Japanese Flea Market

18/03/2025

MARCH 2025
JAPANESE TEA JOURNEY

Our tea journey begins with a deep appreciation for the roots of Japanese tea culture. We start from the foundation—understanding sencha, how it is grown and harvested, and discovering which regions of Japan produce the most sought-after flavors.

The unique characteristics of different tea cultivars reveal the depth of umami, while the transformation of tencha into matcha highlights the value of the first harvest, where the most prized leaves are hand-picked in a labor-intensive process.

Guided by Akiko-san, an artisanal tea curator in Tokyo, we were introduced to small, family-owned tea farms across Japan.

One of the most memorable moments was our visit to Ishikawa Farm, a three-generation tea farm in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. The Ishikawa family welcomed us with warmth, inviting us to experience a formal tea ceremony using their own organic ceremonial matcha. Walking through their lush sencha fields, we learned about their pioneering approach to organic farming, using plant-based and fish-derived fertilizers to nurture their tea plants.

It is a true honor to bring these carefully cultivated teas directly from Japan’s dedicated tea farmers to our store, allowing each sip to carry the essence of their craftsmanship, tradition, and deep respect for the land.

03/03/2025

鎌倉 KAMAKURA
This slow-living stay in Kamakura was exactly what my soul needed. Staying at Kamejikan, a guesthouse whose name means “turtle time,” was a reminder to slow down and reflect—just as its owner, Masa-san, wishes for his guests.

Kamakura is a rare gem where the mountains and the sea exist in harmony.

One of the most precious moments of this journey was spending time with my longtime Japanese friend, Kayo-san. We shared a pottery class in Hase, where I made a matcha bowl—an experience that held deep meaning for me. It was Kayo-san who first inspired me to start the Japanese flea market during COVID, sending me beautifully crafted Japanese goods when I couldn’t travel. Creating something with my own hands while being with her again was truly special.

Another highlight was the zazen meditation at Kencho-ji Temple, nestled in the mountains of Kita Kamakura. Sitting in stillness in such a historic and spiritual place was a grounding experience, bringing clarity and peace.

Wandering through Kamakura, I gathered small treasures for the shop—finding unique pieces at the flea market and exploring charming stores in the Hase area. This town, slightly away from the busiest crowds, offers a slower, more mindful way to experience Japan.

And amidst it all, at Kencho-ji Temple, a few sakura blossoms had begun to bloom—a gentle reminder that spring is near, and every moment is fleeting yet beautiful.

My Highlights:
Kamejikan Guesthouse – A space to slow down and reflect
Pottery class in Hase – Made a matcha bowl with Kayo-san
Hasedera Temple – Saw the 1,300-year-old wooden Kannon
Hase area, Kamakura – A charming neighbourhood
Matcha Ice Cream Level 4
Kototama Gallery
Youka Kannon Painter – Beautiful works capturing the essence of Kannon
Kencho-ji Temple – Zazen meditation and early sakura blooms
Yugyoji Temple, Fujigawa
Flea market finds
Kōkoji Temple – A peaceful retreat
Great Buddha (Daibutsu)

This journey through Kamakura was not just about visiting places; it was about immersing in the rhythm of slow living, cherishing friendships, and finding beauty in the simplest moments.

27/02/2025

Our journey has unfolded like a quiet poem, woven with moments of presence and appreciation. The first few days have been bathed in gentle weather—mild days at 15 degrees, crisp evenings around 9—creating the perfect atmosphere for slow wandering.

In Asakusa, we find ourselves walking familiar streets, welcomed once again by the warmth of small, long-standing shops. Many are run by elderly shopkeepers who have nurtured their businesses for decades, their hands wrapping each purchase with care and sincerity, as if sending a piece of their heart home with us. These are the places we love to support—the ones where time slows, and every item carries a story.

In Yanaka Ginza, the retro heart of the city, artisans and dreamers continue their quiet work. Cats lounge lazily in shop windows, and the scent of home-cooked delicacies fills the air. We indulge in the simple joy of sweet potato, mochi, and matcha, flavors that remind us of the beauty in the everyday—the warmth of food made by hand, the nostalgia of streets that whisper the past.

