This trip to Japan was rich in discoveries and I tried to take a few well-chosen souvenirs in my suitcase. This time in a colorful, fun and summery range, I have brought together fabrics, figurines and illustrations, all for the pleasure of our eyes! I had already revealed a small selection of my favorite objects in a previous article , but I have so many favorites to share with you that here is a new one. :) As a bonus, I found some addresses for adventurers, where you can find wonders!

In this first photo, two large Koi carp purchased from Natural Kitchen in the mall from Shinjuku Milord: shop 1-1-3 Nishishinjuku in Tokyo. If you want to learn more about Koi Nobori , I strongly invite you to read this article: Kodomo no hi: children's day !

Top left, small "Mizuhiki" silicone ribbons found at a stationery store " Tokyu Hands Shibuya Store" at 12-18 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku in Tokyo. Adorable for wrapping small gift packages or for wrapping around an envelope.
At the top right, I found Daiso kitchen items at the "100 Yen Shop" (the equivalent of stores where you can find everything for 1€). The three small transparent bottles are containers for bento sauces, the sea green baking utensil with different capacities is ideal for sprinkling cakes. I love this assortment with retro colors.
At the bottom left, three "Warabe Arare" or literally "cake children", they can be found in stores like Okashiya , specializing in salty/sweet candies and biscuits.
Bottom right, two small “Daruma” nestled on a bale of straw. Despite their downward smiles, they are actually good luck charms, symbols of perseverance in addition to luck and protection. These traditional Japanese figurines are made of papier-mâché and are hand painted. I found them in a shop in Kamakura: Select Shop, Kamakura Hachiza 1-7-3 Komachi Kamakura Kanagawa .

On the left, the floral fabric comes from Musubi which you may know thanks to the presentation of the store that I shared in this article Musubi and the art of Furoshiki . Since then, we have received lots of beautiful new copies at the store (some are on sale, yes yes ;)).
On the right, two illustrations from the bookstore and stationery store Keibunsha Ichijoji Shop , located at 10 Ichijoji Haraitonocho Sakyo-ku Kyoto-shi in Kyoto. I love this childish design which reminds me of my son Ulysses' drawing notebooks. These two characters are sketched and then wrapped in PVC.

Aligned above, three pretty cards printed with traditional Japanese patterns. There are several varieties of knots: if this one is facing down, we will send this card to offer our condolences. If the knot is turned upwards, it can be sent to celebrate a birthday, a wedding or a birth. This knot is specific to weddings, in tradition money is slipped into this envelope as a gift for the newlyweds.

To finish and to stay in the summer theme, fish, summer colors and jellyfish! Made of glassine paper, they make pretty pendant lights to decorate a child's room.

So, when is your trip to Japan? :)

See you soon for new memories ,
Adeline