Japanese Lifestyle Showcase
WAZA Shop, in collaboration with the JETRO Showroom, proudly presents the Japanese Lifestyle Showcase. This exclusive showcase features a curated selection of premium Japanese home goods—spanning kitchen and tabletop items, home decor, and more—blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Experience the artistry and quality of Japanese products through a unique collection of 10 brands, all handpicked for this special event.
The items are showcasing at WAZA Shop in Los Angeles between January 7 – March 7, 2025. This showcase is for both buyers and consumers to experience the selected items. We will be hosting special promotional events on February 15 – 16 and a B2B Buyer event for buyers on February 13 – 14.
Discover these remarkable products, meet brand representatives, and experience the essence of Japanese craftsmanship.
Featured Brands & Products
01
irogami
grater, chopsticks, chopstick rest
Tsuboe
The Irogami Grater by Tsuboe is a perfect blend of artistic design and practical utility, inspired by the intricate folds of Japanese origami. Made from durable aluminum, this compact and lightweight grater is designed to resemble a folded sheet of paper. Its rounded edge fits naturally in the palm, allowing for an ergonomic grip and effortless grating of ingredients such as ginger, cheese, and spices. The smooth, minimalist design makes it a modern addition to any kitchen.
Tsuboe, a legacy company based in Tsubame City, Japan, has over a century of expertise in precision metalworking. Tsubame City, part of the Tsubame-Sanjo region, is globally recognized for its unparalleled craftsmanship in creating high-quality metalware.
This grater, a testament to the region's dedication to functional artistry, has earned international acclaim, including the Chicago Athenaeum’s Good Design Award. It has also been showcased at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, underscoring its unique aesthetic appeal.
The Irogami series includes matching chopsticks and chopstick rests, available in vibrant colors that enhance both functionality and style. Tsuboe's commitment to quality ensures that each product embodies the heritage of Japanese metalworking while meeting the needs of modern lifestyles. Perfect for chefs, home cooks, or design enthusiasts, the Irogami Grater is both a tool and a piece of art, bringing elegance to everyday tasks.
02
La Feuille
Aluminum Leaf Plate
Koizumi Alumi
Koizumi Alumi reimagines traditional craftsmanship with the La Feuille Aluminum Leaf Plate, combining the organic beauty of a real leaf with modern functionality. Made using time-honored casting techniques from Kawaguchi City, Saitama, these plates offer intricate details that ceramics simply cannot replicate. Their lightweight yet unbreakable aluminum construction makes them a practical and elegant choice for any setting.
The baked-painted surface enhances durability, ensuring resistance to wear while maintaining its delicate appearance. Its heat-resistant coating allows for oven use up to 230°C, making it ideal for serving warm dishes, desserts, or even as a decorative centerpiece. Unlike traditional ceramics, these plates are virtually unbreakable, making them perfect for homes with children or for outdoor dining. Each plate is uniquely crafted using sand-mold techniques, showcasing subtle variations in texture and finish.
Koizumi Alumi’s dedication to preserving Japan’s metal-casting traditions ensures that every plate is a harmonious blend of heritage and innovation. Whether for special occasions or everyday meals, the La Feuille Plate adds a touch of artistry to your table.
03
EAtoCO
Nulu Butter Knife
Oros Grater
Yoshikawa Corporation
EAtoCO seamlessly combines minimalist design with practical innovation, elevating both kitchen functionality and dining elegance. The brand’s philosophy of “EAT + COOKING” is reflected in their thoughtfully crafted tools that bring joy and ease to everyday cooking.
Nulu Butter Knife: This sleek butter knife transforms hard butter into soft, thread-like strands for effortless spreading. Its diagonal holes are specifically designed to cut through even the firmest butter, ensuring smooth application. The serrated edge adds versatility, making it perfect for scraping burnt toast. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, the seamless construction ensures durability and hygiene, blending functionality with modern elegance.
