Best Japanese Lighting Brands (2026): Lamps, Lanterns, Pendants and Portable Lights
Best Japanese lighting brands: YAMAGIWA for design lighting, AKARI paper lamps by Noguchi and Ozeki, Ambientec and BALMUDA portables, and Panasonic.
Best Japanese Scissors Brands (2026): Sewing, Kitchen, Hair, Craft and Garden Shears
Best Japanese scissors brands by use: KAI and ALLEX for household and craft, Shozaburo for tailoring, Chikamasa and ARS for plants, KASHO for hair.
Best Japanese Umbrella Brands (2026): Rain, Folding, Clear, UV Parasols and Wagasa
Best Japanese umbrella brands by use: Wpc. and Waterfront for folding and rain, Tokyo Noble for premium craft, Sun Barrier 100 for parasols, plus wagasa.
Japanese Lacquerware Guide (2026): Best Regions, Urushi, Maki-e, Wajima and What to Buy
Japanese lacquerware guide: shikki vs urushi, the Wajima, Aizu, Echizen and Yamanaka traditions, maki-e and raden techniques, and how to buy by region.
Best Japanese Skateboard and Surf Brands (2026): Decks, Skate Clothing, Surfboards and Wetsuits
Best Japanese skateboard and surf brands: Evisen, Tightbooth and T19 for decks; TSSC, RockDance and Three Weather for boards; BeWET and Axxe for wetsuits.
Japanese Game Companies (2026): 32 Best, Biggest and Most Famous Developers, Studios and Publishers
Japanese game companies mapped by role: Nintendo, Sony, Bandai Namco, Sega, Capcom, Square Enix and Konami, plus arcade, mobile, gacha and indie studios.
Japanese Luxury Brands (2026): Fashion, Bags, Watches and Pens at Japan Prices
Japanese luxury brands by category: designer houses like Comme des Garçons, Grand Seiko watches, Mikimoto pearls and pen makers, with Japan prices.
Most Expensive Ukiyo-e Prints Ever Sold (2026): Auction Records and Real Prices
The most expensive ukiyo-e print is Hokusai’s Great Wave, HK$21.7 million (about US$2.8 million) at Sotheby’s in November 2025. We list the other records.
Japanese Shampoo and Hair Care Brands (2026): Drugstore vs Salon, With Prices
Japanese shampoo and hair care brands in three tiers (drugstore, premium and salon), matched to dry, oily, coloured and thinning hair, with live prices.
Hobonichi Techo 2027 From Japan: Books, Covers, Prices and How to Buy Abroad
Hobonichi Techo 2027 from Japan: on sale since 1 September 2026, Original ¥2,860, Cousin ¥4,620, Weeks ¥2,860. Every book and cover, and how to buy abroad.