J-list Blog

Say it in Japanese 15 - Nihon e toki Jiten

Beginners approaching Japanese language studies may be nervous about pronunciation. But there are few languges in the world as easy to pronounce as Japanese. Unlike certain Asian Languages, Japanese is not a tonal language. Unlike English, words have very little stress. So you will undoubtedly find that, with the hints given in this book, Japanese sentences are very easy to pronounce. When you learn even a few words of a different culture you are learning about the culture itself. A...

Japanese Lucky Charm for Lady - Omamori

The Japanese have all sorts of omamori (charm or amulet) that they believe in to protect them from various elements. Some omamori are designed protect them from car accidents, others are to promote good health, finding happiness, and even gambling. Naturally, there would be ones designed for finding love as well. For all you females out there, here's a perfect good luck charm for you. This is a beautiful red lucky charm that is decorated with intricate traditional print with additional gold...

Mini BAN-GASA ~ Classic Red Parasol with Kokeshi Handle --- Plum

A classic traditional version of a Japanese paper umbrella, delicately handmade with all-natural wood and bamboo components, with brilliant colors and brush painting in an ume (plum) theme. Pushes up to clip in the open position. The handle is a little kokeshi doll. 21 inches long. Makes an excellent gift for someone who loves things from Japan. (More like this) (Direct link to this product)    

CHO-CHIN Old Style Lantern Display --- Lucky Cat

Good for business, lucky for fortune. This Lucky cat paper lantern is a colorful and interesting display piece you can set up easily. It has a plastic pin inside that you can use for inserting into a candle, and a mounting stand to hang it from. The Japanese characters read 'Shoubaihanjou' which translates as Find fortune, become rich. Lantern itself measures about 7 inches long. Made in Japan. (More like this) (Direct link to this product)  

Happy Message Lucky Cat Strap ~ Buchi Cat

Just about everyone in the world now is aware of the Maneki Neko ("Lucky Cat") -- Bruce Sterling even wrote a short science fiction story dedicated to the cat. Lucky cats come in all shapes and sizes, but very few are as cute and cuddly as these keychains that you can take with you wherever you go for that extra lucky feeling. This cute smiling kitty has one paw up beckoning for luck and happiness, with a little message inscribed that means you will find luck and happiness. You'll love this...

2008 Calendar --The Art of Master of Japanese architect

A great item for anyone interested in Japanese interior design, a fascinating and deep subject, here's a great calendar that shows many excellent modern examples of blending of Japanese and modern themes in interior design and architecture. A wonderful item for any fans of Japanese design. Measures 61 x 42 cm (24 x 16 in) 13 sheets. (More like this) (Direct link to this product)   Get 15% off 4 or more calendars! Just add 4 or more calendars to your shopping cart, the discount will be...

2008 Calendar - Japanese Fine Art -- Oukyo Maruyama

An excellent calendar featuring beautiful large-size prints of modern Japanese artist Onkyo Maruyama, who paints beautiful images of Japan and animals using the nihonga style (oil-less paints). A large, vertically-oriented format gives the appearance of a Japanese wall scroll. A special item for all Japanophiles. Measures 76 x 35 cm (29 x 14 in). 7 sheets. (More like this) (Direct link to this product)   Get 15% off 4 or more calendars! Just add 4 or more calendars to your shopping cart...

2008 Calendar -- Big Vehicles ~ Hataraku Jidosha

A fantastic photo collection of vehicles indicative of the Japanese design are featured in this year long calendar. Everything from fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, and construction machines are authentic machines used and seen throughout the Japanese landscape. 30cm x 30cm (12 x 12 inches). 8 sheets. (More like this) (Direct link to this product)     Note: the images shown for this calendar are digital photographs of the actual calendar images for the 2008 calendar. Get 15% off...

2008 Calendar -- Bonsai

There are many beautiful aspects to Japan, but few are as unique as Japanese bonsai. Here is a very pleasant calendar with lovely images of peaceful bonsai trees, including sakura trees, a bonsai white birch, and more. 53.5 x 38.0 cm (21 x 15 in). 13 sheets. (More like this) (Direct link to this product)   Get 15% off 4 or more calendars! Just add 4 or more calendars to your shopping cart, the discount will be applied at checkout. Order 4 or more calendars and get your mailing tubes free...

2008 Calendar -- Modern Ukiyoe of Japanese Women

For lovers of the traditional Japanese art style "ukiyoe" (images of the floating world), here's a great calendar by Utamaro. Features seven beautiful Edo era women. Measures 76x35 cm, (30x14 in). 7 sheets. Printed with soy ink on 100% recycled paper. (More like this) (Direct link to this product)   Get 15% off 4 or more calendars! Just add 4 or more calendars to your shopping cart, the discount will be applied at checkout. Order 4 or more calendars and get your mailing tubes free! Click...