IPPINKA

New at IPPINKA: Japan Mall

lauren@ippinka.com — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 16:03:22 +0000

Introducing Japan Mall!

Carefully curated by IPPINKA, we invite you to learn more about the products of Japan Mall! A collaboration with various Japanese companies to bring authentic and exciting products to the North American Market.

From kitchen utensils to travel essentials, there is something here for everyone!

Kitchen

Our silicone-tipped chopsticks feature anti-slip technology to make sure that you never drop what you’re cooking again. In addition, the silicone makes them easy to clean and heat resistant. They come in two sizes, two colours, or as a set.

Not only are these products perfect for the kitchen, but they also are made for travel. Tetra has created a coffee brewer that is lightweight and is only 1mm thick when folded. Due to the lightweight and compact nature of this coffee drip, you can be caffeinated anywhere at any time!

Made in Japan, the Japanese Iron Frying Pan doubles as a plate. This frying pan is ideal for small living spaces, where saving space and resources are essential. Once done with cooking, remove the detachable wooden handle to start eating.

Japanese Tea

From herbal to pickled, we have sourced some of the most exciting blends for you to enjoy. These include 4 herbal teas; Japanese Black Soybean Tea, Japanese Burdock Tea, Japanese Ginger Tea, and Japanese Perilla Tea. Made with authentic Japanese processes and ingredients, they have ingredients that help with overall heart and digestive health.

Nothing can replace the classics! Now at IPPINKA, we carry authentic Japanese sencha with our new Premium Gyokuro Green Tea. This blend is something to remember with its rich flavour and deep green colour!

Latte mixes provide a quick and easy way to enjoy tea. We have picked several interesting latte mixes available through our Japan Mall collection. Including matcha, hojicha, and black sesame mix. Black sesame mixes are available in sweetened or unsweetened.

Homeware and Aroma Goods

During the past year, many of us have been spending more time at home. Our home products provide a nice refreshing update to any space! For example, the furoshiki cloth we found has traditionally been used as a gift-wrapping or made into a lunch bag with a few easy knots. However, you can also hang the two attractive prints we have featured on the wall!

If you’re looking for something more relaxing for your home, we recommend using the Hinoki Aroma Balls. They provide the natural refreshing scent of Japanese Cypress and can be put anywhere. Worried about keeping them fresh? Check out our Hinoki Wood Deodorizing Mist!

Along with our Hinoki wood, we have introduced several new incense scents and holders. What better time to indulge in the relaxing scent of Chamomille or the energizing aroma of Eucalyptus? Using the extensive range of incense we have in Japan Mall, you can make every moment a relaxing one.

All this and more, with new products launching every week until December 2021! So be sure to check each week to see what’s new at Japan Mall!

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Hinoki Bath & Floor Mat

Christianne Patay — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 13:30:57 +0000

Bath mats play an important role in the bathroom. Not only do they absorb wetness from you jumping out of the shower, but they also add a nice touch to the overall feel of the space. Typically, households tend to use fabric bath mats. However, if you’d prefer to try a more unique option, then our Hinoki Bath & Floor Mat mat might be a good fit for you!

Wooden bath mats are becoming more and more popular for many reasons. Our Hinoki Bath & Floor Mat, in particular, is a great choice!

For one, it feels luxurious – like you’re in a fancy resort hotel bathroom. Its warm, wooden finish refreshes the eyes and offers a zen-like vibe that helps create a more relaxing space. Its simplicity also provides a modern feel without disrupting the harmony of the interior.

Apart from that, they are a more practical solution to typical bath rugs. Although they don’t have the same soft and plush feeling underfoot, they make the upkeep much easier. Unlike fabric mats or rugs, our Hinoki Bath & Floor Mats do not collect dust nor hair; so you need not to clean them every week. We know, cloth rugs could be a pain to clean. Fortunately, our Hinoki Bath & Floor Mats require much less maintenance and are even more long-lasting. So if you’re a busy guy or gal, you can save the time allotted for washing and spend it chilling in the tub instead!

