Gifting in Japan requires that the wrapping be nearly as precious as what’s inside, but I can never remember how to tie a traditional silk furoshiki without the book that reminds me how to fold and tuck the corners so it doesn’t turn out looking like I’m offering someone a wad of laundry.
But even fumblefingered moi can pop these uber-cute animal boxlets open and reap full points for birthday present-ing!
And best of all, these aren’t from some expensive boutique card shop, they’re from Shimojima, where thrifty office managers and boutique owners shop the eight floors of supplies for bulk necessities. Now that Ito-ya has become a sad museum-like emporium of expensive and twee, get thee to this stationery bonanza out in Asakusa-bashi to satisfy your Japanese pen, pencil & All Things Only In Japan cravings!
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The Last Tea Bowl Thief was chosen as an Editor’s Pick for Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense on Amazon
“A fascinating mix of history and mystery.” —Booklist
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
Only In Japan 
Adorable! I like the wad of laundry! I’ve tried to wrap gifts like that and I get the same results you did! LOL!
My sistah
😀
I had put Ito-ya on my list of stationary shops to go to but I’ll change now!!!!
Yeah, have you not been back there since they “remodeled”? I was SO SAD that they turned into just another high-end boutique for overpriced stuff you don’t need ( ; _ ; ) But Shimojima is stepping up to fill the gap, cheaply and utterly thoroughly! (It’s a bit more out of the way and not quite as charming, but far bigger!)
No I had not, it was on my list of places to go last year but I didn’t have time… also I have enough stickers and letter sets to open my own little shop so I really should stop buying more…