Products
2.5-Ply Gauze Towel
$ 48.00 USD
Shinto took the middle layer of a traditional 20-count, 3-ply cotton gauze fabric and replaced it with a half-weight weave to create the 2.5-Ply Gauze Towel. Lightweight yet substantial, each style features a wonderfully soft texture and a slight variation in dyes that creates an alluring depth of color. This fluffy towel is generously sized and features a unique "slim towel" option that works as either washcloth or accessory.
About Shinto Towel
Shinto Towel combines more than a century of knowledge and technical experience with an eye for innovation and creativity to create premium textiles that disrupt the status quo. Their towels are set apart by their superior absorbency, luxurious softness, and a trademark texture achieved through atozarashi, a post-weave refining process that removes all starch, oils, and impurities from the fibers to create an addictingly fluffy texture.
Materials: 100% organic cotton
Dimensions:
Washcloth (S): 12.99" L x 11.81" W
Slim Towel (ST): 45.28" L x 11.81" W
Hand Towel (M): 39.37" L x 22.83" W
Bath Towel (L): 55.12" L x 34.65" W
Care: Do not pull loose threads; instead, snip them carefully with scissors. Wash on the gentlest setting, preferably in a mesh laundry bag. Wash with like colors, especially at first. Avoid the overuse of fabric softeners, as this may damage the fibers and reduce absorbency. Do not use chlorine bleach. Handle wet towels gently; do not pull or snap the towel lengthwise while wet. For best results, hang dry in a shady, well-ventilated area.
Osaka, Japan
5 Elements Soy Candle
$ 46.00 USD
From spicy to refreshing, each scent in the 5 Elements Soy Candle collection provides a vivid illustration of its corresponding element. Every candle is made from sustainably sourced soy wax in the United States and includes a Zen poem packaged within a beautiful handcrafted box. Please note that each candle is sold separately, not as a set
Earth: A warm mix of cedar, jasmine, and fig
Fire: A slightly spicy combination of ginger, rose, and quince
Water: A refreshing fusion of cucumber, watercress, and mint
Air: A citrusy blend of eucalyptus, yuzu (Japanese grapefruit) rind, and ginger
Sky: A simple floral aroma comprising jasmine, acacia, and fresh grass
About the Godai
As in many ancient cultures, Japanese philosophers once believed that the world was made up of a handful of unique elements: tsuchi ("earth"), hi ("fire"), mizu ("water"), kaze ("wind"), and sora ("sky," also called "heaven" or "void"). These classical elements are referred to as the godai and are common themes in Buddhist architecture.
Materials: Soy wax, essential oils
Dimensions: 3 ¾" D x 3 ½" H
Burn time: 60 hours
Made in the USA
ABE Canvas Home Shoes
$ 68.00 USD
A trusty pair of slippers offer a simple way to ease into relaxation as your day draws to a close. This pair, from one of Japan’s leading room shoe producers, checks all of the boxes: good looks, dependable functionality, and comfort. Its shell is made from “No. 8” duck canvas, a material often found in sneakers due to its excellent strength, breathability, and ease of cleaning. Drawing inspiration from the traditional slippers of Morocco, its two-way “babouche” heel can be worn down like a slipper or up like a shoe when you’re on the move. Underfoot, a lightly padded suede-like sole offers subtle traction and protects floors from scuffs and scratches. Also available in a wool-lined version.
Room Shoe Sizing Tips: Room shoes are designed for maximum comfort and are very forgiving when it comes to sizing, but it is important that your foot is not larger than the footbed. To ensure a proper fit, put on the type of socks you plan to wear with your room shoes and measure the length of your foot (in centimeters) while standing. Compare this measurement with the Japanese sizing in the chart below - which is also measured in centimeters - to determine the appropriate size. If you fall between sizes, round up, and if you have particularly wide feet, consider moving up one size. For more tips, check out our Rikumo Journal post on achieving a perfect fit.
About ABE Sangyo
Room shoes are an integral part of daily life in Japan, and since the company's founding in 1919, ABE Sangyo has been dedicated to crafting the most comfortable examples in the land. In a small workshop in Kahoku, a rural town that produces more than 40% of Japan’s room shoes, ABE Sangyo's experienced craftspeople design, cut, and sew domestic materials to create room shoes that fit their philosophy of “quality first without compromising."
