Juichimen-Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy

Buddhist statues are somewhat of an obsession for artist Kenji Notani. In particular, it was the eleven-headed bodhisattva (Juichimen-Kannon) that caught his eye at a temple one day in Nara City. He took out a sketch book, began drawing — and hasn’t stopped since.

This particular bodhisattva is the Goddess of Mercy whose job is to save each one of us from suffering and anguish. Human suffering was so immense that she split her head into 11 parts to absorb it all. Japanizmo is proud to feature Notani’s work in our RiseUp Japan collection because it is our sincere wish that the Goddess of Mercy would extend her good graces on the people of Northern Japan.

This heavy-weight, high-quality cotton T-shirt comes in a choice of 16 different colors ($25.99). It’s also available in organic tees ($28.99) and form-fitting tees especially for women ($27.99).

A gifted animation artist, Notani has worked at Sanrio Co. and Nickelodeon Animation Studios during his long career, undoubtedly drawing an array of cutesy images. But it’s the image of Buddhist gods — in its serenity and solemn splendor — that has truly captured his heart. Notani hopes the gods will capture your heart as well.

Himawari

—————————————————————————
Visit us on facebook!

—————————————————————————
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

Wired on Sweets

There’s no end to my obsession with all things sweet. I dream about swimming in a pool of melted chocolate and opening a closet stacked with strawberry sponge cake. I want to wear a sundress made of crepe and Nutella!

So here’s a tasty accessory that’ll satisfy my unhealthy obsession:

That’s right, it’s an iPod cord clamped with a fish and a pancake. They’re actually two of my favorite Japanese sweets called Dorayaki and Taiyaki — hot, iron-grilled cakes filled with sweet red-bean paste. You’ll find all kinds of variations throughout Japan, stuffed with custard, strawberries and cream, or mixed with green tea powder. Though it’s a novel creation to fill them with a bundle of wires.

The accessories don’t just hang pretty; they serve as a spool, helping you wind up annoyingly long cords dangling from your ears. They’re soft and springy so they almost feel like the real thing, only without the sweet filling.

When I get them ($5), I need to remind myself not to get in the habit of gnawing on them. It’ll end up being a real shocker if I do!

Himawari

—————————————————————————
Visit us on facebook!

—————————————————————————
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

Argument on a Roll

Here’s a great present for couples wanting settle arguments in a jiffy — a “couple dice.”

The way it works is that you roll the die to see what words pop up. One says either “I am sorry” or “You are sorry.” Another says, “I clean,” “You clean” or “Together.” It’s a brilliant invention made for conflicting opinions that really don’t stand to be settled in an hour-long battle of the sexes.

There’s also “I pay,” “You pay,” and “Dutch” when you’re tired of playing a game of “get the bill.” Personally, I’m not one to argue — If you really want to pay the bill, be my guest.

And then there’s “I wash,” “You wash” and “Together,” in which all sorts of fun can ensue…washing the dog.

Couples can rejoice in letting petty arguments be settled by an unbiased arbitrator, and at a fraction of the cost of a good divorce lawyer. The only thing that’s missing with this dice is a magnetic device that can roll the words to my favor. That way you’ll get a free dinner every time!

Himawari

—————————————————————————
Visit us on facebook!

—————————————————————————
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

Shirts That Rise to the Occasion

Japanizmo has a new online store called “RiseUp Japan,” where we’ll feature cool products created by amazing Japanese artists. Sale proceeds will be donated to Japanese charity organizations to help survivors of the Northern Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

Our featured artist is Ichiro Kumiji, whose calligraphy has been seen on Namco Bandai video games, Hollywood event merchandise for Sho Kosugi, and gallery exhibits throughout Japan.

Kumiji’s brush strokes are a thing of beauty. For anyone who has ever tried maneuvering a Japanese calligraphy brush, you’ll know it takes focus and a deft hand to pour raw feelings onto the paper. With a single stroke, Kumiji can convey both joy and heartache, sadness and love.

The Hiroshima native has teamed up with Japanizmo to create this special T-shirt line, “RiseUp Japan.” Shirts comes in several sizes and in an array of 16 colors. There’s also organic T’s and women’s T’s specially tailored for slimmer curves. To buy your shirt, click here. ($25.99-$28.99)

Himawari

—————————————————————————
Visit us on facebook!

—————————————————————————
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