New Product

 I just came back from Melbourne trip. I had a fantastic time there with friends and it was very nice of them to worry about Japan earthquake.


Fukushima nuclear power plants are largely under control so I'm not too worried about it however people who have been evacuated are now facing serious issues of not having enough support.

They still don't have enough access to gas, electricity, water, food and medicine.

As I mentioned in previous blog and twitter, there is only so much I can do from here.  So I will keep doing my best with running Kyo Modern so that I can  make more donations to Japan!

From Australia, you can donate through Red Cross or Yahoo Japan.  Japanese communities, including take away stores are raising money for the earthquake victims as well.

As for what's new with  Kyo Modern, I started selling handmade Temari (Japanese style thread ball). I only uploaded one Temari so far but I will be uploading more soon!

http://sites.google.com/site/kyomodern/

Do what I can do

As everyone knows, the earthquake has hit north of Japan really badly. I couldn't believe the size of Tsunami I saw on the footage.

I'm from Kyoto which wasn't affected by Tsunami but small size earthquake was safe . But I have distance family members in Sendai and they are currently missing....

There is not much I can do for now but donating money and do my best at selling my products from Japan. I sell imported products from Japan so I am helping Japanese economy in that sense.

USTREAM (in Japanese) is showing the most updated information of current condition of Japan.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/tbstv

My heart goes to all those people who were affected in Tohoku regions.

If you are in Sydney, hope to see you tomorrowe (13th of March ) at Kirribilli market!

Personalise your phone or bag with "Mini Chirimen Teddy Bear"

Mini Chirimen Teddy Bear Strap has been one of the best seller of Kyo Modern. They are made of Chirimen fabric.

I'm happy to see them becoming popular despite te fact that people in Australia don't often buy bag or mobile phone charms. I guess they are too cute to ignore!

Mobile phone charms are so popular in Japan. You will see young girls mobile phones with HEAPS of charms to the point that you can't really see a mobile phone anymore!

In fact it is very difficult to find a person whose mobile phone doesn't have any charms in Japan. Everyone wants to personalise their phone with something that shows their personality.

I hope Kyo Modern's straps will contribute a culture of using mobile phone charms in Australia.

This product is now available for retail purchase on my site.

For retailers, please visit:  http://kyomodern.supplierhaven.com.au/2011/03/10/chirimen-mini-teddy-bear-straps/

Hina Matsuri (= Hina dolls festival or girls day)

Yes it was the 3rd of March again. I had my Hina dolls out.

3rd of March is known as Hina Matsuri in Japan. It is a celebration for a little girl. We celebrate the day by displaying Hina dolls and eat special food and snack such as Chirashi-Sushi and Hina Arare( Sweet rice cracker)

When a baby girl is born, mother's parents or parents in laws buy a set of Hina dolls for the girl. Hina dolls are set decorations that shows a wedding of rich family in old times.  You can just get a bride and groom or  plus maids & the band or a with the full set with furniture. And I happened to have the full set!

It was taking so much space in the storage in my parents' house so I brought them over in Australian several years ago. I couldn't bring the display unit as it was very big so I used boxes to display them...yes it looks bit cheap but anyway.


The custom of displaying Hina dolls was originated in Heian period. (794~1185).  The dolls are taking troubles or bad spirits with them so that a girl remains safe and healthy. More information is available on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinamatsuri

When girls become adults, most of them get rid of the dolls by taking them to temple to burn. And if they give birth to a girl in a future, they will buy a new set of the dolls for the little girl.

I thought I would do the same but my mother insisted me to take them with me so I did! I do believe the dolls have spirits and somehow I feel at ease when I have the dolls out. I wonder if they are really  protecting me?


And this year, one of my father's cousin who is a famous Japanese style doll maker gave me Hina dolls she made for free!

So now I have 2 sets of Hina dolls....Hopefully I will have a baby girl soon!