When I first saw this gachapon machine filled with little plastic champagne towers, I thought WAT? Who needs a set of miniature, light-up, host club furniture? I mean, even though it’s pretty happenin’ how they change color and all… …I wasn’t instantly throwing all my money at the coin changer. Until… • Jonelle Patrick writes mysteries […]
Category Archives: Made In Japan
May
20
Confessions Of A Shiba Stalker
posted by Jonelle Patrick
Okay, I’m going to come right out and admit I don’t actually have a dog. You would, however, be forgiven for assuming that I was knee-deep in shiba inus, on account of I own a scary amount of stuff that is almost exclusively bought by fanatical pet owners who, uh, own shiba inus. But if that wasn’t bad enough, it gets worse. I stalk them. […]
May
11
A Leopard For Your Butt
posted by Jonelle Patrick
I’ve seen fruit for your patootie and warriors for your derriere, but this is the first time I’ve encountered top-of-the-food-chain predators for your butt. Am trying hard not to imagine the Japanese bathroom where this would fit right in… • Jonelle Patrick writes mysteries set in Tokyo
April
21
The Hypnotic Tail-Wagging Cat Clock
posted by Jonelle Patrick
Walking down the street in Ome, I discovered something that totally flipped my three-hour trip to see a garden filled with no blooming azaleas into the win column: the tail-wagging cat clock! BEHOLD ITS MESMERIZING POWER: Can’t. Stop. Watching. (Except to scurry around online like a crazed, tail-wagging weasel to figure out who makes these and where to buy […]
April
02
Please Tell Me This Isn’t Really A Thing
posted by Jonelle Patrick
GLAMPING. Camping + Glamour = Glamping? No. In fact, all flavors of charcoal-toasted NO. On a stick. Those two words don’t belong together EVER. Except, maybe, in Japan. Where you can purchase rugged tents like these: And toast yourself some classic campfire treats with this: And you can even bring Fifi. Update: OMG, what should I see this morning but an actual news […]
March
28
Shiba Inu Rice Balls
posted by Jonelle Patrick
I don’t usually crave a quarter pounder of rice and seaweed in the middle of my day, but if I knew one of these was in my brown bag, I’d be counting the minutes ’til lunch. • Jonelle Patrick writes mysteries set in Tokyo. Nightshade is the first one…
March
21
Tamao Shigemune: Modern Kimono To Die For
posted by Jonelle Patrick
So you think you can’t rock a kimono because you’re not Japanese? Think again! Tamao Shigemune designs modern versions of traditional Japanese women’s wear with a distinctly Parisian twist, and guess what? You can see them (and try her new summer collection on!) right now in Tokyo, through Sunday March 26th. Tamao Shigemune will be showing her collection at that […]