Materials: Upper: 100% cotton canvas, Core: EVA/urethane, Sole: Faux suede (60% nylon, 40% polyeurethane)
Sizing: See above
Care: These room shoes feature a soft sole and are designed for indoor use only. Please do not wear them outdoors or on cement. Machine washable. Wash separately, as some color loss is possible. Use a neutral detergent and avoid chlorine bleach. After washing, shape by hand and air dry in the shade.
Kahoku, Japan
ABE Canvas Home Shoes - Wool-Lined
$ 72.00 USD
A trusty pair of slippers offer a simple way to ease into relaxation as your day draws to a close. This pair, from one of Japan’s leading room shoe producers, checks all of the boxes: good looks, dependable functionality, and comfort. Its shell is made from “No. 8” duck canvas, a material often found in sneakers due to its excellent strength, breathability, and ease of cleaning. Drawing inspiration from the traditional slippers of Morocco, its two-way “babouche” heel can be worn down like a slipper or up like a shoe when you’re on the move. Underfoot, a lightly padded suede-like sole offers subtle traction and protects floors from scuffs and scratches.
This version ups the comfort level by introducing an incredibly soft recycled wool lining sure to keep your feet feeling toasty on the coldest of nights. Our lighter, non-lined version is available here.
Room Shoe Sizing Tips: Room shoes are designed for maximum comfort and are very forgiving when it comes to sizing, but it is important that your foot is not larger than the footbed. To ensure a proper fit, put on the type of socks you plan to wear with your room shoes and measure the length of your foot (in centimeters) while standing. Compare this measurement with the Japanese sizing in the chart below - which is also measured in centimeters - to determine the appropriate size. If you fall between sizes, round up, and if you have particularly wide feet, consider moving up one size. For more tips, check out our Rikumo Journal post on achieving a perfect fit.
About ABE Sangyo
Room shoes are an integral part of daily life in Japan, and since the company's founding in 1919, ABE Sangyo has been dedicated to crafting the most comfortable examples in the land. In a small workshop in Kahoku, a rural town that produces more than 40% of Japan’s room shoes, ABE Sangyo's experienced craftspeople design, cut, and sew domestic materials to create room shoes that fit their philosophy of “quality first without compromising."
Materials: Upper: 100% cotton, Core: EVA/urethane, Sole: Faux suede (60% nylon, 40% polyeurethane)
Sizing: See above
Care: These room shoes feature a soft sole and are designed for indoor use only. Please do not wear them outdoors or on cement. Machine washable. Wash separately, as some color loss is possible. Use a neutral detergent and avoid chlorine bleach. After washing, shape by hand and air dry in the shade.
Kahoku, Japan
Acorn Brass Incense Holder
$ 32.00 USD
Designed to complement Elemense’s collection of transformative incense, the Acorn Brass Incense Holder is the perfect way to elevate your incense burning ritual. Made from solid machined brass, it will last for years to come and will age gracefully with continued use. Its beveled base swings freely in all directions casting scent along with it. The Acorn Brass Incense Holder can be used on either end to accommodate incense of different thicknesses.
About Elemense
Written by a Japanese monk more than 600 years ago, the "Ten Virtues of Koh" details the benefits and properties of Kōdō, the practice of incense appreciation and one of the three arts of refinement in classical Japanese culture. The Elemense collection takes its inspiration from this storied tradition with fragrances designed to cultivate inner peace and create a tranquil environment for meditation, contemplation, or prayer.
Materials: Brass
How to Use: Light the tip of the incense and blow out the flame immediately. Keep away from flammable objects.
Tokyo, Japan
Agave Incense Holder
$ 51.00 USD
The graceful elegance of Koh (the art of incense appreciation) takes the form of an agave plant in the desert in this beautiful brass burner from Tennen. Designed with beauty and functionality in mind, this multipurpose burner is designed to fit all types of incense, including cones, sticks, and spirals.
Please note: While this incense holder is designed to accommodate many types of incense, there is a chance that sticks from certain brands may not fit the opening. For best results, use a Tennen brand incense.