Oros Grater: An elegant tray-like grater that’s stylish enough to grace your dining table. Its concave form holds grated ingredients, allowing precise control when adding fresh condiments like ginger or wasabi to soups and dishes. The razor-sharp stainless-steel blade ensures smooth grating without clogging, while the curved edges prevent spills. Perfect for use directly at the table, the Oros Grater effortlessly balances design and practicality.
EAtoCO tools inspire creativity in cooking and elevate everyday meals, bridging the gap between kitchen and dining experiences. Crafted for both functionality and style, these tools make “cooking + eating” a delightful, integrated experience.
04
CANARY
Heavy Duty Kitchen Scissors
Hasegawa Cutlery Co., Ltd.
Made in Seki City, Japan’s legendary cutlery hub, CANARY Kitchen Scissors offer unmatched sharpness and multifunctionality for modern kitchens. These heavy-duty scissors feature micro-serrated blades, ensuring precise and effortless cutting of meat, poultry, seafood shells, vegetables, and even tough materials like lobster shells. The ergonomic handle integrates seven essential kitchen tools, including a bottle opener, lid opener, nutcracker, and meat tenderizer, making it a versatile all-in-one kitchen accessory.
Crafted by Hasegawa Cutlery Co., Ltd., a respected cutlery manufacturer founded in 1933, these scissors are engineered for superior performance. The high-grade stainless steel blades are coated with a matte black electro-ceramic finish, offering enhanced rust resistance and long-lasting durability.
The removable blades allow for easy cleaning and are dishwasher-safe, withstanding temperatures up to 266°F (130°C). Beyond the kitchen, their versatile design extends to BBQs, camping, and outdoor activities, making them an essential tool for chefs, home cooks, and adventurers alike.
Hasegawa Cutlery continues to uphold Japan’s rich cutlery-making heritage, blending traditional techniques with modern innovations to create high-quality, functional tools.
05
NAGOMI Knives
Mitsuboshi Cutlery Co., Ltd.
A perfect blend of Japanese tradition and modern precision, NAGOMI knives are handcrafted in Seki City, Japan, a region renowned for its centuries-old sword-making heritage. Designed and developed by Mitsuboshi Cutlery, these knives balance razor-sharp cutting performance with ergonomic comfort, making them essential tools for both home cooks and professional chefs.
The NAGOMI Steak Knife is meticulously engineered for effortless slicing. The hollow-ground blade reduces friction, allowing for precise, clean cuts without tearing or crushing food. Crafted from molybdenum steel, it ensures long-lasting sharpness, while the laminated reinforced wood handle provides a comfortable grip. Each set includes two elegantly designed knives, making them ideal for fine dining and special occasions.
For versatile kitchen use, the NAGOMI Santoku Knife is an all-purpose chef’s knife that effortlessly handles vegetables, meat, and fish. Inspired by traditional Japanese Nakiri Bocho (vegetable knives) and cleavers, the Santoku’s broad blade design enhances stability and precision.
Each knife is crafted from 440A molybdenum steel, with a Rockwell hardness of 58, ensuring exceptional edge retention and durability. The handle, featuring stainless steel inlaid on laminated reinforced wood, offers superior balance and control.
Every NAGOMI knife undergoes a meticulous handcrafting process, completed by a limited number of apprenticed artisans. Each knife is unique, embodying the heritage of Japanese sharpening mastery. Mitsuboshi Cutlery carries forward the legacy of Seki City’s sword-making traditions, now applying advanced steel materials and modern forging techniques to create knives that redefine the culinary experience. Whether for precision slicing at the dining table or expert-level meal preparation, NAGOMI knives offer unparalleled craftsmanship and performance.
06
Japan Fragrance Series: Incense
SUGIHA (Shrine Cedar Leaf) | Hakka (Japanese Mint)
Seikatsunoki
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Japan with the Japan Fragrance Series, a curated collection designed to bring the essence of Japanese nature into your home. These products, crafted with care on Awaji Island, Japan’s historic center of incense-making, reflect centuries of tradition and craftsmanship. With natural fragrances and timeless designs, the Japan Fragrance Series creates a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.
