Summer, Sugar

Information about bargain and special Tabi

2010-05-20T17:57:00.003+09:00

Dear readers,BOKUNAN-DO have just started TWITTER here!TwitterブログパーツSo now, I think this post will be the last one.I will continuouly write about my life, Japanese life event at my private website.So I hope I can see you there. (and of course I will see you at my work place ;)Thank you very much for your kindly following me here.Regards,Natsu-Natsu

Shoubu-Yu, on Children's Day

2010-05-06T11:51:00.003+09:00

Dear readers,May 5th is the Children's Day, and it is actually traditionally a SEKKU (a kind of celebration day) for boys.I make "SHOUBU YU" yesterday.Shoubu Yu, is a bath of leaves of SHOUBU (Japanese iris) . The name of this iris, SHOUBU is same pronounce of "勝負" -which means a game, a try, a fight. We wish a victory for any Shoubu.Also, old people says put the leave around your head, which

Less Expensive Kimono are added!

2010-03-01T15:52:00.003+09:00

Dear Readers,BOKUNAN-DO added new LESS EXPENSIVE YUKATAs.I know more Yukata will be continusouly added : )regards,natsu

Nihon-tou Club

2010-01-28T19:43:00.001+09:00

Dear readers,Here is a very nice Nihontou Japanese swords website in German.I think you could see the antique armour with BOKUNAN-DO's Jimbaori!http://www.nihonto-club.de/-Natsu

New Year

2009-12-11T16:16:00.004+09:00

Dear everyone,I would like to write about New Year in Japan. I should have write about it earlier I think.Here are some photos which I took this year (2009).I wish you enjoy this post.We celebrate Oshougatasu to have special cosine, OSECHI ryouri.pic#1 (left) Ozouni , the mainShiitake mushroom, Takenoko(Bamboo sprout), Naruto (Fish dimpling) , Chicken, and MOCHI (rice cake) in Shouyu (Soy source)

Touken, Swords of Japanese historical immitaion

2009-12-01T18:57:00.007+09:00

Dear readers,BOKUNAN-DO updates their websites for TOUKEN, japanese swords.Firstly, short swords. Also, Kanzashi have been also updated.I think those are very nice for your girl friends and for your boy friends as Holiday gifts. Japanese Postal Service will take a week to almost all places by EMS.(But please be noted that BOKUNAN-DO will ship orders upon payment clearance. and they close on

Aki Nai ~ No Autumn~

2009-11-16T09:01:00.007+09:00

I found very interesting thing. I am quite sure you think this is very interesting too.I took this photo in front of a small bar, I am not sure this word is correct in English though. You can find these kind of bar at uncommon streets and not big but only someone who knows this street comes and become customers.Anyway, this photo.This is a kind of door light. If this bar is open, the light will

Funawa

2009-09-14T14:59:00.004+09:00

Dear Everyone,Hello!It is slightly a long time since I posted previously.I went to Asakusa on Sunday and got my favourite Wagashi (japanese sweets) here.This is YOUKAN and Ankodama.(Anko Dama is AZUKI beans Jammy candy). The Funawa (found at Asakusa in 1902) is one of the most famous Japanese Sweet store.I love "sweet potato Youkan" very much.I hope you will also enjoy them when you will come to

Obon 2009 #3 How to start and how to farewell

2009-07-24T22:31:00.002+09:00

Dear Everyone,And the Obon Festival is for held for our ancesters.We pray for our healthy wealthy days to Buddha and our ancestors who are now Deshi (disciple) of him.We welcome our ancestors from the other world to this world.On the 13th, we light Ogara stick (dried Stem of hemp) and make this sign of our home.HERE! our home is here! to our ancestors.Note the Hose and Cow on Buddhist desk should

Obon 2009 #2

2009-07-21T22:39:00.003+09:00

Dear Everyone,I would like to write you about table (table in front of altar) -settingsfor Obon.Firstly, we set small "Table Sets" for our ancesters, whichis in the very front of the alter, which is in the upper one in the picture.(We set this small table sets inside of the altar)We can serve any dishes we eat during Obon week in this small dishes for them.And on the Kyoudukue desk, we place a

Obon 2009 #1

2009-07-17T23:49:00.004+09:00

Dear Everyone,The Obon (in tokyo) was over now.And I would like to show you how we toss it.We have Obon from 13th of July to 16th.Recently it is set from the same day in Aug. though.Oh, and please be noted that these date and how we confort our ancesters are alwaysdifferent between each districts and homes.Now, ,,,On the 13th, we started OBON. But we start preparation slightly earlier.We went to

Tessen and Gunbai will come soon

2009-03-14T12:12:00.005+09:00

Dear Everyone,This is very short note about my workplace.I did get very hot informaiton for you.BOKUNAN-DO will get TESSEN and Gunbai soon.I know some of you are really interested in them.One of them are here!!!! Watch carefully BOKUNAN-DO's "new" on front page!I hope you will enjoy them!Regards,Natsu

Why happi has waves and Chidori birds?

