Showcase Japan
We’re pleased to announce the digital return of Showcase Japan, a special section in Shoppe On’s Marketplace presented in partnership with JETRO, the Japan External Trade Organization, the government-related organization that has worked to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world since 1958. A panel of esteemed judges in Japan collaborated with our own jury to handpick twenty-five outstanding companies that comprise an exciting assemblage of beautiful goods for home and gift. Shop whimsical pleated bags, dresses in shibori dye, fine glassware, elegant lighting, minimalist candles, the most captivating makeup brushes we’ve ever seen and more, all carrying traditional craftsmanship forward with exceptional, progressive design.
Founded in Tokyo in 1932, SGHR Sugahara is a handmade glassware brand of sophisticated drinkware, plates, and vases with nearly 90 years of experience. Designing with expertise and intuition, master artisans capture the natural beauty of glass, hand making in their studio in Kujukuri, Chiba Prefecture.
Founded in 1916, Nousaku is based in Takaoka, Japan. Takaoka city is famous for metal casting in Japan since the 17th century. Originally a manufacturer of Buddhist altar goods and traditional Japanese tea sets, Nousaku now makes beautiful home goods using techniques passed down through generations. The Kago Square Plate and the Lasso Flower Vase are perfect pieces that can be shaped and changed based on our mood and creativity. Let the Time Bell Candle and Marumaru Wind Chime sing to us as time passes. Let these meditative pieces bring zen to our home.
Takarajima Senkou, established by Chiharu Ogomori in 2000, specializes in indigo, mud, ink, and other plant-extracted dyes. Takarajima Senkou designs and dyes clothing and interior pieces using all natural materials and traditional dyeing techniques.
Founded in 1990, Kamawanu is based in Tokyo, Japan. Kamawanu is known for making Tenugui cloths. Traditionally, Tenugui is made from hand-dyed cotton and has many usages such as handkerchief, bandana, dish cloth and wrapping cloth. Unlike common Tenugui, Kamawanu uses the Chu-Sen method, a special technique where the dye absorbed into the fabric so you can see the patterns on both sides.
Eco reusable bags that are not boring… yes they exsist! Check out Pleco pleated bags, they come in an array of fun and vibrant colors. The pleated and crumpled textures make it easy to store and perfect for any occasion. Best part about these genderless totes is that they are all made from sustainable and eco friendly fabrics such as polylactic acid fiber and recycled polyester. Polylactic acid fiber is made from vegetables and can be decomposed in soil! You can look stylish while doing your part to help reduce waste.
Tokyo Kodo’s is inspired by the ancient art of Japanese incense, the enchantment of French perfumery, and nature’s natural scents specifically highlighting sandalwood and agarwood. Tokyo Kodo’s three collections of invisible art change the atmosphere and capture the calmness of nature’s energy in every aroma.
PCNQ specializes in making hats that are designed for everyday life, utilizing traditional Japanese manufacturing techniques, and skilled artisans. These ancient practices include Japanese dyeing technologies, and sewing a shape without a mold. The Paola, Hance, Haru, Monoaco, Nick Basque, and classic Pcnp are constructed of the finest wool and cashmere, and feature simple, free silhouettes that are convenient to carry. The use of high-performance materials with excellent breathability, heat retention, and UV abilities make the hats perfect for our modern environments. Each craftsman meticulously designs each hat to have a unique expression and attitude.
Shaquda offers a revolutionary brush collection created through a fusion of craftsmanship and sophisticated design from Kumano, Japan’s renown brush making town. Their techniques date back nearly two centuries, and their products integrate into modern lifestyles. Handmade brushes and simple designs add to the skincare experience, leaving pleasant sensations on the face and body.
Sutta is a stationary company based in Kobe city, Japan. Record all your special memories and ideas in one of Sutta’s beautiful notebooks. The Kintsugi and Memento notebooks are a great place to log in all your thoughts and stories. The high quality paper makes it easy to document important moments. Send a special note or message on one of the Architecture Greeting Cards to a friend or family. It’s a perfect way to say hello, reminding them of a destination you shared together or plan to go together!
Nishiguchi Kutsushita is a Japanese sock company established in 1950, sets out to “make your day extraordinary”. They meticulously select the finest natural materials, sophisticated designs, and knitting patterns.
SIKIGU (“Shiki-gu” translates to ‘Paper-Tools’ in Japanese) is a brand that designs products made from paper. Founded in 1919, and based in Osaka where they have a network of printing and processing technologies, SIKIGU’s line of items are whimsical and modern tools for everyday living, made of eco-friendly paper. These unique items are available in fun, trendsetting color palettes, and created using the company’s one hundred year history, a perfect balance of past, present, and future.
Nawrap utilizes traditional weaving techniques and modern fabric technologies to create the perfect bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, and fitness towels and products. The selection includes an array of organic cotton products that are naturally dyed, and infused with binchotan charcoal giving it key features like anti-odor and antibacterial. Being natural, durable, soft, and stylish the products are perfect for the contemporary home and as gifts for loved ones.
