During this National Day holiday, if you’re traveling to Japan, it would be a pity to go through all the trouble just for shopping. From September 30 (Wednesday) to October 13 (Tuesday), Takashimaya will host the NIPPONものがたり (Japanese Story) event, showcasing Japan’s relentless pursuit of craftsmanship in items from tradition to modernity. From century-old shop treasures to the latest creations by cutting-edge designers and pastry artists, every displayed piece can be considered a work of art. Simply browsing through is a journey of discovery where traditional Japanese culture meets modern creativity.
The Exquisite Art of Japan — Dessert Jewelry
Q-pot is a popular fashion jewelry boutique among Japanese girls, known for its accessories designed to look like lifelike desserts. This time, the sweet and delicious matcha Mont Blanc cake has been turned into jewelry available exclusively at Takashimaya in limited quantities. Whether worn on your person or hung from your bag, it’s both mouthwatering and full of happiness.
(Left) Matcha Mont Blanc Cake Necklace 10,260 JPY (tax included)
(Top Right) Matcha Mont Blanc Cake Ring 6,480 JPY (tax included)
(Bottom Right) Matcha Mont Blanc Cake Bag Charm 7,020 JPY (tax included)
Where to buy? Takashimaya Shinjuku and Osaka stores
Traditional Japanese Red “Akane” Stationery
Akane is a traditional Japanese red color, dyed using the juice extracted from the roots of madder plants. Slightly darker than pure red, it is often used to describe the color of the sky under the setting sun. Before written history in Japan, the "Records of Wei: Account of the Wa People" from China's Three Kingdoms period mentioned that Queen Himiko of Japan presented dyed akane-colored fabrics to the Wei Kingdom. Akane is also the color of autumn, evoking images of the slanting autumn sun and ripe fruits. Displaying one or two pieces of this akane-colored stationery in your study during the autumn season adds a touch of elegance.
(Bottom Right) Ancient Japanese Akane-Dyed Deer Antler Pen Holder with Steel Pen 77,760 JPY (tax included)
(Middle) Akane Ink by Japanese Century-Old Brand Sailor 2,160 JPY (tax included)
(Left) Akane-Lacquered Glass Paperweight by Glassware Brand Hirota Garasu 8,640 JPY (tax included)
(Bottom Left) Akane-Lined Letter Paper and Envelopes by Shosan-do Hashimoto 4,104 JPY (tax included)
Where to buy? Takashimaya Nihonbashi and Kyoto stores
Traditional Japanese Painting — Kutani-yaki Candy Boxes
Kutani-yaki gets its name from the region of Kutani in Japan and has a history of 350 years. It flourished in the 19th century when the Kaga Domain invited artisans from across the country to create crafts. Influenced by Chinese polychrome painting introduced to Japan at the end of the Ming Dynasty, Kutani-yaki is elegant and luxurious, with a strong Chinese aesthetic. Candy boxes were originally used to hold sweets given during royal celebrations and later became symbols of courtly items. Today, Kutani-yaki candy boxes can be used to hold small snacks, candies, or even jewelry.
(Top) Persian Pattern 7,020 JPY (tax included)
(Middle Right) Sword Plum Bowl 6,480 JPY (tax included)
(Bottom Left) Checkered Pattern 27,000 JPY (tax included)
Crane and Flat Sugar 1 Box 1,080 JPY (tax included)
Where to buy? Takashimaya Nihonbashi, Shinjuku, Tamagawa, Yokohama, Osaka, and Kyoto stores
Creative Craftsmanship by Young Artisans — Wagashi
It is said that in ancient Japan, when food was scarce, people would forage wild fruits such as chestnuts and persimmons from trees as snacks, called “kashi,” which is the origin of “wagashi.” Before sugar was introduced to Japan, sweetness could only be extracted from sprouted rice or plant sap, making it a rare luxury. That’s why “wagashi” still emphasizes a sense of premium sweetness.
With the introduction of tea to Japan, the tea-drinking culture became popular, and sweets began appearing on tea trays. After the wars of the Edo period subsided, wagashi evolved by integrating Tang Dynasty sweets brought by envoys, as well as cakes and biscuits introduced by Europeans. To this day, Kyoto’s Kyogashi and Edo’s Jyogashi are the most famous.
1. Mont Blanc Daifuku 1 pc 324 JPY (tax included)
Japanese chestnut paste wrapped around the outer layer of mochi, filled with white bean paste and fresh cream flavored with rum
2. Yobukou Vanilla ~ Mallow Flower Kuzu Soup ~ 1 pack 324 JPY (tax included)
A kuzu soup made with blue flowers and mallow blossoms. It starts off purple-blue, but after adding lemon and stirring... it magically turns pink.
3. Mochi-style jelly dessert "Ribure" One stick 1,296 yen (tax included)
A red bean jelly infused with brown sugar and rum, topped with a slice of lemon preserved in syrup and wrapped in clear agar.
4. Black tea confection "Deshi" 2 pieces 432 yen (tax included)
The brown swirls on the confection resemble the patterns of pottery fired at Deshi Kiln, hence the name. With the aroma of black tea and the refreshing taste of preserved lemon, it’s perfect as an afternoon tea treat.
Where to buy? Takashimaya Nihonbashi, Shinjuku, Tamagawa, Yokohama, Osaka, and Kyoto stores
Modern reinterpretations of traditional Japanese craft materials
Traditional woven headpiece (left)
This headpiece was created by fashion designer Akio Tomoko, who blended sheer fabrics and floral motifs with a modern sensibility to reflect an elegant and refined Japanese aesthetic.
Hairpin 19,440 yen (tax included)
Hair accessory 17,280 yen (tax included)
Where to buy? Takashimaya Nihonbashi, Shinjuku, Yokohama, Osaka, and Kyoto stores
Kaga Yuzen silk scarf (right) 51,840 yen (tax included)
Known as the “garment of a heavenly maiden,” it is as light as a breeze and as transparent as water’s surface. The fabric is woven from threads about one-fifth the thickness of a human hair, creating an exquisitely delicate material, which is then dyed using traditional techniques by Kaga Yuzen artisan Hitoshi Maeda.
Where to buy? Takashimaya Nihonbashi, Shinjuku, Yokohama, Osaka, and Kyoto stores
Washi paper handbag (bottom) All 41,040 yen (tax included)
Compared to modern paper, washi fibers are much longer, making it thin yet remarkably strong. Designer Ryo Koizumi adhered washi to wool and used a special technique to shrink it, creating a pattern resembling snake skin. This material is durable enough for dry cleaning when used in clothing, and makes for lightweight yet sturdy handbags.
Where to buy? Takashimaya Nihonbashi, Yokohama, and Osaka stores
Whether you’re in bustling Shinjuku, the traditionally charming Nihonbashi, the lively streets of Osaka, or the serene elegance of Kyoto, Takashimaya is always nearby, gracefully showcasing masterpieces that beautifully blend Japan’s breathtaking traditional craftsmanship with inspired modern artistry. If an unwavering pursuit of quality is the soul of this country, then this “Japan Story” exhibition is a window into the soul of Japanese culture. Only a glimpse can be offered here—many more artworks await your discovery. How could you not come explore, and how could you miss this rare opportunity and leave with regret?