions, festive markets, illuminations, foods, and more.
Stay Warm with Traditional Japanese Hot Drinks
Learn about traditional Japanese hot drinks and our top drinkware recommendations.
Akari’s Winter Donburi Recipe: Burrata Donburi
Make this easy, elegant Japanese rice bowl that blends creamy burrata with savory soy…
Learn about Traditional Japanese Motifs for Winter
We would like to introduce some of the winter auspicious patterns and the meaning…
Family Gifts to Share Around the Table
From donabe pots to lacquerware, find heartfelt pieces for cozy meals and celebrations.
Handcrafted Japanese Items to Add to Your Holiday Gift Basket
Create a holiday gift basket with unique picks for ramen fans, matcha lovers, pet…
Warm Up with Japanese Bowls Made for Winter Soups
Cozy up this winter with handcrafted Japanese bowls that bring out the best in…
Lacquerware for Holiday Gatherings: From Thanksgiving to New Year
Enhance your holiday table with Japanese lacquerware. These pieces bring tradition to every gathering.
From Pot to Plate: Ishikari Nabe with Blue-and-White Charm
Set a warm, inviting table with Ishikari nabe, served in a rustic cast iron…
Comforting Moments at the Family Winter Table
Gather around a winter table with rustic accents, creating an ichiju-sansai meal in a…
Hasegawa Akari's Winter Donabe Recipe: Roast Pork
Try Akari Hasegawa's winter donabe roast pork recipe. Tender pork, potatoes, and rich sake…
Hasegawa Akari's Winter Donabe Recipe: Green Minestrone with Spinach and Cauliflower
Warm up with a delightful minestrone soup recipe by Hasegawa Akari, rich in nutrients…
Discover Okan: Japan's Best-Kept Secret for Winter Warmth
Discover okan, Japan's warm sake tradition. Learn its history, preparation, and pairing tips for…
Hirata Paku Kayoko
Celadon Winter Dream
Create a serene winter table with celadon, glass, and woodware, bringing warmth and frosty…
How to Enjoy Oden at Home
Warm up with oden, Japan's comforting winter delicacy. Explore its history, key ingredients, and…
Exploring Japan’s Crab Cuisine from Coast to Table
Discover Japan's crab cuisine, from snow and king crab to iconic dishes and winter's…
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…