Japanistic/Blog

From Mountain-Mountain, the Hedgehog purse. As much as I love Mountain-Mountain, something about storing your belongings in a Hedgehog’s innards just feels wrong.

Okay, maybe I could be okay with this little pouch? Then again, no.

Thoughts from fellow Hedgehog lovers?

By now, it’s clear that my notebook loyalties lie with the A5 Series from Artemis. That said, I am always drawn to companies that combine good design with terrific colors. And Penco from Hightide fits the bill completely. Office supplies, but better. And who doesn’t need a Brainstorm Recorder?

I like using bento boxes, and of course, I love the selection of Bento we have at Japanistic. I must admit, however, that the idea of Bento for grown-ups is undeniably appealing. The kind of boxes you can take to work with you, and that don’t necessarily have a cute elephant on them. (Oh Elph & Epha, you know I love you too!)

These Dot Series boxes from About A Girl are just the thing. And Polka-Dotted too!

If I had these, perhaps I would be better about taking my lunch to work…

Every year, Colette and I walk the stationery show and lament the lack of wrapping paper. Now, I’ve discovered the stationery company Number 62, from Bob Foundation. And I am smitten. More than just wrapping paper, I love their designs and products of all sorts.

I also love their philosophy and their ideas of how to use their products.

I can think of many uses for their delightful wrapping paper.

Their silk-screened cards are positively beautiful.

The only problem with this Coaster Notepad is that I don’t think I’d actually want to put a drink on it.

What do you think you would you make with these Number 62 goodies?

Thanks to Superpunch for the heads-up on this upcoming Robot-filled event in Philadelphia.

August 6th, from 6-9,  The Autumn Society, (which sounds like an organization for Secret Agents), hosts the tribute to Japanese Pop Culture. The exhibit will be held at Brave New World Comics, a Philadelphia comic institution and I’d think it was worth the trip if I could buy one of these adorable posters there!

Our interweb worker bees have been busy lately! As a result, there are many exciting new products available at Japanistic. Here’s a few of my favorites:

My son begged me for one of these fizzy bath balls as soon as we got them at the store. When I finally agreed, I immediately wished I had done it earlier! Not only did it make his bathtime more fun-kind of like putting an enormous, colored alka-seltzer in your tub (but in a good way), there is an adorable, wooden toy surprise inside! Now my son wants one of each, to collect mystery toys which I must admit, look quite cute on our kitchen windowsill.

Our newest Atsuyo et Akiko order had two bracelets I am really having a hard time not bringing home with me. Simple and lovely, I covet both the Heart Charm Bracelet, and the Vermeil Pema Bracelet.

I want to go on a card-making spree with this new Washi Paper Tape. At the store, people sometimes ask us what you do with decorative tape like this. But those of us who are crafters know that the possibilities are unlimited!

Once you’ve made the card, give your special gift in one of these Waxed Paper Gift Bags. Lovely designs, and perfect for party favors.

That’s it for the sneak peek, but there’s plenty more New Product at the Japanistic, and much more to come!

I have said many times that the Hedgehog is the cutest animal. Now, here’s proof. Hedgehog Bonsai–the cutest version of the cutest animal.

Oh Hedgehog, I want you to come live at my house. Technically, however, I would call you more of a Hedgehog Chia than bonsai.

J-Period, the company responsible for this cutie-pie, “blends Japanese beauty and modern style to propose the concept of ‘New Harmony.‘ (via) Not quite sure how the hedgehog fits with this, but I certainly feel in harmony with it.

Today, some music to rock out to because if you’re already sweating, you might as well be dancing.

Ahh, the 1980s. The same everywhere it seems. And how better to honor our own New England heatwave than with a snippet of 1980s Japan from the band Heatwave. Silliness and fun. (Could they be the Japanese Midnight Oil?)

Of course, if Heatwave doesn’t do it for you, there’s always The Cokes, a more contemporary Japanese band whose second album was titled Heatwave. Must be hot in Japan…

At long last, the perfect book to accompany our Bento Selection at Japanistic.

Yum Yum Bento gives you the perfect tips and recipes for making your own bento box lunches. “Each step-by-step recipe in Yum-Yum Bento Box is simple and adaptable. Readers will learn how to form their favorite foods into a variety of shapes from zebras, panda bears, and monkeys to kitties, piggies, and puppy dogs. Chapters include instructions for classic bento boxes and character-driven bentos (called Kyaraben), plus shopping advice, general tips and tricks, and much more.”

I am feeling inspired, and promise to do a better job on my son’s lunches!

Get Yum-Yum Bento Box at Japanistic now.

One thing I love about kid’s clothes, and that time in life, is the freedom to wear anything. It’s the reason I  love clothing from Boo Foo Woo, a Japanese brand celebrating their 26th anniversary and famous for outrageous styling that makes your kid look stylin’. 

Kids love color, pattern, craziness–at least, most of them do. And they can get away with it without looking ridiculous–or looking completely ridiculous but in a way that’s much cuter on a small person. Is some of it completely over the top? Yup. But that’s what makes it so much fun. And Boo Foo Woo can outfit your kid from head to toe with shoes, tops, bottoms, bags, suspenders, underwear, and more. The more color the better, right?

 And have a mentioned that the line is HUGE? It’s broken down into categories like Boo Homes, Natural Boo, Hippy Happy Yuppy Boo, Boo Shoes, and more.

I LOVE these stripy pants!

Don't these hats look like they need a propeller on the top?