When you hold a piece of authentic Japanese tableware, you aren’t just holding a dish; you are holding centuries of tradition, geography, and a unique philosophy of beauty. Known as Yakimono (literally "fired things"), Japanese ceramics are world-renowned for their fusion of functional design and artistic expression. For those looking to bring the wabi-sabi aesthetic into their … [Read more...] about A Guide to Japanese Ceramics: Exploring Beauty, History, and the Best Ceramics for Your Home
Travel & Culture
Japanese Matcha, Coffee & Ceramics: 5 New Buyee Partner Stores
Buyee is expanding its lineup of officially partnered Japanese online stores, making it easier for customers overseas to discover and purchase items that are often hard to find outside Japan. In this article, we’re highlighting five newly partnered stores that elevate everyday “food moments”—from Japanese specialty coffee and premium Japanese matcha to Japanese ceramics and … [Read more...] about Japanese Matcha, Coffee & Ceramics: 5 New Buyee Partner Stores
What You Need to Make Great Takoyaki at Home
What is Takoyaki? Takoyaki is a ball-shaped Japanese snack from the Osaka area that was first invented in the early 20th century. The word 'takoyaki' literally means grilled octopus. Made with a batter similar to that for pancakes, the main ingredient is the pieces of octopus added to each takoyaki ball. The takoyaki maker that is used to make takoyaki usually looks like … [Read more...] about What You Need to Make Great Takoyaki at Home
The Best and Weirdest Video Games in Japan – 2020 Edition!
As the holiday season begins and people begin to consider what the best gift would be to get for friends and family, video games are always a popular choice! If you are leaning toward getting a fun piece of software for someone you know, why not give this article a look? We have included a list of games that enjoyed great success with Japanese audiences this year! In addition, … [Read more...] about The Best and Weirdest Video Games in Japan – 2020 Edition!
KFC and Christmas Cake?! How to Spend a Japanese Christmas
Christmas is an event that has been celebrated in countries worldwide in a variety of different ways. This has even expanded in recent times to countries that are not connected to the origins of the holiday, such as Japan. Although Christmas is seen as a Christian religious holiday in other countries, Christmas in Japan is a different kind of celebration entirely! Even … [Read more...] about KFC and Christmas Cake?! How to Spend a Japanese Christmas
Could Furoshiki Be Your New Gift Wrapping Hack?
When thinking of the best way to give a gift to those you care about, there are many styles to choose from! In Japan, the art of gift wrapping has developed an especially deep culture. Using traditional furoshiki wrapping cloth is recommended as a way to reuse the same material many times. There are various ways to wrap things depending on their shape and size, or their … [Read more...] about Could Furoshiki Be Your New Gift Wrapping Hack?
All About Japanese Ukiyo-e Art!
What springs to mind when you think of Japanese ukiyo-e paintings? The famous image of huge, powerful waves crashing against Mt. Fuji? Kabuki actors captured in expressive poses? Perhaps you think more of the images of traditional Japanese spirits, skeletons, or other more shocking or explicit ukiyo-e subjects (and there are lots of these too!)? The art of ukiyo-e seems to … [Read more...] about All About Japanese Ukiyo-e Art!
Kintsugi: The Art of Repairing Broken Pottery
The art of Kintsugi draws a lot of attention in not only in Japan, but around the world as well. Kintsugi is a Japanese traditional technique that mends broken ceramic pieces with lacquer and powdered gold or silver, and is a great way to recycle your precious ceramics. Kintsugi represents the 'mottainai' philosophy, which is a combined feeling of regret and consideration - … [Read more...] about Kintsugi: The Art of Repairing Broken Pottery
How to Experience the Kyoto of 1200 Years Ago!
The city of Kyoto was the power center of Japan until around 150 years ago. It has a long history as Japan's capital city, lasting from when the capital was relocated there in the year 794 for approximately 1200 years. The original name for Kyoto when it was established was Heiankyo. The grid-pattern streets of the city of Kyoto were created when the town of Heiankyo was … [Read more...] about How to Experience the Kyoto of 1200 Years Ago!
Japanese Woodworking Tools and The History Behind Them
Horyu-ji, the oldest wooden structure in the world, is said to have been built in Japan around 1,300 years ago. It is still common to find wooden structures like Horyu-ji across the country that had been built in the distant past. Many people find it hard to understand how so much wood-based architecture has survived to the present day in a country like Japan, which faces a … [Read more...] about Japanese Woodworking Tools and The History Behind Them
