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19th Century Nori Production in Japan Illustrated by Hiroshige Utagawa

Premium Nori Seaweed: The Fine Wine of the Sea

September 7, 2024 No Comments

Just like the world’s finest wines, our premium nori seaweed is not just any nori—it’s sourced from Mikuniya, a company renowned for its exceptional quality and deep expertise in selecting the very best seaweed. In the same way that the quality of wine begins with the careful selection of grapes at the perfect moment, the quality of premium nori seaweed starts with the expert selection of seaweed from ideal growing conditions. Choosing Nori Like a Bottle of Château Margaux Just like selecting a fine wine, choosing nori requires true expertise. At Mikuniya, skilled tasters act much like sommeliers, relying on years

Head Gardener tending at a hundred years old red pine in Japanese Garden in Yamaguchi

Japanese Garden we should visit in Yamaguchi

September 7, 2024 No Comments

A few years ago, while exploring the western end of Japan, we stumbled upon a stunning garden that instantly captivated us. Built in the early 20th century, this serene haven was partly designed by Juei Goto, a renowned garden designer from Kyoto, in 1935. However, some sections of the garden remain shrouded in mystery, with their creators unknown. What struck us most was the sense of peace and tranquility. There were not many visitors around at all, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in the beauty of the surroundings. As we wandered through the garden, it felt as though we were

nori sheets made of premium seaweed benefits your health and the planet with its sustainable farming and environmental impact

Nori Seaweed Benefits: The Delicious wrap is great fo the Planet!

September 5, 2024 No Comments

Did You Know? Nori is an Environmental Superstar! Just one hectare of Japanese seaweed, like our superior-quality nori (about the size of two football fields), absorbs 20 to 30 tons of carbon dioxide per year—that’s like taking 15 cars off the road! Seaweed is also up to 5 times more efficient at absorbing CO2 than the same area of forest. Plus, eating seaweed doesn’t reduce its environmental benefits! Seaweed absorbs carbon as it grows, and when it’s harvested, it makes space for new seaweed to grow and continue capturing CO2. So, when you enjoy nori, you’re making a healthy choice for

Various thickness and shapes of sharpening stones designed specifically for care and maintenance of high quality garden, floral and sewing scissors

Give a Lil’ Love: Caring for Your Scissors

August 3, 2024 No Comments

Our high-quality, handcrafted scissors are built to last a lifetime, but even the finest tools need a little love to stay in top shape. That’s where our scissor maintenance gear comes in. We offer a variety of shapes and thicknesses of sharpening stones, specially designed for scissor care. Unlike sharpening stones for knives, which are often too thick to go around the receiving blade or non-straight shapes of scissors, our stones ensure precise sharpening without disassembling the blades. In addition, our 100% Camellia Seed Oil is the perfect non-drying tool oil. One bottle goes a long way, as it is versatile

Sumo Wrestler Ukiyoe art Credit: Musée national des arts asiatiques - Guimet, Paris

The Peculiar Connection Between Sumo Wrestlers and Grip Scissors

August 2, 2024 No Comments

While sumo wrestling may seem worlds apart from the art of crafting with Grip Scissors, the two are connected through the traditional grooming and presentation of sumo wrestlers. The Importance of the “Mage” Topknot In sumo wrestling, a wrestler’s appearance is integral to their identity. The traditional topknot hairstyle, or “mage”, symbolises a wrestler’s rank and discipline. Maintaining this iconic hairstyle requires precision and expertise, which is where specialised Grip Scissors come into play. How Grip Scissors Are Used Hairdressers for sumo wrestlers often use a type of Grip Scissors known as “katamaru“. These scissors have a rounded tip on one

Nori is an essential ingrediant when you are making onigiri. Left onigiri with salmon roe topping. Right onigiri with takana leaf pickles

Do You Love Onigiri?

June 30, 2024 No Comments

Here’s How to Enjoy Konbini Onigiri Sustainably! Do you love konbini onigiri? I do. When you are in Japan, I am sure many of you would shop these convenient rice balls from Japanese convenience stores. They are a favorite among locals and tourists alike. But did you know you can make more sustainable choices when picking your favorite fillings? Let’s dive into the delicious world of onigiri and learn how we can help preserve Japan’s culinary heritage. Japan’s Sustainability Crisis in Seafood Japanese cuisine is celebrated worldwide and even registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. From high-end ryotei (Japanese Inn)

kuroko pointed tip pruning scissors varieties_styled

To Leather or Not Leather: Is That Your Question?

June 24, 2024 No Comments

When it comes to your garden and floral scissors, the handle material can make a world of difference. Many ask us about our Kuroco Pruning Scissors, which come in two fabulous options: leather and non-leather. Both have their unique perks, catering to different tastes and needs. Let’s dive in and help you pick the perfect pair! Leather Handles: Luxe and Lovable Why Choose Leather Handles? Ideal For: The fashion-forward gardener who values comfort and looks. If you’re all about those Instagram-worthy garden shots, leather is your BFF. Non-Leather Handles: Practical and Powerful Why Choose Non-Leather Handles? Ideal For: The practical gardener

Why You Should Buy Unopened Oysters

June 24, 2024 No Comments

The Freshness Factor When it comes to oysters, freshness is paramount. Buying them unopened ensures they are alive, which is essential for both flavour and safety. Closed shells mean the oysters are still alive, preserving their briny, oceanic taste. Who doesn’t prefer the freshest seafood possible? An opened shell can indicate the oyster is dead, leading to a loss of flavour and potential health risks. A True Taste of the Sea Unopened oysters are like nature’s time capsules, offering a pristine taste of the sea. Once shucked, you get to experience the full, unadulterated flavour that can transport you to the

Premium Japanese Roasted Sushi Nori 10 Sheets in a pack

10 Reasons to Add Our Quality Sushi Nori to Your Daily Diet

June 7, 2024 No Comments

Premium Premium Sushi Nori is not just tasty but there are amazing health benefits that most people don’t know about. Here are the benefits of taking this Japanese delicacy into your daily diet. 1. Vitamin C for beautiful skin Nori contains more vitamin C than mandarin oranges, which helps reduce melanin production, prevents skin spots, and fades existing spots. Unlike other sources of vitamin C that are destroyed by heat cooking, Nori’s vitamin C is heat resistant and allows for efficient intake. 2. Dietary fiber cleans you out! Nori is rich in dietary fiber, which aids in normalizing bowel movements, relieving

Ergonomic and light-weight, Hokuto Japanese Fish Boning Pliers make fish prep so easy. Perfect for raw fish prep especially for sashimi, sushi, ceviche, poke, carpacchio and crudo.

Eat More oily Fish for a Healthier Heart

June 6, 2024 No Comments

Did you know that eating oily fish like salmon and mackerel can significantly reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes? Recent studies have found that people with a family history of heart disease can lower their risk by up to 40% by consuming more omega-3 fatty acids found in these fish. The Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3s, specifically EPA and DHA, are essential fats that our bodies can’t produce on their own, making dietary intake crucial. These fatty acids play a vital role in maintaining cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation, lowering triglyceride levels, and improving overall heart function. Incorporating

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