Now, let’s talk about the material! If you’re not familiar with Hinoki (Japanese Cypress), it is a large cypress tree native to Japan. Its quality and durability is considered to be world-class, which is why the Japanese love using it for shrines, temples, and even as sushi plates.

Hinoki wood is a great material as a bath mat because of its amazing properties. Naturally, Hinoki wood releases a refreshing and soothing scent. It also dries quickly, enabling it to withstand wet conditions. Furthermore, it has a fine grain, making our Hinoki Bath and Floor Mat resistant to warping and discoloration. Not to mention it is also smooth to the touch!

Shop our Hinoki Bath & Floor Mat here.

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Sneak Peak: MKC Tab Wallet

Christianne Patay — Fri, 31 May 2019 15:00:54 +0000

Back in 2017, we introduced the first leather wallet that organizes your money, keys, and cards, all in one compact casing. Since then, we’ve received a lot of support and positive feedback about our original design. But why stop there? Here at IPPINKA, creation doesn’t stop, and so for the past couple of months, our team has been working non-stop on a new and improved version of the original MKC wallet.

Staying true to our ethos of making products that are functional, minimal, and built to last, the MKC Wallet that you loved will soon be available in a new variation – the MKC Tab Wallet. This version still holds your money and keys, but now has a unique pull-tab mechanism that grants users quick and easy access to their bank cards. Simply pull the tab to take out a card, and push downwards when finished to secure the cards back into the interior of the wallet. The wallet also features an exterior back pocket that conveniently holds cash.

With its unique swivel feature, you can reduce the bulk in your pocket and eliminate the need for a key chain. Just like the original MKC Wallet, you can still add your bottle opener, USB drive, or almost any other item that can be found on a traditional key ring. Another great feature that MKC Tab wallet has is that the interior middle pocket is RFID-blocking (a feature that the original MKC wallet does not have). The back pocket of the wallet is good for a non-RFID card. Because it is an open pocket, the RFID signal may or may not be blocked.

The new MKC Tab Wallet maintains an incredibly clean and slim profile, despite all the updates. You can slip it in and out of your pocket without worrying about pocket holes and scratches.

Each MKC Tab Wallet is thoughtfully handcrafted in the US by highly-skilled craftsmen; it is made from full-grain, oil-tanned leather – quality materials that will last a lifetime. We’re excited to announce that we will be launching a Kickstarter campaign for the MKC Tab Wallet on June 10th, 2019. Please keep informed through our newsletters for further updates!

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Hinoki Bathtub Bench: The Perfect Addition To Your Bathroom

Christianne Patay — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 12:00:58 +0000

Retreating into a hot bath is one of the best ways to cap off a long, hard day. More than just a stress reliever, it’s a form of self-care. Light up some sweet-scented candles, listen to music, read a good book, enjoy a glass of wine – et voila! The ritual is complete. But you need a trusty caddy for that, or risk submerging your things in the bath water.

With limited (and mostly cramped) bathroom space, most of us aren’t left with many options. Possibly one of the best investments you can make is a durable bath bench – one that is dependable, blends in nicely with the space, and most importantly, is resistant to rotting. Luckily, we have the perfect one for you! Our Hinoki Bathtub Bench is the perfect addition to your bathroom. Its light, wooden finish adds character to the room in the most simplistic yet homey way. It can fit bathtubs with inside width dimensions of 22.7″ to 26.5″ and is able to hold up to 250 lb of weight. It features a compact and minimalist design that when not in use, you won’t even notice that it is there! Our Hinoki Bathtub Bench is made with 100% Hinoki (Japanese Cypress Wood) which is naturally antibacterial and highly resistant to mold. Hinoki wood produces an antifungal resin which prevents bacterial growth, lessening the chances of rotting. To top it all off, Hinoki wood is naturally fragrant too, and has a nice, rejuvenating aroma. The scent will remind you of a traditional Japanese onsen!

