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Part 2 - Stride with Care: How to Wear, Maintain, and Appreciate Japanese Sandals (Guide on Setta-wearing)
How to Wear Japanese Sandals In Part 1, we explored the history, types and craftsmanship behind traditional Japanese setta sandals. Now,...
mikster
May 255 min read
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What are Japanese sandals called? What's the difference between Setta and Geta? (Part 1)
Traditional Japanese sandals are not only iconic in appearance but also rich in cultural meaning. From occasions that call for kimono attire (like matsuri and tea ceremonies) to modern minimalist fashion, these sandals have evolved over centuries to become both a symbol of heritage and a stylish statement. If you've ever wondered what Japanese sandals are called or the difference between setta and geta, you're not alone.
mikster
May 165 min read
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Stride with Class: The Comeback of Handmade Japanese Sandals (Setta)
Step into effortless style with handcrafted Japanese setta sandals—where minimalist design meets timeless craftsmanship. Made in Nara, these refined sandals feature tapered silhouettes, premium materials, and iconic details like chara-chara metal pins. Tradition redefined for modern fashion.
mikster
May 134 min read
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Handmade for Her Hands: A Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gift that Honors Her Strength and Intention
This Mother’s Day, pause and reflect on the quiet strength, care, and intention she’s shown—often unseen, but never unfelt. Celebrate her with a gift that honors who she is: a handmade Japanese wood bento box, crafted with the same care she lives by. Thoughtful, timeless, and made to last.
mikster
Apr 243 min read
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Japanese Craft Apprenticeships vs. Cultural Immersion Programs: What You Need to Know for your next Japan travel craft experience
Japan has long embraced a system of deep, immersive apprenticeship known as deshi-iri, where an apprentice trains under a a master.
mikster
Mar 169 min read
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From Crisis to Alliance: Reviving Japan’s Iconic Bentwood Bento Boxes
Part 2 on The Uncertain Future of ShibataToku Bentwood Shop For those of you who have been following the journey of 6th-generation...
mikster
Oct 17, 20245 min read
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Why Is Urushi So Expensive and Have a Short Shelf Life?
The True Value of Urushi: Why This Priceless Natural Lacquer Deserves Your Respect Kintsugi, the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken...
mikster
Oct 5, 20244 min read
549 views
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Japanese Wood Bento Box Challenge: A Stacked Bento Box Dressed to Impress (1)
The possibilities with a beautifully crafted wooden bento box are endless. But how far would you go with it? As our iconic Japanese wood...
mikster
Sep 8, 20243 min read
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Japanese Wood Bento Box Challenge: A Stacked Bento Box Dressed to Impress (2)
Welcome to another chapter of our Japanese Wood Bento Box Challenge! For the home chefs and foodies out there, a handcrafted wooden bento...
mikster
Sep 8, 20243 min read
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Kintsugi Tools, Tips, Tutorial: Carving and Adjusting Bamboo Spatulas
Among the many reasons we love practicing traditional kintsugi is the beauty of the handmade tools involved, such as the authentic maki-e...
mikster
Aug 14, 20242 min read
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From Tree to Treasure: Shiro Yanagi’s Urushi Journey
Shiro Yanagi’s extraordinary journey nurturing and crafting from the urushi tree, preserving the tradition of lacquer craft.
mikster
Aug 3, 20243 min read
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Unveiling the Truth About Kintsugi Kits: Did you pay over $100 for BBQ Skewers?
Truth About Kintsugi Kits: Did you pay over $100 for BBQ Skewers? Time to up the game (and your tool box)
mikster
Jul 17, 20242 min read
156 views
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Bento Box Meal Prep Tips: Easy Lunch Ideas with Japanese wood bento box.
Easy lunch ideas using traditional Japanese wood bento boxes. Makes your day more enjoyable with a beautiful, well-balanced meal on-the-go
mikster
Jun 1, 20243 min read
39 views
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Useful Kintsugi technique: Preventing Urushi Brown Stain in Kintsugi Repair on Porcelain and Light-color Clay
Useful Kintsugi technique: Preventing Urushi Brown Stain in Kintsugi Repair on Porcelain and Light-color Clay
mikster
May 28, 20242 min read
553 views
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Tabi Talk: Why Tabi Socks Make The Perfect Spring Accessory
Japanese tabi socks make perfect spring accessory.
mikster
Apr 20, 20243 min read
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BEYOND BENTO at Fukuoka Design Award - Rethinking traditional Japanese wood bento box.
BEYOND BENTO at Fukuoka Design Award - a design project for a traditional Japanese wood bento box.
mikster
Mar 8, 20244 min read
108 views
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Time-Honored Tradition Meets Modern Convenience: The Benefits Of A Wooden Bento Box
What is so special about Japanese bento boxes? There are many food storage options out there, but none are quite as distinctive as a the...
mikster
Mar 4, 20243 min read
713 views
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Japan Travel Workshop 2023: Japanese Lacquer & Kintsugi Workshop
In the serene heart of Japan, where tradition meets nature's beauty, we unveil a remarkable opportunity that celebrates the artistry of...
mikster
Sep 15, 20233 min read
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In the 37C summer heat, we received a sad news from the urushi Japanese lacquer tree forest.
In the quiet town of Daigo, nestled amid the lush urushi lacquer forest, a heartbreaking news resonates through the community. The...
mikster
Aug 5, 20233 min read
122 views
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Beyond Wooden Bento Boxes, Unique Bentwood Objects
Beyond Wooden Bento Boxes, Unique Bentwood Objects made by ShibataToku. Check our gallery to view some special wood functional objects.
mikster
Jul 20, 20232 min read
90 views
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