Renewal Spaces, Pop Up Coffee Stand in Tokyo

Take the neighborhood road behind the busy streets of Omotesando and you might catch the lingering scent of roasted coffee. It's certainly hard to miss, Omotesando Koffee gives little indication of its location. What used to be an old Japanese house is now home to a coffee stand, a minimalist cube structure plants itself in the entrance space. Having gained a lot of popularity through Instragram posts and magazine articles, a single barista works in a lightening speed fashion to accommodate the long line of curious coffee seekers. If you can find a space on the bench nearby, bask in the zen atmosphere of the small garden in front while you enjoy a delicious blend of espresso coffee. 

http://ooo-koffee.com/

Japanese Kakigori Summer

Summer in Japan is hot, but it's the humidity that makes the heat unbearable. People cool themselves off with fans or make their own shade by carrying parasols, however, for some real refreshment, everyone looks forward to a colder, tastier treat. Kakigori, or shaved ice, is a little bit of snow heaven amidst the relentless blazing sun. The store front will usually have a hanging sign that simply says "ice" in Japanese, and with recent scorching temperatures, it's like looking at a magical oasis.

TV shows and magazines rank kakigori shops during the summer, which makes everyone flock to the popular locations. Though the buzz adds to the long wait in line, it's worth it. The delicate fluffiness and delicious topping sauce are simply not to be missed. Flavors range from fruity to traditional tastes like green tea or soy bean (kinako). Unlike ice cream it doesn't fill up your stomach, so you might finish wanting seconds! Why don't they have this in New York?

 

Kinako kakigori

 

Kiwi kakigori

 

Kinmokusei (Fragrant olive) kakigori

 

Blueberry kakigori

 

Strawberry milk kakigori

Japanese Face: Cool Facial Masks!

The variety and multitude of Japanese beauty care products can be a bit overwhelming. Anti-aging, skin whitening, skin brightening... Women pursue great lengths to avoid skin damage, especially during the summer. "UV rays" is the running key phrase during the season and one can't help but take note on how to maintain beautiful skin.

But skin regiments don't always have to be serious!

Japanese company Isshin Do Honpo has proved it can be fun as well!

 Their new line of facial sheet masks since last year have struck a huge craze and it's clear to see why.

 Unfortunately they're not sold internationally, so make sure to pick one up during your next visit to Tokyo!

"Kabuki Face Pack"

Skincare addicts and traditional Japanese art fans alike can both appreciate this fun way to cleanse the skin while looking like a Kabuki theatre actor! Sold at the famous Kabukiza theatre.

"Animal Face Pack"

Animal lovers won't be left behind during this trend either! Available at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo, Animal Face Packs are on sale to not only to turn yourself into a ferocious tiger, but part of the profits go to maintaining the zoo's upkeep and animal habitats! 

Learn more about these cool masks on their website!

Egoyomi: Japanese Picture Calendars

Here at Commune, we're ecstatic that our owner Aki is expecting a baby girl next month in March!

As her maternity leave begins next Sunday, we have been very busy accommodating her clients' appointments before she goes on her break. Her weekend schedule is often fully booked a week before with a number of requests to be on the waiting list. Despite the frenzy, we are looking forward to her due date and counting down the days.

Did you know during the Edo period in Japan, people referred to image based calendars to understand what month it was? These rather creative calendars were called Egoyomi ("picture-calendar") and designed for those who were illiterate with "hidden" element. During this period, each month was either 29 or 30 days and distinguished as "small months" (Sho no tsuki) or "large months" (Dai no tsuki). Every 2 or 3 years, a thirteenth month called Uru-zuki was included to incorporate leap year.

Can you believe that this late Edo Ee ja nai ka parade theme picture is actually a calendar? The "large months" are represented as men and "small months" as women with a child as the leap year month. The clothes also distinguished its respective month. Can you guess which one is January?

How about this one Momotaro-themed one? The character pertains to the Year of the Dog and again has the hidden element to represent the months. Can you identify where?

Tada! Here the large months (大 - dai) are concealed on his shoulder. Very clever.

  

Not all calendars however were so tricky. Take this one from 1840, the Year of the Rat. This one lays out each month with two rat characters as a story narrative for the year.

We can only imagine how real people used these calendars long ago in Japan, it would certainly be difficult to schedule appointments this way! Although these are absolutely fascinating, we prefer sticking to the good 'ol numerical calendars. See more of these Egoyomi calendars here!

