J-list Blog

TSUKUBAI ~ Japanese Garden Water Garden Display

If you walk in a Japanese garden, you're sure to find a beautiful water fountain displays known as the tsukubai. These basins are typically used as part of the Buddhist religion where the water is used to cleanse the hands of any attendees entering a temple or tea ceremony. This wonderful purchase is a recreation of a tsukubai complete with backdrop, bamboo pipes (called kakei), and even a cute gold fish looking up at you to say Hello! The set can easily be put together and pays great homage to...

Super Micro Lucky Cat Pair ~ White & Black

If you love Japan's cute culture, here's another item featuring a pair of lucky cats (maneki neko) that looks like they drank too much milk with their wide eyed expression. Each figure measures approximately 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) and is posed with the traditional paw up pattern beckoning good luck to come to your door. They're cooky, wacky, and very kawaii. (More like this) (Direct link to this product)

SAKURA Die-cut Felt Coaster Set

Pick up these beautiful coasters from Japan made of soft felt material so it doesn't damage your table. Each one measures about 11 cm (4.3 inches) in diameter and comes as a pair. This one comes to you in a shape of pink sakura flowers, great for parties! Each set includes two pieces. (More like this) (Direct link to this product)

SHIATSU ~ Handy Massage Bar / PANDA

Here's a handy decorative item for you. This 5 cm tall ceramic figure features an animal sitting with all four paws out in front, which provide for both a cute look and as points for a "gentle" shiatsu massage. Encased in a protective cardboard box to keep it safe from it's journey from Japan to your home. This figure features the adorable panda. (More like this) (Direct link to this product)

SAKURA Jelly Aroma Candle ~ SAKURA scent

A wonderfully scented sakura 'jelly candle' that will make your space hum with the relaxing aroma called Sunny Spring Day. When lit, the candle illuminates through the transparent gel. From Japan's Prime Nakamura company, who are famous for their original bento boxes. (More like this) (Direct link to this product)

Retro Paper Balloon Assortment

When you want a fun and great way to decorate your room with balloons without the use of helium, look no further than these cute paper balloons. To use, simply blow in the hole which will force the balloon to expand and form into unique characters in a circular shape. This full set features five different balloons - melon, tomato, watermelon, octopus, and a goldfish. Wacky, wild and brings a smile to everyone! (More like this) (Direct link to this product)

Jelly Air Freshener ~ SAKURA / SAKURA scent

You want your car smelling spring time fresh? Here's one that will do it for you. This air freshener is made of a hardened jelly that is shaped into a sakura flower (cherry blossom). Pink in color and is scented just like the real thing. Measures 6 cm (2.3 inches) in diameter and can be hung on the car rear view mirror via the loop. A great item to keep your car fresh. (More like this) (Direct link to this product)

Five Centimeters per Second ~ A chain of short stories about their distance (Blu-ray Disc)

One of the things we love about Blu-Ray is how amazingly beautiful it makes all visuals, which is especially important when dealing with fabulously illustrated animation like this film by Makoto Shinkai, who is being called the next Miyazaki. In this film, which is split into three episodes, you can follow the love of Takaki and Akari, who first meet as children then grow but are separated when Tataki moves away. The story then follows the two lives as they grow up and must find love with each...

Five Centimeters per Second ~ A chain of short stories about their distance (Blu-ray Disc)

One of the things we love about Blu-Ray is how amazingly beautiful it makes all visuals, which is especially important when dealing with fabulously illustrated animation like this film by Makoto Shinkai, who is being called the next Miyazaki. In this film, which is split into three episodes, you can follow the love of Takaki and Akari, who first meet as children then grow but are separated when Tataki moves away. The story then follows the two lives as they grow up and must find love with each...

HI-UCHI-ISHI ~ DX Natural Flint Stone Set in Wooden Box -- Magatama Amulet

A very cool flint stone and amulet, used in the Japanese Shinto spiritual tradition for drumming up luck when setting out on a journey. While it might not be the original use, and could spark some disapproving frowns from some of the more serious Japanophiles, it would make an awesome campfire starter. Just strike or rub the flint against the stone to draw the spark. Ittekimaasu! (As with all fire-related materials, please use common sense when handling this item, and always, strike the stone...