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Everything You Need To Know About Lift

Christianne Patay — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 13:00:19 +0000

Living in small, tight urban spaces can be tough. For many of us, fitting clothes and other possessions in an utterly small closet, decluttering the floor from our daily carry, and freeing chairs from our laundry are only parts of the everyday struggle. Just before you know it, you’re pinning space-savings ideas on Pinterest! Now, we understand the hassle and here’s where Lift comes to play. Lift is a small but terrific solution for various household products. For a wall hook, it is able to hold even the heaviest of things all while remaining classy enough to display your coat, scarf, or bag. In October 2015, the team at IPPINKA began creating the wall hook that we know today as Lift. The concept behind Lift is simple and can be summed up in four words: practical, functional, strong and beautiful. A minimalist wall hook that is heavy-duty yet blends well into a cozy room interior. Finally, after a year of conceptual planning, prototyping, working with makers and choosing materials, Lift was launched. Lift offers several advantages. For one, it has a clean and elegant design that complements your space and your lifestyle – all while getting the job done. Its versatility allows you to hang heavy items like your bike, ladder, and other handyman tools without looking too bulky. For a small wall hook with a low profile, it can handle up to 50 lbs or 25 kg of weight. It accommodates rim width up to 1.1″ or 2.8 cm and a wheel thickness of up to 2.8″ / 7.1 cm. Whether it’s yours or your kid’s bike, Lift can surely handle it. Lift also features a wooden dowel with a single groove that serves as a hanger for everyday items and a metal arm that holds the heavier goods. This metal arm can be slotted in from the left or right to conveniently suit the space, and for easy installation. Regardless of where you want it, Lift can make it happen – and surprisingly without taking much work! Simply screw it onto any supporting wall stud using the supplied hardware and finish up by attaching the supplied leather strip. Made out of wood, steel, and synthetic leather, Lift was designed to blend and match nicely with most furniture and flooring. Wood, when exposed to sunlight, develops a darker tint and simply looks better over time. Its durable steel arm is coated in powder to resist scratches; and ethical synthetic leather acts as a bike tread cushion, protecting your wall from scuffs and marks. Lift was designed as a simple solution to a problem faced by many people; reuniting everyday essentials into one area, keeping functionality, high quality, minimalism, and environmental consciousness. Make your life easier. Shop for Lift here.

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IPPINKA’s Lithuanian Linen

Christianne Patay — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 12:00:51 +0000

Lithuania, the southernmost Baltic state is not only known for its architecture and amber along the shores of the Baltic Sea, but also for its high-quality Lithuanian linen products. Lithuania has been cultivating and processing flax for thousands of years – a tradition etched into the country’s identity. Lithuanians themselves are very familiar with this plant. In fact, flax has a special place in Lithuanian folklore and ancient stories; and has been associated with a couple of old Lithuanian gods: Vaižgantas, the patron of flax cultivation, and Gabjauja, the guardian of the flax harvest. The country prevailed in the linen textile industry for decades; and “Linas”, the Lithuanian word for flax, is just impossible to miss when strolling along the streets of Vilnius. Over the years, however, the country has experienced a major deplete in flax production. Local farmers blame the lack of subsidy since joining the EU in 2004 as the ultimate culprit. Flax has been too expensive to grow and process now more than ever. And so, locals resort to growing flax as profitable crops rather than for textile production. Needless to say, once a basic commodity for Lithuanians, linen has now become a statement of luxury. IPPINKA has partnered with Linum Studio to bring the luxury of Lithuanian linen to you and your home. Linum Studio is a family-owned business. They make every product exclusively by hand and just like IPPINKA, they are an environmentally-conscious brand. They manufacture fabrics with a unique and nature-friendly technology, so much so that you almost don’t need to iron them. They are also prewashed with biodegradable laundry soaps. IPPINKA’s Lithuanian Linen provides everyday luxury you can enjoy. It is organic, lightweight, breathable, and to top it off: it is also moisture wicking. It absorbs moisture up to 20% of its own weight while still feeling dry to the touch, a quality especially great for bathrobes and bath towels. It has anti-static properties, is non-allergenic, and naturally holds off fungus and bacteria. The high-quality material makes it resistant to tears and stains, while still being machine washable. You’ll especially love sleeping on the linen, too! The technique used in manufacturing this linen creates a unique softness, and a relaxed, tousled appearance. It offers a blend of comfort and practicality, all while looking effortlessly elegant. This is the kind of linen bedding that makes it even harder to get out of bed on Mondays. IPPINKA’s Lithuanian Linen has a long lasting value and timeless beauty – qualities that are worth investing in.

