When we launched Remodelista 15 years ago, it was almost impossible to source the hauntingly beautiful housewares of Japan. Things have improved dramatically; here are our top 20 online sources for Japanese design (some have brick-and-mortar stores as well).
N.B.: Featured photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista, with styling by Alexa Hotz, from Shop Owner Makié Yahagi’s Charm-Filled Loft in SoHo, New York.
Native & Co.
Above: Native & Co. in Notting Hill, London, offers a wide range of goods from Japan, from Edo Kiriko cut glass to ceramics to brass accessories from Oji Masanori.
Kurasu
Above: We first came across Kurasu, an online shop stocked with coffee-making essentials by Japanese makers, when we were sourcing the glass carafes used at LA-based cafe Maru Coffee. This 2-person Kono Meimon Dripper is just $8 (the four-person version is $11); we also love the glass Torch Coffee Server (currently sold out).
Nalata Nalata
Above: Nalata Nalata, a shop out of New York City, sells Japanese products for the kitchen, bath, living, and dining rooms.
Tortoise General Store
Above: We discovered the work of glass artist Peter Ivy via Tortoise General Store, in Venice Beach, a must-visit when you’re next in Los Angeles.
Rikumo
Above: Rikumo in Philadelphia offers a wide range of housewares and office accessories from Japan, including these striped Kitchen Towels ($32 each), available in five colorways.
Oen
Above: Oen in London is a longtime Remodelista source for Japanese goods; the Tall Black Teapot by Naotsuga Yoshida is $202 (though it’s sold out at the moment).
Mjölk
Above: Toronto shop Mjölk sells a variety of Japanese and Scandinavian design across furniture, lighting, and kitchen goods.
Mr. Kitly
Above: Mr. Kitly in Australia sells Japanese wares like these brass Futagami Hooks ($55 each for the large diamond- and bean-shaped hooks).
Makié
Above: Makié in New York sells clothing for women and children as well as Japanese housewares like this Shinogi Mug Cup ($60) and Striped Soup Mug, both by Japanese ceramicist Sunata Masami. (The striped soup mug is currently sold out, but we like the Shinogi Soup Mug, too; $70.)
Toiro
Above: Toiro, a brick-and-mortar shop in LA that sells donabe alongside Japanese food imports and other Japanese kitchen tools and tableware, has a robust online store for non-Angelenos. (See Shopper’s Diary: Toiro in LA, World’s Best Source for Donabe and More.)
March
Above: Sam Hamilton of March, in San Francisco stocks the work of Japanese glass master Yoshihiko Takahashi; beyond beautiful. Shown here is the Tall Glass Pitcher and the Glass Lipped Bowl (each $340).
IFJ Trading
Above: The Daiyo Ceramic Candle Holder is one of the many housewares available at IFJ Japanese Products Trading in Japan.
Anzu New York
Above: Anzu in New York specializes in kitchen and dining goods from Japan. Shown here is the Coffee Pouring Pot by Takashi Horiuchi; it’s $180.
Moth
Above: Moth in Chicago “features emerging artists from Scandinavia, Finland, and Japan,” says its website. Their online store is stocked with both artful clothing and housewares. See Moth: A Trove of Japanese and Scandinavian Design, in Chicago.
Analogue Life
[gallery_caption]Above: Analogue Life in Japan ships goods abroad. Shown here is the Hagi Series Porcelain Cup by Azmaya; $18.33.[/gallery_caption].
Envelope
Above: The Fine Woodcraft Sewing Box by Tatsuya Okano features multi-level compartments for bits and bobs; it’s just one of the Japanese-made wares sold at Tokyo-based Envelope. See our story here: Envelope: An Online Superstore for Japanese Goods.
Tenzo
Above: Tenzo has a showroom in LA’s Echo Park that is open by appointment. Its website is stocked with Japanese goods, like this Hagama Rice Cooker by Suzuki Co. ($175), as well as products discovered on the founders’ travels abroad.
Umami Mart
Above: A dizzying array of Japanese essentials are available from Umami Mart out of Oakland. For more, see Japanese Style Comes to Oakland.
Ukivo Home
Above: Kitchen gear like this Japanese Readymade Weekender Round Dutch Oven ($255) is available at Ukiyo Home in Chicago.
Ippin Project
Above: This Mini Dish Mamezara 5-piece set is $68.50 at NYC-based Ippin Project.
More of our favorite sources for kitchen accessories? Take a shopping trip around the world with us:
- 12 Made-in-France Kitchen Essentials for Francophiles Everywhere
- 14 Made-in-America Kitchen Classics
- 16 Favorite Accessories from the English Kitchen
- 11 Scandi Kitchen Essentials, High to Low
- 11 German-Made Precision Kitchen Tools
N.B. This post is an update; the original story ran on November 7, 2019, and has been updated with new images, products, links, and prices.