2009-01-22T17:18:00.002+09:00

Dear Everyone,Hello!Let me update you with BOKUNAN-DO news.BOKUNAN-DO has new padded hantens here.Also, some lovely small remarkable things for Happi motif.Why many Happi has wave and Chidori birds?Unchiku Motif : hereAlso, you can see some more interesting things about pattern's meaning here.Regards,Natsu

Origami Shuriken

2008-12-15T18:49:00.003+09:00

Dear Everyone,I did not sleep last night , thinking about SHURIKEN.How did I fold a Shuri-ken in Origami???I found a nice website to see how to fold a Shuriken in Origami here:A. So. Bo (Origami Asobi) - How to play with Origamihttp://www1.odn.ne.jp/asobo/4127.htmHere, my Origami Shuriken!!Natsu

Senmaizuke Pickles

2008-12-13T06:46:00.004+09:00

Dear Everyone,Hello!Have you ever heard about Japanese pickles and about Senmai-zuke? The Senmai Zuke is famous pickles for Kyoto, Goshoin Kabu ( Kyoto "Goshoin" Turnip)'s pickles.Sen Mai Zuke means A thousand (SEN) pieces (MAI) pickles (ZUKE).The above Senmaizuke was from a friend of my mother in law.(My mother in law is a master of Japanese classic dance and her sister dancer gave her this as "

Origami

2008-11-14T16:41:00.004+09:00

Dear Everyone,I have been my parents house last week and found old, old, lovely, sentimental thing.That was Origami papers.I fold some Origami as long as I remembered.I do not know how you spent your classes when your girlhoods, but we used to write a letter to our friends and fold the paper into some fancy shape and forward it secretly during a class. Sometime if you failed to hide it , a

Rakugan

2008-10-09T11:56:00.004+09:00

Dear Everyone,Hi from Tokyo!I hope everyone is fine and have peaceful days.Now, please let me introduce you "RAKUGAN", which is Japanese traditional sweets.The Rakugan is made from rice powder and sugar, dry sweets. This Rakugan is very beatiful one. My friend gave me this as a souvenier from Kyoto.This one is much more casual one. Anko ( Azuki beans jam) is inside of Rakugan.I think Manju

Obi-dome

2008-10-06T19:08:00.007+09:00

Dear Everyone, Hi!Enjoying your Kimono life?It has gotten slightly chilly here in Tokyo and I am looking forward to wearing my lovely Awase Kimono soon. (Actually, I do not have nice summer Kimono now.)If you also enjoy Kimono, I hope you enjoy Kimono's many style and Obidome as well?BOKUNAN-DO finally carry Obidome as their new items!I like the Rabbit one.As you can see in the Unchiku page, the

Sashiko, Japanese quilting

2008-09-14T11:58:00.005+09:00

Dear Everyone,When you talk about "quilting", it sounds like early American's crafts, but we also have it as traditional hand crafts in Japan.It is called "Sashiko" in Japanese.European or American's quilts seems to be developed for "against the cold" but Japanese one seems to be for a "durability".Wiki ::: Quilt & SashikoI made coasters by Sashiko quilting.The blue cloth is redundant fabric of

Name Stamps

2008-09-12T22:58:00.006+09:00

Dear Everyone,I hope everyone has peaceful days!Now, as some of my friends know, I got a baby girl!!!!And her name is Noi. I made a stamp for her.I stamp this on handkachieves, white plain gauze one.I think you can find stamp pads for fabrics. (We have some in Japan.)Now, here is it.This is the name stamp, Noi.I curve the dot of "i" into flower.(The pen has very Japanese motives,Red Fuji (mount

Uchiwa

2008-08-19T16:51:00.007+09:00

Dear Everyone,I am sorry that I completely forgot about UCHIWA.I sometimes do such an easy mistakes...And thank you very much for your message, Blue!!She reminds me about the Uchiwa posts.Uchiwa as I wrote previously at HEREYou can find how to make an Uchiwa here,Uchiwa no tsukurikatahttp://nasunakusitenasazarunasi.hp.infoseek.co.jp/sak_22h.htmIt is written in Japanese, but I am sure you can see

Hand made rubber stamps

2008-07-16T11:17:00.010+09:00

Dear Everyone,I got many things during these months.How have you been?This is lightly late for the season, but I would like to show you my new handmade rubber stamp.The right one is for flower of hydrangea. I sometime use this one for a four-leaf clover.And the leaf is very useful one. ----->>> I use this one for leaves of Sakura(cherry) too (please see my previous post)and I use it as

2008-04-07T14:56:00.003+09:00

Dear Everyone,I made a rubber stamp of Sakura, cherry blossom.The right one, leaf, was made in last year.This is very usuful one.Sakura in Tokyo is almost finished.They are going to have green leaves.Wish you a beautiful spring!!regards,Natsu

Tabi Selection

2008-04-06T21:41:00.005+09:00

Dear Everyone,When I go out in Kimono, I usually wear WHITE, PLAIN Kimono Tabi.This is most traditional and formal and cool way, I believe.But when I wear Kimono in daily life, I choose non-white Tabi.Because white one is getting easily dirty. The first one and third are patterned Tabi. (ready made)The second one was the white plain Tabi, but I dyed old Tabi into this colourby myself.I like the

