Daruma Doll

Daruma DollDaruma dolls are traditional Japanese figurines said to be modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, and are believed to bring good luck to their owners. The daruma dolls' eyes are blank at first: the owner paints one eye while making a wish and fills the other eye when the wish is fulfilled. They are made of a mixture of kiri (paulownia) sawdust and gluten based glue. The unique material was developed when Kounosu thrived as a

Isobe Rōsoku Shop has been making warōsoku in Okazaki for more than 300 years

holds 400ml (1⅔ cups) to the brim

the 10th century provincial warlord Taira no Masakado who plotted to overthrow the emperor's rule in Kyoto

The Japanese enjoy this natural process and call it “raising dishes” as in raising children

His realistic paintings were very popular and he left many works featuring birds

Ruri refers to lapis lazuli

is considered an early spring delicacy in Japan

The small tin incense holder is shaped like a Japanese maple leaf

shape by hand and line dry

(You will see the difference in nib length between No

This cast iron whale is both a functional paperweight and a decorative object

refreshing scent of maki reminds you of the deep forest of mythic Mount Kōya