- Incense Sugiha (Shrine Cedar Leaf): This incense captures the calming essence of Japanese shrines with its soothing aroma of smoked fallen leaves.
Derived from native Japanese cedar, the scent evokes the quiet tranquility of temple grounds and forests. Each 10-stick set includes a magnetized holder and saucer, blending convenience with elegance. - Incense Hakka (Japanese Mint): Brighten your space with the refreshing scent of Hakka, or Japanese mint. This unique fragrance combines the crispness of green leaves with a subtle citrus sweetness, invigorating the senses and uplifting the mood.
Packaged sustainably with eco-friendly materials, the 20-stick set offers a rejuvenating daily ritual. - Seto Ware Incense Holder: Handcrafted in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, this semi-polished porcelain holder embodies simplicity and sophistication.
Its understated gray tone and sturdy design complement any interior, providing a perfect base for your incense.
Crafted by SEIKATSU no KI, a lifestyle brand rooted in wellness and eco-conscious living since 1967, the Japan Fragrance Series celebrates harmony with nature. These premium products are perfect for relaxation, rejuvenation, or enhancing the aesthetic of any space, making them ideal for both consumers and buyers seeking authentic Japanese quality.
07
KOTOHA
Matcha-Scented Incense
Incense Kitchen
KOTOHA Matcha-Scented Incense redefines aromatic experiences by using premium Kyoto Uji matcha as its sole ingredient. These smoke-free incense pieces are not only eco-friendly but also beautifully designed, each shape inspired by ancient Japanese symbols of good fortune. When heated, they release a gentle, soothing tea aroma that transforms your space into a sanctuary of tranquility.
- Lucky Charms: This set includes 10 uniquely shaped incense pieces, each representing auspicious Japanese motifs. Crafted with sustainability in mind, the matcha is upcycled from factory-grade surplus, ensuring minimal waste. The fragrance lasts for about an hour and retains its elegant shape post-use, allowing it to double as a decorative aroma stone when infused with essential oils.
- Mon-yo Gift Box: Featuring 12 refined incense pieces, this boxed set offers a premium experience, ideal for gifting. Designed to evoke harmony and elegance, it provides the same smoke-free, long-lasting tea fragrance as the Lucky Charms collection.
Both collections are crafted by Incense Kitchen, a Kyoto-based company rooted in the art of matcha and Japanese culture.
Established in 2018, the brand offers workshops and products that celebrate the heritage of Uji, inviting global consumers to experience the unique aroma and charm of authentic Japanese matcha. Perfect for relaxation, gifting, or cultural appreciation, KOTOHA Incense bridges tradition and modern lifestyle.
08
Unbreakable Transparent Kyusu (Japanese Tea Pot)
Noguchi Tokutarosyoten Co., Ltd.
The Unbreakable Transparent Kyusu is a revolutionary teapot designed to bring convenience, safety, and an elevated brewing experience to tea enthusiasts. Made from heat-resistant polycarbonate, this teapot is shatterproof, lightweight (5.3 oz / 130g), and easy to handle, making it suitable for all ages, including children and the elderly. Its transparent body adds a visual element to tea brewing, allowing you to enjoy watching the tea leaves unfurl as they steep.
The kyusu maintains the classic long-spouted design of traditional Japanese teapots but incorporates modern ultrasonic welding technology, ensuring a seamless and durable build. The innovative stainless steel filter is designed to prevent clogging, creating a spacious interior that allows tea leaves to move freely and ensures smooth, flavorful brews with every pour. This thoughtful design supports multiple brews without leaving residual water, preserving the quality of the tea leaves.
Crafted by Noguchi Tokutaro Tea Garden, a historic tea company founded in 1874 in Ibaraki Prefecture, this kyusu carries over a century of expertise in tea culture.
Noguchi Tokutaro Tea Garden is renowned for its contributions to Japanese tea history, including Sashima-cha, the first Japanese tea exported to the United States. Combining tradition with modern functionality, the kyusu is compatible with green tea, black tea, roasted tea, herbal tea, and more. It is also dishwasher-safe, cold brew-compatible, and designed for effortless care, making it a versatile addition to any tea lover’s collection.