Kimono Blog Information

2008-04-03T17:12:00.003+09:00

Dear Everyone,Wow! I found two great blogs.Kimono and Kitsukehttp://kimonoandkitsuke.blogspot.com/Naomi no Kimono Asobihttp://www.kimonoasobi.com/They enjoy Kimono very lovely!!I wish you will enjoy their blog too!regards,Natsu

Toshimasu Maeda - Keiji (Keijirou) Toashimasu Maeda

2008-04-03T16:40:00.005+09:00

Dear Everyone,So many Samurai are there in Japanese history and you know most of them, such as Ieyashi Tokugawa, Nobunaga Oda, Hideyoshi Toyotomi.....I love to read those Samurai 's story.And I am now reading about Toshimasu Maeda, who is known as "Keiji Maeda" or "Keijirou Maeda" as well. (Toshimasu Maeda Wiki : here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maeda_Toshimasu )He was very stylish Samurai and

2008-03-26T18:30:00.005+09:00

Dear Everyone,This is update notes for my work-place.BOKUNAN-DO updated some new items.Most recent posts are forKanzashi new designMaiko Basket smaller sizeBenkei Hood Shinobi Hood/ shinobi mask Hanzou StyleTekkou with Kohaze clipsReady tied men's Obi in Kenjou designThe Maiko basket is sooooo cute! I really love it! I would like to buy one for myself! (Maybe orangish red one. It is really lovely

Obi Musubi

2008-02-08T16:53:00.001+09:00

Dear EveryoneI would like to show you how I tie my Obi usually.This Musubi (tying) is called "KAINOKUCHI" or "OTOKO - MUSUBI", tied in same way as men's most popular tying.I usually this Musubi because this back is flat and Obi won't bother you when you sit down on chairs.To make steady the knot, I use "Obijime" / "Obihimo".WHen you can see from front, just like as follows;Next posts will be

Washable Hakama?

2008-02-07T16:44:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,This is an update for my workplace.I had a question about washable hakama from one of our customers.Before I knew, our artisans sew new tag of washing instruction and the BOKUNAN-DO's martial Hakama has become "WASHABLE BY MACHINE".I was so surprized by this information and talked with one of the artisans.Is it sure that we can wash them by machine???For this information, you can

Kimono - Casual Kimono 1 -

2008-01-31T18:25:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,I hope you are all fine and well.Today, I would like to show you my Kimono.This Kimono is hand-sewn by my grandma.She made this Kimono for my mother and my mom gave me this.This is the most casual Kimono.This Kimono is made of wool. Reddish grey with orange stripe.As you can see the picture two, those kind of casual Kimono has no liner.I like two Obi with this Kimono. One is black

YUZU YU (Bath of Japanese citrus)

2007-12-25T13:26:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,It is long time since I posted last time.I was away from computer for these months.The picture is a bath with YUZU, a kind of citrus just like orange.As you might know, citrus is very nice to keep you warm when you take it with something hot, just like hot-lemon.YUZU YU , a bath with the citrus is customary taken on the day of winter solstice.(TOUJI's japanese custom are here http:/

My Furoshiki Collection

2007-10-11T18:43:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,Today, I will show you my Furoshiki.I have five Furoshiki.I like the left one the most.This is the biggest Furoshiki and very useful. Also, this is only one Furoshiki I puchased by myself.Nejiri Ume, the pattern is called. Again, Japanese plum pattern. I have been not recognized myself, but I seem to like UME motif.Next to the red Ume Furoshiki, blue small cherry blossom. This is

My Tenugui Collection

2007-10-05T19:31:00.000+09:00

Dear EveryoneHi!As I am looking for japanese motif for my rubber stamp making,I found I have many Tenugui more than I thought.So I would like to show you them today.All these motives on Tenugui have names and meanings.From right :1. YOKIKOTOKIKU (Hearing good news)YOKI is old expression of ONO斧, which means ax.You can see ax in the Tenugui. This "YOKI" sounds same as YOKI of "good"KOTO琴=Japanese

Hand made rubber stamp

2007-10-03T11:29:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,I could complete one for the new year than I expected, so I made new ones.I enjoyed to look for / curve Japanese motif, such asSharaku style (right).The middle blue one is "SHINSEN-GUMI" flag.The Kanji charactor reads "Makoto" - royalty, sincerrity or faith.The left one upper is the word of "THANK YOU" - arigatouand left below one is my name "Natsu" .My name is written in Hiragana,

Hand made rubber stamp for 2008

2007-10-03T11:28:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,I think I completed the rubber stamp of the year 2008. Wait and see by the Christmas day!Natsu

Second step of handmade rubber stamp

2007-09-28T11:32:00.001+09:00

Dear Everyone,Cut the rubber roughly, around the drawing.And curve where you would like to"white", leave where you would like to colour.Curve, Curve, Curveregards,Natsu

