Things & Objects

From fans and chopsticks to lucky charms and crafts, discover the tools and objects that reflect Japan’s artistry, symbolism, and daily life.

: The Beauty and Functionality of the Japanese Tea Caddy: A Traditional Storage Solution

Tea

A tea caddy, or "chazutsu" in Japanese, is an essential item for storing tea leaves. It preserves the freshness and flavor of tea by protecting it from oxygen, humidity, light, and odors. In this article, we’ll explore the history, types, and craftsmanship behind tea caddies, as well as their cultural significance and tips for choosing the best one. The History and Background of the Japanese Tea Caddy The history of the tea caddy dates back to the Edo period when the popularity of Japanese tea surged. As tea leaves are sensitive to moisture and oxygen, traditional tea caddies were ...

: Hanko Stamp: All Japanese have a Hanko and it is used instead of a signature

Hanko is a small cylindrical object, 1~2 cm in diameter, and 5~6 cm in length, with one's name in stylized letters carved into the surface of one end. It is usually made of wood, but various materials such as stone・ synthetic resin, and metal are used. One sticks the carved surface into a red ink pad, then presses it on paper. In Europe and North America, a person's signature is regarded as important, but in Japan, the Hanko is in place of the signature. There are three main types of "Hanko" depending on the application. Jitu-in（officially registered seal） The ...

: Katori senkō: The Mosquito insense Coil in Japan

A mosquito coil is mosquito-repelling incense, usually made into a spiral, and typically made from a dried paste of pyrethrum powder. The coil is usually held at the center of the spiral, suspending it in the air, or wedged by two pieces of fireproof nettings to allow continuous smoldering. Burning usually begins at the outer end of the spiral and progresses slowly toward the center of the spiral, producing a mosquito-repellent smoke. A typical mosquito coil can measure around 15 centimeters (6 in) in diameter and lasts around 7–12 hours. Mosquito coils are widely used in Japan, Asia, Africa, South ...

: Toliets In Japan:Where are you aiming for? The unique evolution of the toilet does not stop

Some Japanese toilets are an attraction all in their own, with a range of technological features that are sure to alarm the first time user. The high-tech toilets, which are in most homes, hotels, and shopping centers, feature an electronic panel that controls an array of handy features including seat warmers, hot air dryers, and tiny robotic arms that squirt warm water at the guest. These technological marvels have become commonly known as washlet, a name that is the trademark of Toto, the largest manufacture of these high-tech bidets. Japan is the world’s leader of toilet technology, some toilets can ...

: HASHI: Chopsticks and Japanese

Haushi, chopsticks, are tableware, but they have symbolic caning for the Japanese. It is said that the Japanese start and end their lives with chopsticks. At each turning point in life, there is a ceremony using chopsticks. A baby and its parents celebrate me 100th day after its birth as kuizome (first meal) and the baby meets chopsticks. Other celebratory hashi are enmusubi (match-making) hashi, meoto (married couple) hashi at the wedding, and chõju (longevity) hashi. In Buddhism, when one dies, his/her family members moistens the lips of the deceased with matsugo no mizu (last water before death) applied using ...

: Soroban:The more you use the soroban, the faster your calculathing skil becomes

Abacus might have been quite replaced by a calculator by now. But actually, as far as the speed and preciseness are concerned, the abacus would quite surpass the calculator if it is operated by an experienced user. Soroban Japanese abacus, called ‘Soroban’ is made to be just simple; a number of rods lined in a rectangle frame. Each rod has 1 bead and 4 beads that are divided by a bar in between. A bead placed above the bar represents a number of five (5) and the each of 4 beads under the bar means a number of one ...

: Yutampo: Japan’s Hot Water Bottle Making an Eco Comeback

Winter

The yutampo—Japan’s traditional hot water bottle—was once seen as old-fashioned. Today, it’s making a comeback as a simple, eco-friendly way to stay warm in winter. No electricity, gentle heat, and a cozy bedtime ritual—this is why many people are rediscovering it. What Is a Yutampo? A yutampo is a heat-resistant container filled with hot (not boiling) water and placed in a bed before sleep. It pre-warms the futon and makes falling asleep easier—especially if your feet tend to feel cold. Why It’s Back: Comfort × Eco No electricity: Just hot water. Lower bills, smaller footprint. Softer warmth: Doesn’t ...

: Juubako lunch box: It is Luxurious and large lacquered boxes used for special occasions.

Obento, a lunch neatly filled in a box to take away is well-known. It is usually a single box. However, when 2 to 5 boxes are piled up in multiple layers, and with a cover, it's called ‘Juubako' － means piled boxes. A lunch filled in a Juubako must be special Juubako usually carries meals for more than one person while Obento lunch box is usually for a portion for one person. Therefore, Juubako filled lunch is made to be shared, prepared chiefly for the celebratory opportunities such as cherry blossom viewing picnics and an annual family sports day ...

: Tenugui hand towel has a simple beauty

Have you heard of a 'Japanese style hand towel'? It's called ‘Tenugui' which means ‘hand wipe'. It's a simple and thin cotton sheet about a size of 90cm x 35cm. Unlike western towel which is made from terry cloth, Tenugui is just rough, plain-woven fabric. Both ends are intentionally left un-hemmed to allow it to dry faster for hygienic reasons. In most of the households today, Tenugui is seemingly almost replaced with modern towels in regards to the use of bathing and considered obsolete. However, there's no alternative of Tenugui in some traditional areas. For instance, ‘Kendo' practitioners need Tenugui ...

: Let's find your own "Chawan" in Japan

Chawan

‘Chawan’ is a collective noun for the ceramics used to serve meals. In many countries, dishes serve for anyone indifferently. Though in Japan, basic pieces of dishes – such as plates, bowls, cups, and so on, except large serving dishes and plates – are personalized. When a family takes meals, each of the family members uses their own chawan. The size of chawan is prepared to match the user The big daddy would need a bigger portion to eat so that his set shall be a larger one. Mother’s could be secondly large. For small kids, the smaller ones will ...