The Japanese consumer culture never ceases to amaze me. I love Sori Yanagi cutlery. Japanese stainless steel cutlery has a subtle matte polish and the edges are soft. It speaks to a certain craftsmanship and thought behind the making of the die used to make the vessel. The pour from the a Sori Yanagi bowl is precise and directed.
Same goes for bags, glasses, plates, clocks, knives, pens, watches, cars, notebooks, teeshirts. It's better in a tangible way. Not just branding. I've never cared for that.
The titanium on a Japanese watch holds up better than the titanium used on a Swiss watch.
I've had Zebra Sarasa pens that write after 6 years spent in a shelf. The ink does not dry. Same goes for Uniball pens.
My wife's Porter bag costs a fraction of what European brands cost. But it is more practical, better built and much more subtle.
The Uesaka barbell costs a bomb. And has a distinctive knurling that is applied by hand unlike many modern manufacturers that use more sophisticated computer tools.
I've read several articles, watched documentaries about obsession with craft, process etc. The legendary tales of a rapid path to industrialisation over a century that quickly incorporated and bettered Western practices is stuff of legend. And the durability of Japanese businesses. And how the culture values order and cleanliness. It sounds fascinating. And I don't need to remind people about their public transportation and punctuality.
From a health and wellness perspective, the Japanese have the longest live spans, eat ample protein and seem to be an active lot.
This is not to say they have no problems: a shrinking population, well documented rise in mental problems, a work-culture that seems all consuming and counterproductive and attitudes to women that seems odd.
But there is a lot to learn and admire.
Same goes for bags, glasses, plates, clocks, knives, pens, watches, cars, notebooks, teeshirts. It's better in a tangible way. Not just branding. I've never cared for that.
The titanium on a Japanese watch holds up better than the titanium used on a Swiss watch.
I've had Zebra Sarasa pens that write after 6 years spent in a shelf. The ink does not dry. Same goes for Uniball pens.
My wife's Porter bag costs a fraction of what European brands cost. But it is more practical, better built and much more subtle.
The Uesaka barbell costs a bomb. And has a distinctive knurling that is applied by hand unlike many modern manufacturers that use more sophisticated computer tools.
I've read several articles, watched documentaries about obsession with craft, process etc. The legendary tales of a rapid path to industrialisation over a century that quickly incorporated and bettered Western practices is stuff of legend. And the durability of Japanese businesses. And how the culture values order and cleanliness. It sounds fascinating. And I don't need to remind people about their public transportation and punctuality.
From a health and wellness perspective, the Japanese have the longest live spans, eat ample protein and seem to be an active lot.
This is not to say they have no problems: a shrinking population, well documented rise in mental problems, a work-culture that seems all consuming and counterproductive and attitudes to women that seems odd.
But there is a lot to learn and admire.