First step of the hand made rubber stamp

2007-09-27T11:51:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,OK, I started curving of the rubber stamp. How about Japanese style mouse illustration?Firstly, choose any good mouse illustration and trace it by pencil on a tracing paper ( I am not sure this word is proper one. Half tranceparent /slightly rough paper.)And ready for cutting board, cutters and if you have curving nives.Firstly, wash the face of the rubber. (Rubber has some powder

Photo of the Edo Tokyo Museum

2007-09-26T11:36:00.001+09:00

This is a miniture model of the Ekken no Ma, where the lower Samurai meet Shougun.You can see the right floor is slightly higher than the left ones.Right floor for the higher class Samurai and the other is for lower.This is the miniture model of the high class Samurai's house.The brown roof house is main house for the Samurai and grey ones around the house is for his servants.This is a street and

Ohigan

2007-09-25T16:48:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,Last Monday, 24th was a national holiday which was for the 23rd (on Sunday) -Autum Equinox Day.The 3 days before and after Equinox day ( and the Equinox Day itself ), total 7days are called OHIGAN- and we pray for our ancestors during this week.I went to my grandma's grave. Washing the grave stone, gave bunch of flowers to her grave.Also, I went to Edo Tokyo Hakubutukan Museum.I

Handmade Stamp

2007-09-20T11:47:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,Oh, the word "Hanko" reminds me something.Do you know IMOBAN? Imo-Ban is hand made stamp, made of potato.The Imo-Ban is written as 芋(potato) 版(print).As some of you might know, we have custom of "NENGAJOU　年賀状", which is a greeting card we send for congratulatory for new year.(If someone had any funeral in the year, you must not say "HAPPY" on that card. Just let your friend know

Hanko Case, new idea

2007-09-12T12:58:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,Hi! I hope you all well. It becomes Autumn in Tokyo. We have heavy rain this morning.I would love to show you new idea of the Hanko Case.Do you know Hanko, stamps. We use Hanko usually instead of signature as europeans do.Here is my Hanko-case.This is hand made one.My friend gave me this gift.Cute.Usually, when it is opened, we can see Hanko inside.But I used this Hanko case as

Uchiwa

2007-09-05T18:40:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,Hello, everyone.I hope all of you fine.We have heavy rain today as typhoon is coming to the east of Japan.Now,,,,please let me inform you that BOKUNAN-DO added the new Uchiwa.As I wrote in my previous post here, Uchiwa and Sensu are both translated into "FAN" in English.But the Uchiwa is more easy to fan someone else, but not yourself.We have simple Uchiwa of plastic handle and

Summer is going

2007-08-29T11:17:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,We have a little rain last evening, thunder and lightening too.It stopped after a couple of hours.But it became slightly too cool at night.And it was cool this morning too.I wore a T-shirt, but I should have with a cardigan.Summer went away with the rain.It becomes autumn soon in Tokyo.Natsu

Summer Festival Photo

2007-08-27T16:35:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone, Hi!I went to the Summer Festival.

Summer Festival

2007-08-24T10:28:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,I live in a small town in Tokyo.We will have a summer festival this weekend.We have big one and small one on year after the other.We have small one in this year.The city has about 7-8 blocks, which we call "CHOU".For example, we live in 3 choume - third blocks.We have originally lived in 7th block, but recently we moved into the 3rd. And we found donation is largely different.When

Origami Crane

2007-08-21T20:39:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone, I made a crane for the BOKUNAN-DO's gallery.The hands in the photo are mine!I found a great website which you can see how to make Origami.There are plenty of the films!!!ORIGAMI VIDEOEnjoy Origami!!Regards,Natsu

Japanese motif Earrings

2007-08-20T19:04:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,BOKUNAN-DO added new items, Kimono Earrings and Cute Fan set.Cute Fan Set and New Kimono EarringsI love the Orizuru Earring.I think they will soon update how to make Origami crane.Regards,Natsu

Turtle

2007-08-14T10:48:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone, As you can read in Unchiku of Komon in BOKUNAN-DO, Turtle is a symbol of logevity and we love this as very lucky charm as well as hexagon (as a symbol of turtle's shell.)And firstly I knew, the turtle is also lucky charm in Hawaii. That is called HONU. Aloha~.Natsu,P.S. And somehow, I have three turtles (or four) today by chance.My tenugui (cloth-a kind of handkerchief), necklace

le parkour - Parkour-

2007-08-07T11:10:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,As I wrote before, I recently wear Jikatabi as sneakers. When I walk to my home in the night, whenever cars pass by myself on a narrow road, I imagin and feel like I could climb up on the car if it might crush me..... never happened.Now, I have just learned a sports named "le parkour / Parkour". Becuase one of the Parkour artists loves BOKUNAN-DO's Jikatabi.Oh! Yes!! I belive

