Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2011
Cards
As screens supplant pretty much everything, Winged Wheel urges us to remember the beauty of paper. This greeting card company, with a store in Omotesando (and one in Osaka) produces original designs, as well as collaborating with illustrators and designers from various countries including Portugal, the USA, and South Africa. Their nengajyo (new year cards) feature some beautiful, simple designs, including some of everyone’s favorite mythical winged reptile. From ¥70 each, available from www.winged-wheel.co.jp
Inkan
Stamp your intentions on the new year, make your mark, cause an ink, and other related puns. This dragon-like inkan can be used for signing official documents (if your name happens to be “Mr. Dragon”), decorating new year cards (see above), graffitiing office walls, tattooing body parts, and any other perverse activity you might think of. Comes with a gorgeous patterned case, available in blue and orange. ¥9,450, available from Bring Japan, http://meturl.com/inkan
Hat
You know that feeling. On the way out the door to a pressing social engagement, you open your hat cupboard only to be crushed with disappointment. Why are all your head-coverings so passé and mundane? Why does nothing truly match the ebullient spirit of the holiday season? Act at once to ensure that your new year is not ruined by fashion desperation. Order up the last remaining model of dragon hat from Yahoo before it sells out, and walk the streets with your head held high. ¥1,680, available from Yahoo, http://meturl.com/dragonhat
Bank
Global financial institutions have come under fire in recent years, so it might be worth looking back to the Middle Ages, when treasure was often stored in dragons’ caves. The fire-breathing reptile did a good job of warding off any unsavory characters, not to mention the nation’s tax collectors. Now you can establish your own hoard in your own home with this dragon bank, and stash your hard-earned yennage in the belly of the beast itself. ¥1,580, available from Zakka Shop, http://meturl.com/dragonbank