About Tennen
Founded in 2001 by Ethan Wessel and Sarah Swartz Wessel, Tennen is a multidisciplinary architectural firm based in Phoenix, USA. After becoming dissatisfied with the lack of beautiful, functional incense burners, they created their own, designed to keep the nub of the incense stick from sticking to the holder after burning. From buildings to aromas, their design projects pursue aesthetic simplicity inspired by the culture and design sensibilities of Japan - honesty of materials, minimalism, and the changing seasons.
Materials: Brass
Dimensions: Height: 0.7" Diameter: 1.25"
Care: Use a soft cloth with a liquid brass cleaner as needed. For blackened brass, use soft cloth and paste wax polish as needed. With time and use, your incense burner will develop a beautiful patina. Note: Avoid touching the burner while incense is burning, as the cover may grow hot during and for a short period after.
Arizona, USA
Akashiya ThinLine Brush Pen Set
$ 27.50 USD
This cult-favorite brush pen has become a favorite tool of professional illustrators and stationery aficionados since its introduction in 2009. With a superfine tip inspired by elegant makeup brushes, the Akashiya ThinLine Brush Pen is designed for intricate work. Perfect for calligraphy, drawing, or sketching, each pen is handmade by brush artisans and makes writing feel like painting a watercolor with words. Winner of the 2009 Design Merit Award.
This five-pen set includes a spectrum of woodland shades based on the colors traditionally used in Japanese ink drawings:
Sumiiro (Ink black)
Seiboku (Dark blue)
Mizuasagi (Pale blue)
Chitosemidori (Dark green)
Hiwadairo (Dusky red)
About Akashiya
Akashiya was founded in 1624 in Nara, Japan, the birthplace of calligraphy. Its craftsmen have continued the tradition, creating peerless brushes famous among artists and stationery collectors. Strand by strand, each brush is constructed by specialized artisans from flexible fibers perfect for drawing and writing.
Materials: Water-based ink, plastic
Dimensions: 6 ½" L
Chiba, Japan
Akiyama Matcha Bowl
$ 42.00 USD
As tea-making has become an art form over the centuries, so have matcha bowls themselves become works of art. The organic, undulating shape of traditional matcha bowls is designed to create the smooth, frothy consistency beloved by tea enthusiasts. Because of its essential role in the Japanese tea ceremony, a tea bowl is traditionally considered one of the most graceful and treasured items in your home. A jade-green crackled glaze coats the smooth surface of this piece, pooling in the bottom like the final sip of matcha.
How to Use: To prepare matcha, pour boiling water into the tea bowl and allow to cool slightly. Add ceremonial-grade matcha using a bamboo ladle. Using a chasen (bamboo whisk), whisk vigorously in an "M" shape until the matcha reaches a creamy froth. Sip directly from the bowl. For best results, use ceremonial-grade matcha, a bamboo ladle, and an 80- or 100-tip chasen.
Materials: Clay, food-safe glaze
Dimensions: 5.3" D x 3.1" H
Care: Owning a matcha bowl requires thoughtful handling and care. Because of their handmade quality, these bowls are not suitable for the microwave or dishwasher and should be rinsed and thoroughly dried immediately after use. Be careful to avoid rapid changes in temperature as it may encourage glaze cracking.
Shika, Japan
Albata Sugar Spoon
$ 44.00 USD
– Sold OutThis beautiful sugar spoon bends at a slight curve to sweeten a cup of coffee or tea. Made from hand-hammered brass and albata, this spoon is sure to age gracefully into a rich patina with wear.
Sold individually.
About Miho Nishikawa
Miho Nishikawa is an award-winning metalworks artist who works with silver, brass and albata to create beautifully detailed but rustic accessories. Nishikawa is trained and currently works in Kanazawa, which is an UNESCO-appointed city of Crafts and Folk Art in Japan for its tradition of metalwork artistry.
Materials: albata, brass
Dimensions: Length: 4.9"
Care: Polish with an acidic substance.
Kanazawa, Japan
Albata Tea Spoon
$ 39.00 USD
– Sold OutA charming little spoon for stirring your tea or coffee. Hand-hammered from brass and albata, this little treasure ages gracefully into a rich patina with wear.
Sold individually.
About Miho Nishikawa
Miho Nishikawa is an award-winning metalworks artist who works with silver, brass and albata to create beautifully detailed but rustic accessories. Nishikawa is trained and currently works in Kanazawa, which is an UNESCO-appointed city of Crafts and Folk Art in Japan for its tradition of metalwork artistry.