Sasamayu - Bamboo leaf eye brow-

2007-08-03T11:10:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,For girls!!I learned about "Sasamayu 笹眉"-bamboo Leaf Eye brow - from "ONNNA NO KIMONO MICHI", which I recommend you before (click here to jump to the post.).When you wear Kimono, traditionally we make Eyebrow soft curve(low mount), not mount higher.Left : Sasamayu, Right : higher mounted eyeblow.And this lower mounted eyebrow called "SASA MAYU" Bamboo Leaf Eyebrow.Let's make your

Jikatabi Sneakers

2007-08-01T13:02:00.001+09:00

Dear Everyone,Lately, I love this sneakers.I think some of you know "SOUSOU TABI".But for me it is slightly too expensive.So, I bought one from BOKUNAN-DO.I really love this Jikatabi.This Jikatabi is new line named "SAIKI" or "SAISUI".We think will have this line if everyone like this design.(Price is slightly expensive than ordinary Jikatabi)Natsu

I need Haramaki

2007-07-31T11:55:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,Hi!I hope you have been well.We have lightning and thunder these couple of days.We belive they are bringing summer.Wether is easily changing recently, such like it was hot and humid yesterday, it is very cool today. I have bellyache every morning these days. I really need Haramaki. Natsu

How to wear HAKAMA?

2007-07-25T10:17:00.001+09:00

Dear Everyone,And this is how to wear HAKAMA.You can see how to do it on back side at this "how to put your Hakama"You Tube Banzai!!Natsu

How to wear Kimono? (for men)

2007-07-25T10:07:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,Hi!!I hope you all start your summer well.We have not yet heard the Tsuyu (Rainy Season) ends.....Now, I found very very very very nice film at You Tube.How to wear KIMONO(for men) This is great.I do not like he did not wear long Juban nor Suteteko if he wears Han-(half) Juban. But the point is "how to wear Kimono" and basically it is great movie.Enjoy your Kimono life much! Best

Japan Expo

2007-07-19T14:33:00.002+09:00

Dear Everyone,BOKUNAN-DO added new customers to their Links Page.How lovely couple!!!The phographs were taken when they visited JAPAN EXPO.Well, interesting....I hope you could get more information from there.Regards,NatsuP.S. Obon was end on the 15th. I forget to take photographs of fireing Okuribi (Leading back fire). Maybe next year!

Obon Starts

2007-07-13T10:41:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,I know some districts have OBON (お盆) in Aug. but we have in July in Tokyo.We set OBON tables and ornaments yesterday (12th) to be ready for welcoming our ancestors. And we will bring oIhai (お位牌） to Temple and give a oKyou（お経） tonight.We lighten a lantern at the temple and bring it back to our home with our ancestors' spirits. And lighten a piece of dried stem from the lantern. This

Uchiwa and Sensu

2007-07-06T10:22:00.001+09:00

Dear Everyone,BOKUNAN-DO added new Kanzashis.The new Kanzashi is shaped of UCHIWA fan. Uchiwa and Sensu are both translated into "FAN".Both are for making air wheeling.But the using are different.Uchiwa is for making wind for someone else not for yourself whilist Sensu is for making it for your self."For someone else" , for someone next to you.That is great thought, isn't it?I hope the Uchiwa

MOS BURGER

2007-07-05T12:29:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone, Hi!I hope you have been well.I am very busy. I have worked overtime as well as last night.It was too late and exhausted to cook something for dinner.So I decided to eat out last night at MOS BURGER!When you have any chances to visit Japan, I recommend you to try it.The most unique one is RICE burger - buns are made of rice!You can see the menu hereLOVELY!Natsu

Unagi- eel-

2007-06-30T22:52:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,Good morning.I hope you all fine.Me, I am slightly worn out,,,,I think this is a kind of "NATSU BATE" in japanese.Natsu means summer.Bate comes from "Bateru", verb. Bateru means tired out or worn out.Because the wether is very hot and humid (just as japanese summer),we become easily worn out somehow.To avoid this -Natsu bate-, customarily we eat UNAGI -eel-,especially on a day

Free Japanese Language Test

2007-06-30T15:12:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone, I found good website you can test your Japanese language ability for free! Sushi Test:http://momo.jpf.go.jp/sushi/ You have to register your name and email address first.But the exam itself is free of charge. Let's try it! Regards,Natsu

Madam Butterfly

2007-06-25T15:01:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,I went to see "Madam Butterfly" for the first time.I firstly knew how the story like.I do not like this story very much.It is very sad.But I enjoyed their beautiful Kimono.The stage I went to see (above one) was very shortened summerized musical.So I would like to see authentic one in Opera some day.Madam Butterfly StoryRegards,Natsu

Cotton Waraji 10% Discount

2007-06-22T10:42:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,If you have been interested in Waraji, this is very good news.As the Cotton Waraji will be discontinued soon, BOKUNAN-DO discount the item 10%.I like the red and white one but they are slightly too big for me.How about new item for your wonderful summer!?Best regards,Natsu

Kimono Styling

2007-06-20T11:50:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,I found very nice weblog of Kimono Styling.Although it is written in Japanese, I think you can enjoy the pictures of many Kimono ladies such as Geisha, Maiko and madams of Chaya (Geisha offices)Onna no Kimono michEnjoy your Kimono life!regards,Natsu