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The Hisory of Nawrap – One of Our Best Sellers

Christianne Patay — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 12:00:55 +0000

Long before Nawrap, there were only traditional mosquito nettings or kaya. These hand-woven, porous materials played a huge role in Japanese households for thousands of years. From the early 1700s, the Japanese have been utilizing woven hemp fibers as protection from pests and annoying mosquitos, especially in the summertime. The Kaya varied in sizes – some large enough to cover an entire sleeping area, and some small enough to cover a single futon. Not only were they seen in bedrooms, but also in family living spaces. Convenient, comfortable, and highly efficient at keeping insects away, the Kaya was highly regarded in Japan. One acclaimed manufacturer of traditional mosquito nets in Japan was Maruyama Fiber Industry Co. Ltd. Founded in 1930, in the Nara prefecture in the Kansai Region, the company originally manufactured nets woven from high-quality cotton and hemp fabrics. They used traditional Japanese weaving techniques that have been perfected over decades. However, due to modern innovations and adaptive living, the demand for traditional mosquito nets declined. Eventually, the company made the decision to venture on into the cloth and textile industry, producing multipurpose eco cloths made from the same netting fabrics adapted using traditional weaving techniques and technologies not seen outside Japan. These multipurpose eco cloths are what we know today as Nawrap. Today, Nawrap is a game changer in modern households. It now reaches homes all over the world. They produce everything from a line of 100% organic cotton skin towels, to dishcloths and bath towels, and much more. The Nawrap fabric is incredibly special. The fabric features a multilayer weave that increases water absorbency and durability; and a textured surface that cleans much better than a regular cloth. It is breathable and quick-drying, making it so easy to use and reuse. Most of all, the Nawrap fabric gets better and softer over time! Another unique trait that Nawrap is known for is its use of binchotan charcoal. Nawrap infuses ultra-fine binchotan into its fibers. Binchotan is the highest grade of charcoal, and works to naturally absorb odors that would typically accumulate within the fabric. No more smelly dishcloths, yoga towels, or bath towels! The charcoal is also permanently infused, so you don’t have to worry about it coming out with use. Whether you need it for the kitchen, dining, bathroom or bedroom, there’s always a Nawrap product for you!

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Binchotan for the BBQ: Why It’s the Best for the Grill

Christianne Patay — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 14:19:40 +0000

Grilling is the oldest methods of cooking with a long history dating back to the caveman days. And in the present day, it’s probably one of the more favored ways of preparing food. It’s less fatty, fun to do with friends and family, and not to mention the irresistible charred flavor. Although are several types of charcoal and techniques that can be used for the perfect grill, one charcoal that the Japanese have sworn by for centuries is Kishu Binchotan. Kishu Binchotan is incredibly unique. Not only is it a cooking agent, but it is widely utilized in households as a water and air purifier, deodorizer, soil fertilizer; and is also an active ingredient in cosmetics and hygiene products. This activated charcoal has been perfected with Japanese Ubame Oak, native in the forests of the Kishu prefecture in Japan, and is considered to be the best fuel for grilling. As it is all natural and does not contain chemicals, it generates infernal heat that articulately kisses the meat and preserves its flavorful juices, gives a good sear, and produces a beautiful, delicious flavor. It doesn’t release smoke nor odor into food and is said to emit far infrared waves – things that a cheaper variety of charcoal simply can’t do. In Japan, Binchotan is especially used for their local dishes like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), unagi (grilled eel), robatayaki, and yakiniku (grilled meat). They attest to the unique flavour it gives to meat and seafood that is unachievable with other types of charcoals. Moreover, compared to other types of charcoal, Binchotan ignites faster, can burn up to five hours and generates heat nearing 2,200 ºF. For restaurant owners and chefs from all over the world, this makes a huge difference, especially when cooking for a crowd. Grilling with Kishu binchotan is an extraordinary gastronomic experience. Fortunately, this charcoal is accessible and available for households so you can experience it for yourself too! Get yours here.