Summer Festival Yukata Season

Summer festival season is well under way in Japan, with some of the major firework festival shows in Tokyo like Sumida River Fireworks and Tokyo Bay Fireworks coming up at the end of July and beginning of August, respectively. Although it's one of the hottest and most humid times of the year, going to a festival and dressing up in a summer yukata certainly makes up for it!

The yukata collar falls nicely behind the neck, making an up-do hairstyle an ideal way to show off the neckline and cool off from the summer heat. 

We love seeing a girl in a yukata and these styles make us wish we were in Japan!

Here's a list of summer festivals and firework shows for those planning to travel to Japan this year!

      

A Brief History of Western Salons in Japan

Look at those retro orange cushion dryers!

Hair says a lot about history. 

Coming across these old photos of Japanese hair styles makes you think about how western fashion was becoming an influence to Japanese women and how Japanese salons have adapted since.

The year is 1923. 

Japan is going through a cultural revolution as the Taisho Era (1912-1926) brings more influences from the West and push toward modernity. Chieko Yamano, a 27 year beautician who had come back from training in New York City, set up one of Japan's first western salons in the Maru building across from the iconic Tokyo station. With 20 assistants employed in western clothing, Yamano was among the many figures to help change the way Japanese women felt about hair.

Drastic setbacks like the Great Kanto earthquake and WWII made it more difficult for building new salons and many people didn't have the means to afford a new hair-do.



But Japan's rapid determination to recover during the post war period accelerated images of Western styles and soon new salon technologies made it possible for these styles to arise. Hair perms would become increasing popular.

Imagine walking into a salon and attaching this to your head!

Early Showa Era

1940's - 1950's Hair Styles

1960's Hair Styles

Sources: 

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2012/07/29/general/the-taisho-era-when-modernity-ruled-japans-masses/

http://wiki.livedoor.jp/makitaro999/c/3375/ (Japanese)

Nanbu Ironware from Hanamaki City, Iwate

Mt. Iwate at Sunset

Iwate, Japan.

A coastal prefecture located northeast of Tokyo, Iwate is famous for its wanko soba, morioka reimen and dairy. But perhaps it is most known for being the birthplace of Nanbu Ironware ("Nanbu Tekki"), a long and celebrated tradition of iron casting craftmanship.

A region already famed for its rich iron mineral deposits and casting, Iwate became the top producer of ironware when artisans from Kyoto brought their method of their iron production in the late 17th century. Craftsmen began to minimize their huge cauldron pots to the produce the now world renowned Japanese iron tea pot.

Nanbu Tekki Tea Pot

400 years of passed down regional heritage, iron production has expanded to many impressive crafts like pans, ashtrays, wind chimes, paper weights, bottle openers, and iron coasters.

Our gift section is proud to introduce this traditional aesthetic from Hanamaki city in Iwate. These coasters are beautiful as well as simplistic in design. 
Iwate was one of the grief-striken regions of the 2011 tsunami earthquake. We encourage you to learn about the history of Japanese craftware and hope you enjoy our other new additions from Japan.

Aki is now back in Brooklyn from her home trip to Japan, and snapped just before jumping in the plane these pretty images of Tokyo by night. We definitely feel the eye of the wandering traveler...
Happy to have you back!

hot springs haven

Aki, our owner is currently taking a -well deserved- vacation back home and has been traveling east of Tokyo to the country side.  She sent us yesterday these beautiful pictures of lush nature from her hot-spring spa trip to Yugawara (Kanagawa). 

The resort is known to be one of the oldest in the country and its water to have ancient healing properties...
We want to go!!!

Next,  pictures of her city: Tokyo. 

Have fun Aki and keep documenting your trip!

Clean and Cleanse

 In Japan, there is a lovely tradition called Oosouji which is a special end of year cleaning. 

May it be your home or work space, Oosouji is an effort to drive out any impure influences that may have taken up residence during the previous year and welcome the new one in a fresh, clean space.

Here are some inspiring images of organized and clean spaces we would love to start the year in!

We wish you a happy and fulfilling new year.

 ~  Sweep away 2011!  ~

A taste of home

There is a restaurant on our block that we Looove. Have you been?

Their long and convivial communal table makes you want to share simple and delicious cooked meals like at home.  

Kind of the perfect spot for a hot noodle soup these days... they serve it like no other in Williamsburg!

Samurai Mama Tavern 

click for details