culture Archives - Rambling Merchant

Imabari Towels: Secrets of Softness

June 15, 2021

Kyoto is known the mecca of Tradition in Japan, and his home to plenty of hundreds (and even over 1000) year old craft studios and shops. You can find the highest quality fabrics, linens, kimonos and other famous Japanese textiles there. But if highest quality towel you could imagine is the craft you are after, then Kyoto is not the…read more

Crafts, Culture, Diary, Travel Diary

Stylish Leather. Handmade in Japan. Personalized by You.

April 26, 2021

When you think of Japan, you probably think a couple of things. First, the cities: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Next you think of the nature. Maybe the Bamboo Forest, and definitely Cherry Blossoms and Mt. Fuji. What you probably don't think of is what's around Mt. Fuji. You might know it's nestled on the border of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.…read more

Crafts, Culture, Diary

What Separates Japanese Leather From The Rest?

March 14, 2021

It has been said that tanning of animal skins and hides was the first industry for mankind to utilize chemical reactions in nature. The first clothing worn by humans was dried and then softened by kneading and chewing it. As human civilization progressed, tanning techniques evolved with new technology. Over 2000 years ago, immigrants from the Korean Peninsula brought their…read more

Culture, Diary, How To, Language

Learn Language and Culture Through Netflix

March 9, 2021

If you're like me or most people interested in learning about a foreign culture, you're at least somewhat interested in the language of that culture as well. After all, if it isn't an English speaking country, most of the information on the web isn't going to be in English, but in the language native to it. That is a part…read more