The Freshen-Up Pouch

Like any good consumer, I have a pouch for all occasions — particularly for visits to the ladies room. After all, how tacky would it be to flaunt a sanitary napkin around the office. It’s like saying, “Hello world! Guess what time of the month it is!?”

Classy ladies always stay fresh, but they’re also discreet about it. So whether it’s a toothbrush, an eyeliner pencil, a Biore powder sheet, or that time of the month, I’m sure to keep it packed in a cute little bag.

Some of my favorite accessories come from Artisan&Artist, which specializes in small pouches packed with tons pockets. Quality-wise, they’re durable and the zipper never gets caught on loose strings hanging at the seams. Believe me, when you’re rushing to find your lip gloss in a crowded Tokyo intersection a sturdy zipper really helps!

Here in Los Angeles, I don’t see many people using these type of small, utilitarian bags. I have a feeling it’s because we keep all our stuff sprawled out in the backseat of our car. In Tokyo, however, you’re dependent on public transportation, so it’s hard to stay fresh as roses when you’re cooped up in a musty commuter train, especially in the dead of summer. That’s why the ‘freshen-up pouch’ is a girl’s best friend.

Designer Shinzi Katoh also has a bunch of cute little bags. Check them out! I know you want one~! \(^o^)/

Himawari

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Best Lunch Ever!

For a limited time only, 7-Eleven (Japan) is offering a special bento box commemorating the 20th anniversary of Chibi Maruko, Japan’s animated sweetheart.

The $11 meal includes a two-tiered plastic container, a mini fork and a mini tote bag. Inside the box you’ll find an assortment of tasty morsels like bacon-wrapped asparagus, a grilled meat patty, seasoned vegetables, cheesy potatoes and a rice ball. Best lunch ever! \(^o^)/

Bento boxes are what I love about Japan’s 7-Eleven. They’re quick, cute, nutritious and affordable. And from time to time you’ll come across one of these synergistic meal deals that also make a great collector’s item.

Chibi Maruko is one of the most-watched animated series in Japan, airing Sunday evenings just before dinnertime. It’s a wholesome show depicting the often comical idiosyncrasies of Japanese family life. With the show’s mass-appeal, I’m sure the bento box will be sold out before it even hits shelves.

It’s just too bad that nothing as fun as this comes to 7-Eleven in the U.S. Though when I think about it, those Simpson’s Movie and Domo-kun collectibles from the past couple years were pretty cool. Maybe there’s more to come? Family Guy bento box, perhaps!?

Himawari

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My Seal of Friendship

My friend has been feeling very sad and lonely lately. I feel bad, but with work and other obligations in the way I can’t be there for her 24/7.

So the next best thing I could do is give her one of my lovable ‘Shirotan’ pets:

I discovered this little guy at a shop in Japan called Mother Garden. They mostly specialize in adorable pet accessories, but also have a few toys hanging around for humans, too. Shirotan is a seal pup who likes disguising himself as other animals like penguins, elephants, lions, and random things like strawberries and bumblebees. (It’s Japan. Don’t question it.)

He’s the most adorable thing I’ve seen since Rirakkuma and Piyochan, and he’s always there whenever you need a hug. Memory foam-like material makes him ultra soft and cuddly.

The cool thing about Shirotan’s costumes is that they’re fastened by velcro, so you can change his clothes to your liking.

Hopefully, Shirotan will be able to keep my friend company and maybe even make her smile… otherwise, I’m taking him back!!

Himawari

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japanizmo, a Los Angeles based company, provides practical solutions for U.S. ? Japan business projects. Our experienced Japanese staff will support all phases of your business project to seize business opportunities and turn your vision into a reality. >> Learn more

Thermos: Much Cuter in Japan

I’ve been in the market for a water bottle. It needs to handle anything hot and must look super cute. I know it’s silly, but it’s in my female genes to surround myself with cute, adorable things. Don’t you think?

So after an extensive internet search I found a $26 winner:

Note the eye-pleasing apple pattern and color combination. It may only carry 250 ml of liquid, but I’ll still tote it around like it’s my only reason for living. The only problem is that it’s only available in Japan. Boo~!

Afternoon Tea is a chain shop that specializes in adorable “zakka-hin,” a.k.a., dishware/small houseware items. Zakka-hin is such a big industry in Japan, you’ll find shops popping out of nearly every Tokyo corner. So it makes sense that Thermos, the original bottle company itself, would team up with Afternoon Tea to create not only this but a whole line of cute tumblers.

Though it almost makes me mad that Thermos, an American company, only produces cute products for Japan and not us. Take a look at their U.S. site here and you’ll see for yourself. It just goes to show that when it comes to cuteness, not all bottles are created equal.

I’m about to call Thermos right now to tell them how I feel. Anyone want to join me?!

Himawari

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Save a Tree, Buy Some Chopsticks

Deforestation is still a huge problem in the world and it especially hits home for us chopstick-holding types. On a typical week, I’ll blow through a dozen or so disposable sticks. …Yikes, I’m a tree killer!

So to ease my conscience, I started searching for cool utensils I won’t need to later feed the garbage can. Here are my favorites:

Can’t stand getting your fingers greased up in a bag of potato chips? Here’s the tool for you: Chip sticks! It spares the annoyance of licking your fingers clean as you play Warcraft. Toss a bowl of rice into the bag and you’ve got dinner! ($4.32)

Not a day goes by at Los Angeles’ Japanese markets where you don’t see a bunch of anime-loving teens ogling boxes of Pocky on the shelf. I’m not sure what the fascination is, but I’m sure it’s thanks to Glico‘s marketing team putting it in our heads that a stick-like cookie covered in chocolate is the next best thing to heaven. Now you can pick up and eat Pocky using — what else? — a pair of Pocky sticks! How cute is that! ($4)

Contrary to popular belief, Asians are not genetically predisposed to eating with chopsticks. We had to practice just like everyone else. So for those of you who can’t keep them still between your fingers, here’s the utensil for you. They’re hinged together at the top end and ribbed at the bottom to prevent embarrassing slips. Practice with them and in a few weeks you’ll be able to take down flies! ($13)

Himawari

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Thinking of doing business in Japan? We can make it easy for you!
japanizmo, a Los Angeles based company, provides practical solutions for U.S. ? Japan business projects. Our experienced Japanese staff will support all phases of your business project to seize business opportunities and turn your vision into a reality. >> Learn more