Materials: albata, brass
Dimensions: Length: 5¼" Diameter: ¾"
Care: Polish with an acidic substance.
Kanazawa, Japan
Albata Tiramisu Spoon
$ 48.00 USD
– Sold OutWhen you finally reach the dessert course, this charming spoon stands at the ready to carry every last scoop home. Hand-hammered from brass and albata that ages gracefully into a rich patina with wear.
Sold individually.
About Miho Nishikawa
Miho Nishikawa is an award-winning metalworks artist who works with silver, brass and albata to create beautifully detailed but rustic accessories. Nishikawa is trained and currently works in Kanazawa, which is an UNESCO-appointed city of Crafts and Folk Art in Japan for its tradition of metalwork artistry.
Materials: Albata（Copper+Zinc+ Nickle), Brass
Dimensions: Length: 4.9"
Care: Polish with an acidic substance.
Kanazawa, Japan
Allex Matte Black Stainless Steel Scissors
$ 19.00 USD
Lightweight and sharp, the Allex Matte Black Stainless Steel Scissors are designed to cut through reams of paper, plastic, and even sticky surfaces like duct tape. Its blades are coated with Teflon for optimal wear resistance, while its grips are cushioned with soft rubber rings for maximum comfort. With its sleek matte black finish, this office essential will look as good sitting on your desk as it does tackling your toughest projects. Also available in a traditional stainless steel version.
About Allex Scissors
Allex Stainless Steel Scissors were first introduced to the world in 1974 and immediately won the Japanese Good Design Award for their ergonomic shape and outstanding blade quality. Since that day, their classic design has remained unchanged and is now a familiar sight in offices all over Japan.
Materials: Stainless steel, rubber
Dimensions: 5 ½" L
Gifu, Japan
Allex Stainless Steel Letter Opener
$ 12.00 USD
This award-winning letter opener from Japanese company Allex has been in production since 1975 and will look quite familiar to fans of the company's stainless steel scissors. Its handle and blade are cut from a single sheet of stainless steel, making it extremely durable, and the inside of the handle is lined with a rubber ring for maximum comfort and ease of use.
About Allex Scissors
Allex Stainless Steel Scissors were first introduced to the world in 1974 and immediately won the Japanese Good Design Award for their ergonomic shape and outstanding blade quality. Since that day, their classic design has remained unchanged and is now a familiar sight in offices all over Japan.
Materials: Stainless steel, rubber
Dimensions: 6 ½" L
Gifu, Japan
Allex Stainless Steel Scissors
$ 17.00 USD
These award-winning office scissors from Japanese company Allex have been in production for decades, and for good reason. Their handles and blades are each cut from a single sheet of stainless steel, making them extremely durable, and the inside of each handle is lined with a rubber ring for maximum comfort and ease of use. Also available in a matte black version.
About Allex Scissors
Allex Stainless Steel Scissors were first introduced to the world in 1974 and immediately won the Japanese Good Design Award for their ergonomic shape and outstanding blade quality. Since that day, their classic design has remained unchanged and is now a familiar sight in offices all over Japan.
Materials: Stainless steel, rubber
Dimensions: 6 ½" L
Gifu, Japan
Animal Cushion Cover
$ 74.00 USD
From celebrated textile designer Masaru Suzuki - the man behind our bestselling Animal Towel - comes a new menagerie of furry and feathered faces ready to adorn your sofa or bed. Whether you're courageous, curious, or quiet, these Animal Cushion Covers - featuring lions, lemurs, and owls - offer comforting companions in neutral shades that fit nearly any aesthetic. Cushions not included; a 20" x 20" cushion is recommended.
About Masaru Suzuki
The creative behind Yoshii's popular Animal Towel, Masaru Suzuki has come a long way since his days as a fresh-faced graduate of Tama Art University, back in the early '90s. His bold designs have earned him the Milano Design Award and have been featured by brands from Japan to Finland, including two - UNPIATTO INC and OTTAIPNU - that he himself helped found. Between design projects, he works to impart his knowledge and experience as a professor at Tokyo Zokei University.
Materials: 88% cotton, 12% linen
Dimensions: 17.7" L x 17.7" W
Care: Do not use detergents with bleach or brightening agents. Color may transfer to other fabrics if left wet or with strong friction.
