Japanese Sun Umbrellas

Japanese Parasols 日傘

Japanese parasol

Traditional Japanese umbrellas were used to fight off the brutal heat of a Japanese summer. (Ironically, they are making a comeback now. Though less artistic, the modern version of a "hi gasa" [sun umbrella] is very popular among young women worried more about the detrimental effects of the sun on their lovely skin.) Made of washi, Japanese paper, and sturdy bamboo, the umbrellas were strong and flexible and effective.

Umbrellas like the one pictured at right can however still be seen, particularly during special occasions such as festivals. And, of course, they are still used by geisha.

These parasols also make wonderful decorative items. Many Japanese now use them at home to liven up a room.

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Noren Curtains

Noren Curtains のれん

Noren curtains are used in both homes and at restaurants. They add a bit of privacy but at the same time allow a peek inside. They also are used to indicate that a business is open.

When preparations are complete prior to opening time, the last thing a restaurant owner does is put up the curtain; at the end of the day/evening, after the cleaning up is finished, the curtain comes down.

Noren can be made from hemp, cotton, and other fabrics.

Some are dyed and intricately woven; others are simple knock-offs. In touristy areas, noren with samurai or geisha are popular.

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Noren from Japan

Striking orange noren outside a hotel housed in a traditional machiya

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Kyoto Noren

Arimatsu Shibori

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Electronic Dictionaries Direct From Japan

電気辞書

Simply stated, Japanese makers Canon, Casio, and Seiko make the best electronic dictionaries. From the number and type of dictionaries that are loaded into any model to key reaction - the speed and ease with any key on the keyboard reacts when touched - are world-class.

All come with a coating for protection against falls and spills. In addition, most models now come with backlights for use on airplanes or at night.

電子辞書

The Casio models in particular have amazing speed and reaction upon touch. Canon are perhaps the most stylish and, in terms of price, the best value.

For a beginner to the specialist, these models are a joy to use.

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Japanese Green Tea

Japanese Green Tea お茶

Japanese green tea is becoming increasingly popular in the West as more and more people become aware of its natural health-giving benefits and refreshingly clean taste.

Japanese Green Tea

Japanese green tea contains many nutrients beneficial to your well-being. Medical studies have found that drinking green tea can considerably reduce your risk of hardening of the arteries. It is suggested that drinking one cup of green tea a day can lower your risk by up to 96%.

Furthermore, drinking 4-5 cups of green tea a day may also prevent skin cancer. Epigallocaechin, a polyphenol found in green tea, is linked to prevention of early stages of skin cancer.

Switching from brown tea and coffee with milk to green tea has also been shown to help with weight loss and ameliorate the symptoms of fatigue.

The main reason to drink Japanese green tea, however, is its refreshingly clean and natural taste.

All our Tombo™ teas are 100% organically grown and hand-picked in Shimane prefecture in the beautiful countryside of south-west Japan.

Our specially selected teas make for an ideal gift for you, your family and friends.

Click here to purchase our organic Tombo™ Teas

Composition of the green tea leaf:
( % of dried leaf )
Polyphenols 37%, carbohydrates 25%, caffeine 3.5%, protein 15%, amino acids 4%, lignin 6.5%, organic acids 1.5%, lipids 2%, ash 5%, chlorophyll 0.5%

Prices: from US$16.99 per pack.

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For wholesale orders please contact us.

Japanese Tea Related

Sayama Japanese Green Tea

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Japanese Akari Lampshades

Akari

Japanese akari lampshades are made in the studio of Maeda-sensei.

He uses a simple frame and beautiful Japanese paper (washi) to create patterns of light that will enhance any room.

From small shades that sit on the floor or can be hung on a wall, to larger artistic models that amply fill a space.

Takehiro Maeda is a Japanese craftsman who follows the way of the "light," or akari. He apprenticed for four years in Kyoto's weaving district, Nishijin, and now has his own studio.

The lamps are both sturdy and evanescent.

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Tabi

Tabi たび

Japanese tabi socks make for excellent indoor and outdoor footwear when worn with sandals.

The split-toe design is supposed to promote health as it improves the circulation of the blood in the feet.

The boot-like design also gives a firm support to the ankles. tabi are sewn together from two pieces of cloth cut to size. They have a split at the back so the foot can be eased in and metal fasteners to close them.

Tabi are perfect footwear when worn in combination with Japanese sandals - zori.

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