Japanese daily life tools found at FOUND MUJI. And an exhibition focusing on "metal" will be held!

The wisdom of daily life has been handed down from ancient times. The exhibition "Tools for Daily Life in Japan" was held at "FOUND MUJI" to convey this wisdom in an easy-to-understand manner through tools.

Unfortunately, the exhibition has ended at FOUND MUJI in Aoyama, but items in stock will continue to be sold. And at stores nationwide (listed below), the exhibition will continue until September 9 (Thu.).

At any rate, let me review all of the items, because I found many of them.

Tenugui Hand Towel (Clockwise from top left: Kagome, Hyotan, Eggplant) ¥1,590 each

A variety of handcrafted tools picked up from all over Japan. There were many items on display, ranging from the nostalgic to the previously unseen.

It is fun to find your own way to use these tools as well as the traditional way.

Milk bottle medium (500ml) ¥350, small (200ml) ¥290

Kokuji-yaki chopstick stand ¥2,490, Yamazakura ladle ¥1,290, Yamazakura turner ¥1,190

Iga-yaki Kohei pot (900ml) each ¥2,990

Take, for example, the Gyohira pot. Currently, aluminum is the most common material, but this one is made of ceramics, which allows for gentle heat transfer, making it ideal for simmering dishes, rice, soups, and tea, as well as for one-pot cooking.

Not only does it have a lid and handle, but it also has a spout, making it easy and convenient to pour soup.

Iga ware roasting pan ¥3,990

A type of unglazed earthenware pot that has been used for more than 100 years to roast tea, sesame, beans, rice, salt, and other ingredients. It is one of the rare tools used today, but it is still made in Mie Prefecture, where Banko-yaki is produced.

It is also ideal for roasting tea leaves and coffee beans to your own taste, or roasting nuts and grains to make homemade granola.

Cedar wooden box ¥7,990〜

A cedar wooden box used to store tea leaves for sale. The tin on the inside and paper on the joints of the boards are to protect them from moisture and insects. It is therefore a good idea to use it as a storage box for clothes such as knitwear and cut-and-sewn clothing, as well as books and magazines.

Bamboo teacup basket (small) ¥13,900

A good old drainer basket woven from thin bamboo or fern stems. Compared to today's stainless steel ones, these baskets have legs on the bottom for better ventilation, but they can still get moldy if wet dishes are left in them.

This means that the cloth used to cover the inside needs to be changed frequently, and washed dishes need to be put away quickly, but this is what makes it a gem. It also looks good simply as a vessel for holding a cup or teacup.

Bamboo hot water basket ¥7,900

A tool for carrying towels and soap when touring hot springs. It may also be used to hold slippers or a stole, and because it has a handle, it may be used to hold items to be carried around in the home. For example, it could be lotion or fabric mist.

Kokuji ware kataguchi (large) ¥3,490, (medium) ¥2,490, (small) ¥1,990

A vessel with a spout on one side. Originally a tool used for weighing sake and soy sauce, it can also be used as a sake container or for dripping coffee. In addition to being used as a spout, the hollow can also hold a bamboo ladle or chopsticks, making it ideal for use as a plate for serving hot pot in the wintertime.

Tin tub ¥3,990

Although "Tools for Daily Life in Japan" has ended, a special exhibition on the theme of "metal" is currently being held at "FOUND MUJI" from the end of August.

Special Exhibition "FOUND MUJI Metal

Metals have been a part of our lives for a long time because they are easy to use, economical, and can be used repeatedly. There are many different types of "metals," including aluminum, copper, brass, stellence, and iron, each of which has its own unique properties, such as strength and high thermal conductivity.

This exhibition focuses on the materials and processing techniques of such "metals" through everyday tools.

The items to be introduced will include aluminum saucepans, aluminum clocks, folding knives, stainless steel cutlery, and much more. Some of the items you may have used in the past, while others you may not have known existed until now.

By looking at tools that have been used for a long time, you may find new tools and hints for your life.