December 2020 : “Engimono” (Good Luck Symbol) Box

The theme of this December box is the “Engimono” (Good Luck Symbol).

In Japan, we are most busy and fun for the period of the year in the year-end and new year.

In December, we will do “O-souji” (cleanup everywhere) , and the cleaning is over, our house will be decorated with special item to welcome the new year.

For example, a lease made of straw is called “shime-kazari”.

Next, exchange the lucky charms that were decorated a year ago for new ones.

Because we think the power of lucky charm is thought to run out in a year.

On the time zone sandwiching the midnight of December 31, the temples around Japan ring “Jyoya-no-Kane” (bells ringing out the old year).

People eat “Toshi-Koshi soba” (buckwheat noodles) on December 31’s night. I love this habit.

And we will celebrate the new morning. It is a New Year!

As one of the fun of New Year, children receive special money called “Otoshidama” (A new year’s monetary gift)! It happy time!

Now, what is “Engimono”? There are various symbols of Japan that have been considered for centuries as a catcher of luck and happiness, wealth, good fortune, and more. In Japanese, small items representing said symbols are called “Engimono” (lucky charms).

For example, “Hyotan” (gourd), “Maneki Neko” (the Beckoning Cat), or “Japanese Zodiac of the year” (This year is “Ushi” (Ox)). Many of them are familiar with Japanese folk crafts.

The Lifestyle Box

1. “Hyotan” (Gourd)-shaped plate (1item)
The plate with the “Hyotan” motif expresses traditional Japanese culture. It is believed that “Hyotan” will be underwriting illness and disaster on your behalf.

2. “Kikko-gara” (turtle shell pattern) Soup bowl with lid (1 item)
A soup bowl with a lid is one of the tableware for hospitality.
In Japan, turtles have been regarded as a symbol of longevity.
Therefore, the pattern of the turtle shell is a traditional Japanese auspicious pattern.

3. Nikko Yuba and Ariake seaweed soup (1P)
“Yuba” is one of the traditional processed soybean foods.
An elegant soup with a slightly “yuzu” (Japanese Citrus) flavor containing “yuba” and seaweed. Please spend a wonderful New Year with this soup!

4. “Ushi” (Ox) ceramic figurine (1 item)
The zodiac of Japan in 2021 is “Ushi” (Ox).
It is a “Ushi” motif ornament of earthenware pottery.

5. Lucky pattern cotton handkerchief (1 item)
It is nostalgic and lucky patterned “Tenugui” (Japanese style handkerchief). That lucky pattern is “Ushi” (“Eto” of 2021) and “Sho-Chiku-Bai” (Pine-Bamboo-Plum).
“Tenugui” can be used in various ways depending on the idea. It is made from 100% cotton.

6. Mino-yaki “Renkon” (Lotus root) pattern square small plate (1 item)
A small plate that is easy to use with a calm and natural color.
The meaning of “Renkon” (lotus root) is a hope for a future with good prospects.

＜Mino-yaki＞
Originated from Gifu Prefecture, Mino-yaki (Mino ware) is Japan’s most popular pottery.
Its history is said to date back to 1300 years ago

7. Shime-kazari (1Set)
“Shime-kazari” is a traditional lease made of straw that is displayed at the entrance on New Year’s Day.
Set it as the picture of the pamphlet and decorate it at your door!

8. “Kimono” pattern mask (each 1 item)
In Japan, it is famous to wear “Kimono” for traditional events.
Please wear this mask with the “kimono” pattern and enjoy the atmosphere of the Japanese New Year.
Made in Japan / 100% cotton /

9. “Ushi” Pochi-bukuro Envelopes
made from Mino-Washi (each 1 item)
In Japan, pochi-bukuro envelopes are used for children’s New Year’s monetary gifts “Otoshi-dama” tips, and message card envelopes, and other congratulation purposes. ※Washi is made from Japanese traditional recipe.

10. “Acecook” Low-salt shrimp soba (1p)
Delicious low-salt instant soba. Please experience “Toshi-koshi soba” on the evening of December 31st!

11. Post card “Maneki Neko” (the Beckoning Cat) (1 item)
This postcard is a popular lucky symbol “Maneki Neko” (the Beckoning Cat). “Maneki Neko” means Good Luck & Wealth!