With a family crest engraved on the bottom, this kyusu embodies the rich heritage and dedication to quality of its makers, offering a perfect balance of tradition and innovation for the modern tea enthusiast.
09
Iwatemo
Cast Iron Kettles
Monolabon Co., Ltd.
The Iwatemo Cast Iron Kettle redefines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic. Designed by Finnish designer Ville Kokkonen, this kettle combines the rich heritage of Iwate Prefecture’s Nambu Tekki ironware with Scandinavian minimalism. Known for its exceptional durability and heat retention, the kettle maintains water temperature for an extended time, enhancing the depth and flavor of your tea. Its sleek, long handle and 650ml capacity make it ideal for both everyday use and as a centerpiece for elegant tea gatherings.
Crafted in Iwate, a region renowned for its skilled artisans and historical ironwork since the Edo period, the Iwatemo kettle undergoes a meticulous multi-step manufacturing process, ensuring superior quality.
The sandy “Suna-hada” surface is coated with a natural cashew-based matte finish that gradually develops a glossy patina with use, adding character over time. Its compatibility with all heat sources, including induction, makes it a versatile choice for modern kitchens.
The iron kettle’s thoughtful design also incorporates functional details like a smooth pour spout and an interior that resists rust. Water boiled in the kettle develops a softer, milder taste due to the properties of iron, elevating the tea-drinking experience. Whether for tea connoisseurs or those new to cast ironware, the Iwatemo kettle offers a timeless blend of tradition and innovation.
About the Brand: Iwate, Japan’s hub for Monozukuri craftsmanship, is celebrated for its Nambu Tekki ironware. The Iwatemo brand was born from a collaboration between Iwate artisans and Finnish designers Ville Kokkonen and Harri Koskinen. This partnership harmonizes the precision of Japanese traditional techniques with Scandinavian design, offering a refined collection that includes iron kettles, porcelain, and wooden furniture. Each piece embodies the rich cultural heritage and timeless elegance of its creators.
10
Nekojasuri Cat Groomer
Wataoka
The Nekojasuri, A Unique Bonding Tool Inspired by Cat Behavior was created to replicate the natural bond cats share when they groom each other. This innovative tool, developed by the Wataoka File Company in Hiroshima’s Nigata region, a historic hub for file manufacturing, allows humans to connect with their cats in a way that mimics this instinctual behavior. Using traditional file-making techniques, Nekojasuri features a textured surface remarkably similar to a cat’s tongue. The result is a comforting, soothing sensation that cats immediately recognize and respond to.
Many cats relax deeply, purring or even kneading as they experience the Nekojasuri’s gentle strokes. Designed for short-haired and senior cats, it provides extra care for those who might groom less often. Its ultra-fine patented teeth deliver a satisfying massage without pulling fur, creating a stress-free experience for both you and your cat.
Crafted from durable, washable, fade-resistant A.E.S. plastic, Nekojasuri is lightweight and features an ergonomic design for easy use. Available in Grayish Pink and Light Gray, its soothing tones complement any home decor.
With over 230,000 units sold in Japan, this award-winning tool reflects the craftsmanship of Wataoka File Company, which has been perfecting its techniques since 1890. Nekojasuri offers a unique way to bond with your furry friend, enhancing their well-being and creating moments of joy for both pet and owner.
Special Event
B2B Buyer Event
WAZA Shop in Los Angeles
By appointment only
Location: Japan House Los Angeles | WAZA Shop
Dates: February 13-14, 2025
A dedicated meeting space will be available for buyers to explore and discuss purchasing opportunities with brand representatives.
Collaboration With
About JETRO
Japan External Trade Organization
JETRO, or the Japan External Trade Organization, is a government-related organization dedicated to promoting mutual trade and investment between Japan and the world. Established in 1958, JETRO helps small to medium-sized Japanese firms expand their global presence and fosters foreign direct investment in Japan.