A little temple ritual in the middle of the village offers us a quiet moment of reflection. We pause, lighting incense, letting the fragrance carry our gratitude into the air. The soft ringing of bells and the gentle sway of noren curtains in the breeze seem to bless our journey, reminding us that each step is held in harmony.

As we carefully select pieces for the store, each item carries more than its physical form; it holds the essence of its maker, the spirit of the place it came from.

We send ornaments back to Keiko in Perth, ensuring that even while we are here, a piece of Japan arrives at the store, keeping the connection alive. This journey is more than collecting—it is about weaving together stories, hands, and hearts across time and distance.

26/02/2025

Each piece in our clothing collection carries the essence of connection—woven from moments, places, and hands that have touched our hearts. We design with deep intention, creating garments that last, honoring the beauty of individuality, and embracing the spirit of sustainability.

Our journey takes us through Tokyo’s flea markets, where forgotten textiles whisper their stories, to the quiet nooks of Ladakh, where the richness of Himalayan craftsmanship speaks in every thread. We gather these remnants—offcuts from curated garments and treasured fabrics—giving them new life, weaving together cultures and the wellness they embody.

To wear our clothing is to carry a piece of this journey, a story stitched with care, presence, and gratitude. Each creation is a mindful offering, a celebration of the hands that make, the traditions that endure, and the harmony of slow living.





living

26/02/2025

We arrived in Tokyo just yesterday, beginning a month-long journey of discovery—seeking treasures for our shop and deepening our understanding of Japan’s tea culture. A month may never feel like enough, but for now, we embrace each moment, balancing work with the quiet joy of simply being here.

The crisp air, the serene streets, and the subtle beauty in every detail remind us to slow down, to be present. As we carefully select pieces from artisanal and mindful makers, we feel grateful for the opportunity to connect with their craft and stories.

The first hints of plum blossoms are beginning to unfold, whispering the promise of spring. And if we are fortunate, by the end of our journey, we may stand beneath the fleeting, delicate canopy of sakura.

We’ll share our journey with you along the way—stay close, and let’s experience this beauty together.

26/02/2025

Our clothing collection embodies the quiet beauty of wabi-sabi—the philosophy of imperfection, impermanence, and the deep appreciation of things as they are. Each garment is a reflection of this ethos, crafted with intention, allowing the fabric’s history to shine through in its raw, natural state.

From the bustling flea markets of Tokyo to the remote corners of Ladakh, we seek textiles that have lived, carrying the warmth of time and tradition. Offcuts, remnants, and forgotten fabrics find new purpose in our hands, stitched together in harmony, embracing the irregularities that make each piece unique.

In a world that rushes forward, our garments invite stillness. They honor the passage of time, the touch of the artisan, and the quiet strength of materials that soften and evolve with wear. To wear them is to embrace the beauty of the imperfect, the transient, and the deeply personal—a reminder that true elegance lies in authenticity, not perfection.

24/02/2025

New Accessories on Display!

On our meditation journey to the Himalayas in August 2024, we discovered stunning malas, each carrying the spirit of the mountains.

We cherish collecting precious and semi-precious beads and crystals from our travels, bringing these earth-born treasures home to weave into our designs. Recently, we’ve been crafting unique pieces infused with natural beauty and intention.

Many of our jewelry pieces are versatile, designed to be worn as both necklaces and bracelets. Each piece has been blessed with heartfelt intentions, offering good fortune and protection to the wearer.

24/02/2025

"boshi" (帽子) means "hat" or "cap" in Japanese.

This design is inspired by both a chef’s hat and a beanie.

We love transforming vintage kimono fabric into unique creations, carrying forward our commitment to sustainability and zero waste.

03/02/2025

03/02/2025

29/01/2025

2025年2月より、7日間営業いたします。
スローリビングのお店を支えていただき、ありがとうございます。
私たちは手仕事と再利用を大切にしています。

We are open 7 days starting February 2025

Thank you for supporting our slow living store we love handmade and repurposing.