Tokyo Weekender August 2017

5 MUST-BUYS
AT TABISURU
SHINTORA
MARKET
HERE ARE SOME OF OUR
FAVORITE ITEMS ON
OFFER FROM DIFFERENT
CITIES AROUND NIIGATA
NAIL CLIPPERS FROM SANJO
Once you try these, you’ll never go back
to cheap, hundred yen shop snippers ever
again. The differences are many, but one
key point is the seamless fit of the blades
when they come together. This creates a
clean cut that doesn’t tear your nails apart
and eliminates the need to file them. This
kind of perfection can only be achieved
by the keen eye and steady hand of an
experienced master craftsman. For those
keen on seeing the step-by-step process
of making these, pop by Suwada’s open
factory (see page 14) to witness artisans
honing their craft.
Suwada nail clippers, ¥7,020
STEAMER FROM NAGAOKA
This rounded, wappa-style steamer is
made using the same method as it was
during the Edo period, but is just as useful
– if not more so – as it was 185 years ago.
The whole steamer, including the lacing
keeping it together, is made with wood,
so the entire thing is microwaveable. The
set includes a lid and stand (made with
southern Japanese hemlock), the main
body (Japanese cypress), a drain (bamboo)
and the main body (Japanese cypress)
which is laced together with sakura bark
strips. The 5-sun size is the perfect size for
one to two people.
Adachi Shigehisa Shoten steamer, ¥5,940
TUMBLER FROM TSUBAME
Nothing cools you off in summer like a
frosty cold beverage, and what better
way to keep it ice cold than in a copper
tumbler? Copper is superior at keeping
its contents’ temperature stable, keeping
drinks cool for up to 15 minutes
longer than conventional vessels made
from glass. Skilled artisans hammer
these wares out by hand, following
a time old tradition that has lasted
through the ages. On top of that, this
company has won multiple awards
for its modern designs as well as the
longevity of its products.
Shinkoudo Tumbler (350ml), ¥6,480
CLUTCH BAG FROM
TOKAMACHI
Tokamachi is renowned nationwide for
its textile industry, and especially for
its kimono. To celebrate this tradition,
this compact clutch is made with silk
kimono fabric. Each bag is a one-of-akind
individually made item, so designs
using the same fabric will differ slightly.
The simple floral design gives a modern
touch to this traditional craft.
Yufuan clutch bag, ¥7,201
HAT FROM MURAKAMI
Shinafu, or linden weaving, is an
ancient craft that remains to this day.
Usually made with the bark of Shinanoki
(Japanese linden) or Obabodaiju, an
indigenous tree species to Japan, fiber
strips are weaved into home linens,
storage bags and accessories. The
process from harvest to usable strips
of fiber is long and arduous, taking
several months to complete. However,
the inimitable nature of the supple and
pliable bark, as well as how it feels good
to the touch will guarantee this craft
will continue. This hat is a prime example
of the dedication of the artisans who
practice this historic craft.
Uestu Shinafu hat, ¥43,200
TOKYO WEEKENDER | AUGUST 2017 | 17