Make your new Tabi for your special one

2007-06-18T12:42:00.000+09:00

Dear everyone,BOKUNAN-DO updated the Tabi tips.I will show how I make my new Tabi more confortable.1. When I open new Tabi, 2. I wear them before I use them and make my Tabi NATSU SPECIAL! 3. As wearing them and soak them in warter. 4. Make your tabi form your feet (ex. flattening wrinkles) 5. Keeping the shapes, take off the Tabi.6. and Dry!Sincerely,Natsu

Jingasa&Ashigarudou (Paper Craft)

2007-06-13T23:09:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone, Hi!Do you like handi craft?I found interesting webpage showing you how to make Jingasa and Dou for Ashigaru.(written in Japanese though)Jingasahttp://www.j-muse.or.jp/tanken/vol1/ashigaru/jingasa01.html Ashigarudou (This craft uses fabric and paper)http://www.j-muse.or.jp/tanken/vol1/ashigaru/ashigarudou01.htmlYou can see Nobori (Flag) and sheild too.Best regards,Natsu

Hydrangea and Hollyhock

2007-06-13T14:30:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,We have beatiful flowers in rainy season.The most popular one is hydrangea.I LOVE this flower~~!And next one, hollyhock, named "TATCHI AOI" in japanese.Tachi =standing, Aoi = the name of the flower.I have heard that the rainy season (tsuyu) starts when this flower's first one come out, and when the the flower come up the top of the stem, rainy season come to ends. (this flower

Kabuki Face Colouring

2007-06-06T19:28:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,Hello! It is not yet in rainy season here in Tokyo according to the Meteorological Agency. But I feel it is almost in Rainy Season- TSU YU-. Oh, today, I would like to show you enjoyable website. It is written in Japanese, but I think you can enjoy it. Kabuki Face Colouring Book: http://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/edc1/scene_3/nurie/index.html First, choose one face and press the

Meaning of Japanese Traditional Mon, Patterns and Motives

2007-05-28T19:56:00.002+09:00

Dear Everyone,For example, many Happi (Hanten) have chaining pattern called Yoshiwara Tsunagi(*1). Or many Japanese Kimono and Yukata have crane motives(*2). Or why Houjou clan used a family crest of "Mitsu Uroko"(*3)?All these have meanings.I wish you can enjoy BOKUNAN-DO's unchiku gallery.*Ans**1 : http://www.shop-japan.co.jp/english-boku/unchiku-komon.htm*2 : http://www.shop-japan.co.jp/

Become Ninja!!

2007-05-28T12:42:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,If you visit a country of Ninja, you can be Ninja in a Ninja village in Mie prefecture.Link to Iga-Village : http://iganinja.jp/wishes, Natsu

Mikoshi

2007-05-21T22:40:00.000+09:00

Several persons were arrested for profanity to God and interference with a government official in the execution of their duties at Sanja Matsuri, one of the most famous and traditional Festival Japan. Mikoshi, translated into portable shrine, is really portable shrine, carriable shrine as we all understand. We raise and carry Mikoshi at the Festival.MIKOSHI : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

Transportation

2007-05-17T14:57:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,Please let me share information about the transportaion from Narita Aiport to centre of the Tokyo.Welcome to JAPAN! Welcome to TOKYO!1. Airport LimousineI think this the quite easy way to come into centre in the city.It stops at Ginza, Akasaka, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, main cities in Tokyo.http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/index.htmlOr, if you would like to take trains,1. Narita

Thundershower brings....

2007-05-16T10:26:00.000+09:00

Dear everyone,We had a thundershower yesterday.Grandma said thundershowers bring new seasons.I think it is starting "Rainy Season" called TSU YU in Japan.Tsuyu starts after a thundershower and it ends after a thundershower.TSU YU is written as 梅雨, literally,Japanese plum Rain because this rain bring up Japanese plum. After/during this season, we pick plums and make traditional Plum pickles called

Wisteria - Fuji -

2007-05-14T17:25:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone, Hello!Please let me share photos of Wisteria with you all.I think Wisteria is one of the most popular flowers throughout Japanese histry.You can see many Wisteria Family crests.Fuji (藤) is sounds just like mount Fuji (富士).The sounds FUJI reminds us the sound of FUSHI (不死）＝　No-death and or BUJI（無事）= Safe, peace.That is why we love the flower and Samurai use this flower as their flag

Souvenir Yukata and Kimono

2007-05-11T19:53:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,BOKUNAN-DO added new items, Souvenir yukata and souvenir Kimono.They are not authentic design, but I think you can enjoy them pretty engough.I love the first one, zm07-1047,Pink, cherry blossom on it.But I like cotton than polyester.So, how about mz07-1058?I do have Yukata. I had four Yukata for summer. But when I moved from my previous apartment, I throw two of them... I am now

New Service

2007-05-11T15:02:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone We have now trial service, BOKUNAN-DO Help Desk by skype.Please try it! If you have small question, try BOKUNAN-DO's Help Desk by skype here;You can go this bullet in the below of our index page. P.S. I created my private skype too ; )- Natsu