With over eighty years of experience, our mission is to share our unique perspective on a new world of glass products. Working with experienced Edo Kiriko craftsmen and innovative designers, we connect these skilled glass professionals to bring a modern take on the highly sought-after traditional kiriko cut glass wares of Japan. With the goal to protect and develop the tradition, we pay full respect to a variety of glassmaking methods with the objective of producing tableware with the highest degree of perfection.
Bokétto, a Japanese word that means “to do nothing”, is derived from the act of daydreaming. Bokétto’s loungewear has a soft touch, is airy yet warm, and finished with relaxed body silhouettes for maximum comfort and overall elegance. It is rooted in such moments and emotions of Bokétto, comfortably gazing vacantly, thinking about anything and everything.
Let’s reconnect with nature this season with fun, functional and sustainable products by Plywood Laboratory. The bear, fox and squirrel puzzles make perfect gifts and fun games to share with your loved ones. The pebble wood paper weight and apple card holder are functional objects for your home, while adding a little touch of nature in your space. Most importantly enjoy the beauty of the eco friendly paper wood in each piece!
Clappin Jam’s environmentally friendly wood horn speaker does not require power. By simply placing your cell phone in the wood horn speaker, you will hear excellent audio. You can enjoy music wherever you are. Designed with the know-how to make custom-built speakers for audio enthusiasts, the retro yet modern style is pleasant for both the eyes and ears. Enjoy Japanese craftsmanship and the made-in-Japan quality while listening to beautiful sounds of music.
Y.S.M Products’ lighting fixtures delight and excite. Combining innovative sheet metal work with high quality lighting technology, they offer a revolutionary line of LED products for commercial and residential use.
With over 70 years of experience, artisans handcraft Tawashi, traditional scrub brushes, by harvesting windmill palm trees in Japan that yield soft bristles. Despite their appearances, these bristles are gentle and perfect for cleaning cookware, vegetables, and for bathing. As a body cleansing brush, Tawashi leaves skin reinvigorated.
CONTE kitchen utensils are simple in style, comfortable to use, and become essential to everyday cooking. Our products are finished through the application of various specialized skills in Tsubame, the major production area for stainless steel processing in Japan. Currently, Tsubame-Sanjo forms a major area of industrial production that has inheritedancient traditions such as cutting tools, metal tableware and other products, making its name known in Japan and also in the world.
Did you know that the utensil you use to eat your meals can also enhance the taste of your food? A well designed chopstick helps food taste better compared to cheap, rough, disposable chopsticks. You can elevate your home dining and be eco-friendly with fun, elegant chopsticks from STYLE OF JAPAN. Whether you’re cooking at home or ordering take-out, say “no!” to disposable chopsticks! Reusable, dishwasher safe, and made using environmentally friendly wood harvesting in fun designs and colors.
Since 1892, Takazawa Candle has been mastering the art of candle making inspired by the nature of Japan. Each candle is made by hand, one at a time, to ensure a steady burn and the highest quality. Their featured collection is inspired by the natural properties of haze tree sourced exclusively from a dedicated farmer in Kyushu, Japan. Developed to be environmentally friendly, the candles are 100% free from palm oil and paraffin wax. The body-safe ingredients that produce minimal soot, drips and scent, are a healthy way to bring the joy of candles to social activities such as dinner and parties. While the bright, powerful flames bring deep concentration during mindful practices such as yoga and meditation.
CHECK & STRIPE has been selling original fabrics, household goods, and sewing pattern books and kits since 1999. Collaborating with famous artists and designers, custom designs and products are available for animal-loving owners based on their pets. The natural linens and cotton fabrics are woven in Japan, and have exquisite colors that are chic but rich in variety.
Saralam is a premium knitwear label founded in 2013 by Kei Yoshida. Saralam’s collection features handknit masks, sweaters, cardigans, robes, blankets, and more. Each piece is constructed carefully with considered and selected material, making items soft and extremely light-weight with maximum warmth. Prided on relationships with healthy and happy yaks and alpacas, the traditional hand knit and crocheted products are always ethically produced.
TOYO products put the “fun” in functional- they are durable, beautiful, and the uses are endless! The fun, vibrant colors and classic design make a conversation piece that is both modern and timeless. You can use the tool box for make-up, art supplies, keepsakes, and yes even as a tool box. The tool wagon can be used anywhere in the home- for extra kitchen storage, as a bar cart, in a bedroom, home office, or garage, creating durable organization built to last.
Our featured tableware collection brings nature into your home by conveying the warmth of tableware made of wood. By combining traditional Japanese craft knowledge with contemporary design, we created this series to complement a wide range of meals that are well-suited for every member of the household. Prepare a healthy lunch in a bento box protected with an innovative nano-tech glass coating, or give your child a gently rounded tool they may use to feed themselves – but, above all, know that each piece was expertly crafted to delight and endure for many decades to come.