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How To Use Hinoki In Your Home

Angela Chen — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 12:00:27 +0000

Japan is home to constant innovation, however, tradition never dies. At the intersection of these two worlds, you can find the wonder that is hinoki wood. This lumber is by far the most in-demand building material and well loved by many. When thinking about Japanese culture, wood is almost intrinsic to the day to day lifestyles of many. Hinoki wood is one of the most sought-after materials in Japan. Hinoki or Japanese cypress trees grow all over the Japanese landscapes. However, different regions will yield distinctive character differences that make them slightly unique across the board. These trees can grow up to 40 meters tall and have a diameter of 1 meter. Since ancient times, hinoki wood has been used in the construction of temples, palaces, and shrines due to its durability. Even now, those temples have survived the hardships of wear and tear and the wooden frames are still being used as the basis for renovations. Hinoki wood contains an antibacterial component that makes it naturally resistant to moulding. Out in the forest, hinoki acts as its own insecticide which wards away any white ants that perhaps are looking for a residence. Another factor of its durability is its ability adjust to different moisture levels: in high moisture environments the wood can absorb moisture, and release water when it becomes low moisture. Hinoki timber is pale golden yellow coupled with a distinctive relaxing aroma. The scent is an analgesic which provides a therapeutic effect for reducing stress and tiredness. In Japan, hinoki is often used for infrastructure reinforcement, ritual bathtubs, and furniture. It has become a staple within Japanese households over the years. Mainly hinoki wood can be found in the washroom because of its wonderful durability and natural defense mechanisms for self-maintenance. It is said that these onsen baths provide a holistic experience for the mind and body only further enhanced by the elements of the hinoki wood. IPPINKA kept this ethos in mind when creating this range of hinoki products: The bath mat is ideal for absorbing water and moisture. This shower, bath and sauna stool a direct nod to the traditional onsen method of bathing. The cutting board is designed to be thin and lightweight. Soft hinoki is gentle against knives, and grooves and scratches are self-healing. Its double-sided, so one face can be used for vegetables and other for meats as the wood itself is antibacterial.

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HiCan: The World’s Smart Bed

Abby — Mon, 29 May 2017 13:39:04 +0000

To many, a bed is a sacred place of comfort, relaxation, and rest. That’s why Hi-Interiors created a smart bed. Called HiCan, this revolutionary bed is a “private sanctuary where you can enjoy a new concept of lifestyle and comfort.” HiCan brings technology right to you in the comfort of your bed. Featuring a 70″ home theatre screen, HiCan has numerous features, offering you well-rested sleep and enjoyable pastimes. From an advanced sound system (aka invisible speakers) to adjustable LED lights with ambient lighting options, or from an accessible touch board to automated privacy blinds, head- and footrest, HiCan is designed to give you the ultimate experience. The standard input device for Hi-Interiors’ smart bed is AppleTV with AirPlay compatibility. However, HiCan also supports gaming consoles like the X-Box or PlayStation. Although currently under development, the HiCan app will control the user interface of the smart bed. Wi-Fi enabled, it will be available for both iOS and Android smartphones. One innovative feature of HiCan is its configuration ability. You can save your preferences—for example, TV settings—and share it onto another HiCan bed through the app or the Apple Watch. This eliminates the hassle of setting up your preferences again. That’s enough about HiCan’s technology. What about the factor of sleeping on this revolutionary bed? Hi-Interiors say the bed provides a wonderful night of sleep. The exterior structure is made of Adamantx, a material that was born from years of studies and experimentation. Adamantx offers solidity, strength, versatility, lightness, and washable features to HiCan. The client can request leather or textile fabric for the upholstery. One customer wrote: “Your product is amazing! I love this bed. I saw this bed and fell in love with the design.” Another customer said he’s “always wanted something like this! It’s my dream come true!” Realizing how popular the HiCan bed became, the company started a campaign for it. Hi-Interiors next steps were to make the revolutionary bed more affordable to consumers. The company believes that “any meaningful technology is going to be an every-person’s technology.”

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