Dossukoimaru -どっすこい丸-

2007-05-10T12:36:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,Hello there!One more website carrying unique webgraphics.You can enjoy comical Youkai webgraphics here, DOSSUKOI-MARU .You can use their webgraphics at free as long as you will keep the term of use.Their website is written in Japanese, but the regulation is written in English as well.Enjoy Youkai graphics!-Natsu

怪奇黒素材- Kaiki Kuro Sozai-

2007-05-10T12:23:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone.....Watch out!If you will be caught by SOMETHING there,you will never be able to come back to real world.....KAIKI KURO SOZAI carries magnificent scary webgraphics.If you do not like horror, DO NOT VISIT THEM!You can use their webgraphics at free as long as you will keep their regulation.The website is written in Japanese. Would you please check it through Google Language Tool or

Gallery Dora

2007-05-10T12:11:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,You can enjoy snaps of city of Kyoto here Gallery Dora.We might feel small trip to Kyoto!?You can use the photographs at free as long as you will keep the regulation.1. Link to DORA site.2. Do not use for BUSSINESS websites.3. You can remake their graphics but do not distribute their original ones.-Natsu

Tokyo Shashin Sozai

2007-05-10T12:02:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,Tokyo Shashin Sozai : http://hk1.jp/t/ You can see/use all of the photographs in this website, completely free.The photos are all modern and urbane.I hope you will enjoy the website.It is written in Japanese.-Natsu

Japan House's Blog

2007-05-10T11:49:00.000+09:00

Dear everyone,I would like to introduce you a blog, if you like Japanese garden.It is very impressivly authentic Japanese tea garden I think.Japan House's BlogI hope you will enjoy the garden!Natsu

May 5th, Shoubu-yu

2007-05-09T11:35:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone, As we wrote in our "SEASONAL EVENT" page, the 5th of May is "The Boys' Festival" and/or TANGO NO SEKKU.Customarily, we take a bath of CALAMUS leaves.This leaves called "SHOUBU" in Japanese. This sounds just like "勝負" - win or not- and "尚武" - prizing of valour-. And also, the leaves of Calamus is just like sword.Because of these reasons as well as for the Calmus's medicine, we will

KIMONO SUITS !!!

2007-05-08T21:17:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone, Wow!!How wonderful!!!I believe you can see these Kimono as ordinary, typical, plain Kimono.However,,,,No, these are very special Kimono, which are composed from two parts, tops and skirt.Just like the below;We have similar Kimono suits called NIBUSHIKI KIMONO, but the existent one was for completely house-wear,so the sleeve design have been different from Kimono.They were just like

Komon Pattern

2007-04-25T17:48:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,We added new Furoshiki.One of them, we have komon patterned reversible one.The Komon are one side with Shark skin and the other is with hemp-leaf.As some of you know, most of Komon have meanings.Such as Shark skin is for protecting you from evilness and Asanoha(hemp-leaf) is for wishing a healthy powerful baby's growing up.I hope you will enjoy shoppings at BOKUNAN-DO.We also update

Kariginu

2007-04-24T16:36:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,We updated our costume page with four colour of Kariginu.I looked into Wiki to paste the links here, and found two hits.Inuyasha and KemariAlso, we added an accesorry for Kariginu.This is called Shaku.Actually, the Kanji charactor, SHAKU(笏)can be read as "KOTSU".However, this sound is just like KOTSU (骨) which means "BONE" and avoid this inauspicious word, it become to read as

Sleevelss Hanten, Tekkou and Hachimaki

2007-04-16T19:03:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,We added new Sleeveless hanten and Tekkou and Hachimaki.Some of new Tekkou and our new Hachimaki are metallic ones.We hope you enjoy more combinations!We have sleeveless hanten in the same fabric of the metallic Hachimaki and tekkou.(only blue one).Sodenashi Hanten for Kids & Adult New Tekkou & New Hachimaki We have more colours for tekkou and hachimaki.Also, we added new

We will custom make Shinobi shouzoku

2007-04-03T18:47:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,It is highest season of Sakura (Cherry) now in Tokyo.Now, we update our costume page for the costum made Shinobi Shouzoku (Ninja Costume).Traditionally, Ninja wear black one ( to hide himself in dark night)in Japan.But we can custom make Ninja Shouzoku in white cotton fabric And in camouflage print as same as our Koiguchi sharts.Please allow us 3weeks / 5weeks to custom make them.I

Hikeshi (Firefighters in Edo city)

2007-03-27T16:31:00.000+09:00

Dear everyone,We will update NIKUJUBAN soon.NIKUJUBAN is a shirts as a bodysuit of which originally used by Kabuki Actors.Because it was resticted from being naked on the Kabuki stage, they wore the bodysuits and made their skin looks naked.We will have NIKUJUBAN of "IREZUMI" - Tattooing.IREZUMI is also called HORIMONO.Originally, Irezumi was marks of the punishment. But in Edo era, Irezumi were

New items Zokuzoku ( more and more)