Tokyo, Japan
Animal Towel
$ 12.00 USD
Cats, owls, bears, and zebras strike distinctive poses on the ultra-soft terry Animal Towel from Yoshii. This line features a menagerie of cozy critters presented in opposing shades on the front and back of the towel, and both hand towel and bath towel feature a convenient loop for easy hanging. Exquisitely textured and playfully designed, the Animal Towel is perfect for little ones or budding zoologists.
Available in four designs: Bear, Owl, Zebra, and Cat.
About Yoshii
Yoshii towels are constructed in the traditionally slim and compact Japanese style and are known for their unrivaled softness and fresh stylings. Each towel is woven in Imabari from hand-picked, twisted-ring Shankar 6 cotton threads, which are massaged down, puffed, and combed twice for ultimate softness. Their exciting designs and low-chemical manufacturing process make these lightweight towels visually striking, highly absorbent, and fast-drying - in other words, perfect for daily use.
Learn more about Japanese towels in the rikumo journal.
Materials: 100% cottonDimensions:
Washcloth (S): 10 ½" L x 10" W
Hand Towel (M): 32" L x 14 ¼" W
Bath Towel (L): 53" L x 33" W
Care: Machine wash on the gentlest setting using cold water and a mild detergent, preferably in a mesh laundry bag to avoid pulling. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners. Hang or tumble dry low. Do not stretch when wet.
Imabari, Japan
Ara Earrings
$ 52.00 USD
The Ara Earring from artist Shima Hotta features a slightly concave and rounded triangle shape with a textured finish. The backs are unfinished brass and included the Shima logo.
About Shima Jewelry
Nagano-based artist Shima Hotta began her career in the late '80s studying pottery in Seattle and California. It was during this time that she developed an appreciation for the beauty of handmade goods. After returning to Japan, she continued her ceramic work, eventually exploring new materials and becoming fascinated with the interaction between fire and metal. Today, she combines both disciplines to create esoteric jewelry with organic finishes under the Shima label.
Materials: Silver over brass, titanium post
Dimensions: .88” H x .5” W
Care: Polish with silver cloth when needed.
Nagano, Japan
Architecture Series Incense, 50 Long Sticks
$ 72.00 USD
– Sold OutTraditionally used for court ceremonies and meditation, incense is an integral part of Japanese identity. The “Silence” fragrance in the Architecture Series is at once warm, sweet, and seductive, and the 5.25” sticks burn for approximately 25 minutes.
About Tennen
Founded in 2001 by Ethan Wessel and Sarah Swartz Wessel, Tennen is a multidisciplinary architectural firm based in Phoenix, USA. Their Sonoran Desert incense collection is part of a collaboration with Kyoto incense makers and was influenced by the constant and soothing presence of Japanese incense around the Tennen Studio offices. From buildings to aromas, Tennen’s design projects pursue aesthetic simplicity inspired by the culture and design sensibilities of Japan - honesty of materials, minimalism, and the changing seasons.
Contains: 50 sticks.
Burning Time: Approximately 25 minutes.
How to Use: Light the tip of the incense and blow out the flame immediately. Keep away from flammable objects.
Kyoto, Japan
Bagworks Bicycleman Bag
$ 115.00 USD
As though the name wasn't enough of a clue, one glance at the Bicycleman Bag from Bagworks makes clear its purpose: serving as a handy traveling companion as you cruise around town. Of course, its usefulness isn't limited to two-wheeled travel; the Bicycleman Bag's water-resistant nylon construction and comfy cotton strap make it a great everyday accessory, no matter your mode of transportation.
About Bagworks Co.
Since its founding almost 70 years ago, Bagworks Co. has earned a name for itself as a maker of specialized bags, all of which stem from a straightforward desire to create "bags for work." The company's emphasis on utility, durability, and adherence to the strictest international standards is undoubtedly why their products are relied on by people across Japan, from engineers to boy scouts. And yet, in spite of their success, Bagworks continues to strive for a surprisingly humble goal: to become "the most decent bag shop in the world."
Materials: Water-resistant nylon, cotton strap, magnetic clasp
Dimensions: 10.6" W x 7.1" H x 2.35" D
Care: Remove dirt with a soft brush or a damp cloth that has been thoroughly wrung out.
Toyooka, Japan
Bagworks Toolman Bag
$ 138.00 USD