2007-03-22T14:47:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,We are adding more and more and more items.Zoku-zoku menas more and more, or continusouly.This is written in Kanji as double [続] "continue".Also, in defferent meaning, Zokuzoku can be read as "thrilling".I wish you are thrilled by our new beatiful items!!We added:1. Yukata for men and women2. Kanzashi3. Girls Item (shoelace)4. Obi for men5. More obi for men "thrilling" and Regards,

New Zouri and Men's Kimono " Edo no Iki"

2007-03-13T15:46:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,We added new Zouri for women andfor men.One of my favourite Zouri for men is the following one.This Zouri surface is made of Fabric.And the pattern is called "KAMAWANU".This is beause the pattern has Kama ( sickle) , Wa(ring) and hiragana "NU".Kamawanu means "never mind!"This motif is loved by Edokko very much.Edokko loves "Iki"We added ready made Kimono too. I think we can say

Tengu no Ohanashi - Tale of Tengu-

2007-03-05T17:06:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,Today, I would like to write about strange story I heard from a Gojuushoku, chief priest , when I visited Chiba.(ref. to my letter "Nagahanten for Kids")There are one more temple near to the Gyouganji Temple, who have Ihachi's carving.It is Iduna dera temple. This is very small temple but very old and I hear that this is the only one temple having characteristics of Temple(Tera) and

Long Hanten for Kids

2007-03-05T14:32:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,I visited Chiba Pref., last weekend.Chiba prefecture is very famous for its mild climate and so, many sight seeners visit Chiba to see flower gardens and to enjoy rich seafoods.I visited there because not only for flowers or foods, I went there to see "IHACHI" carving.IHACHI is name of the great engraver in Edo period.About a decade older than famous print-engraver, KATSUSHIKA

KABUTO

2007-03-01T18:40:00.001+09:00

Dear Everyone,It was very beutiful day today. I hope you would have great day as well.We added a new items, Kabuto for decoration.We will have Boys' day on 5th of May.We added information about this day too.I wish our Kabuto and Kabuto goods will protect you from evils.regards,Natsu

Long Hanten - new colours, new designs

2007-02-28T18:05:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,I have cedar-pollen allergy.I know spring are just down there....We added new long hanten.We have five new colours, and two new designs.These long haten have 120cm length, comparing ordinal hanten has about 83-85cm.Long hanten are very popular among performers such as yosakoi dance performers and so on.Yosakoi is very energetic japanese dance.Not only dancers but audience can enjoy

New Alphabetical Index and New Links

2007-02-14T16:15:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,I hope you are all well.We are making new alphabetical index.(Not yet completed and being updated continuously.)We hope it will be of some help for you all.Also, we added a new Taiko team in our links-page.It is just a short note to update regarding our website.Best regads,Natsu xxxx

We added new Kesa

2007-02-09T15:37:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,Hello~!I know it is called "TGIF" in English -- Thanks God It's Friday.We say it is "HANAKIN" in Japanese, literally meaning, "Flower Friday".( But I am afraid that this word is slightly out of date now.)We like to describe something good as HANA-flower- , such as "Hanagata" = "Stars" of sports players, actors an so on.Now, we added new designed Kesa in our "Komusou & Religious

Samurai Glove Added

2007-02-08T11:33:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,Hi!As some of you mignt know, we have very warm winter in Japan this year.It is very beautiful morning in Tokyo today.I went to a park last weekend and took a photo of Ume ( Japanese plum).Let me share our early spring here in Japan with all of you.Now, we updated our weppage of "Warring States & Edo Period"We add a new item, Samurai Glove.The Samurai glove, acutally, is used as "

Jingasa's Mon Change

2007-02-07T16:11:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,We start "Jingasa Mon Changing".The original one has the Mon of "Aoi", which is famous for the family crest of the Tokugawa family. We can change this mon into your favourite mon at changing fee, 12000-yen.This fee is for one order. I hope our website satisfy your Samurai spirits!Best regards,NatsuP.S. Personal thanks;Ms. Boissoneeault and Ms. Tremblay from Canada.Thank you very

Bargain Price Kanzashi

2007-01-31T12:42:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,We added new Kanzashis."Kusudama" Kanzashi:So cute?These kind of Kanzashi is named "Kusudama" because its head(ball) is just like "Kusudama".The linked wiki does not say about one more "Kusudama" which should be more familiar in our daily life. That is huge Kusudama for congratulatory occasion such as school sports day. Winners can pull a string and break the "Kusudama" of

Links

2007-01-29T16:44:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,We added a Taiko team in our link page.More links will be posted soon.Thank you very much for your cooperations.Love,Natsu

New Kimono Coat

2007-01-24T16:08:00.000+09:00

Dear Everyone,Hi!We updated our website for a page of "Inexpensive Yukata" to addnew Kimono Coat and Haori for ladies."Inexpensive Yukata " Page ;http://www.shop-japan.co.jp/english-boku/cyukata.htm All are at 4400-yen!!Wow!I like the ume06-1007, which has collar called "Hifu".Very cute!regards,Natsu