Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2014

Little Buddhas

If you’re looking to add a touch of tradition to your home, visit ISM’s new shop in Omotesando (5-48-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku; Tel: 03-6419-7822). The company’s name and logo is a deconstruction of the kanji 仏, or Buddha, which is no surprise as they deal in miniature replicas of key deities in Japanese Buddhism. The painstakingly detailed ornaments are much more than an exotic decoration, though. Each one corresponds to a full-size statue housed in temples across Japan, some of which are only on view once a year. This background info is included, making for great conversation starters when guests come to visit. Buyers often send back pictures of their prized possessions proudly sitting on the dining table, the bookshelf and (for the first time this year) on the top of a toilet tank. The shop offers two series: Tana Cocoro (¥19,950; 14-20cm high) and Isamu Standard (¥63,000-¥265,000; 33-42cm). http://www.isumu.jp/omotesando

Artsy Characters

Japanese calligraphy, or shodo, is one of the country’s oldest forms of art, but the folks at Carré Moji are putting a new spin on this millennia-long tradition. Their master calligraphers create designs thoroughly modern not only in form, but also in concept—they even have English words written in the style. Each frame and color mat is carefully chosen to coordinate with the word and its presentation, creating a sleek and elegant interior design element. Prices begin at ¥40,000 and their online shop (www.carremoji.jp/en) carries over 500 works. Another option for those who want to see before they buy is the Carré Moji gallery in Omotesando (3F 5-11-24 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5766-7120. Open Mon-Sat 11:30am-7pm).

Wishful Thinking

Japanese tradition dictates that when a person is serious about a new goal or wish, they paint in the pupil in the white eye of a daruma doll. When that goal is achieved, the other eye can be completed and the little guy no longer has to look like a half-blind pirate. It’s a great way to visualise your goal, as the one white eye serves a constant reminder. However, these little round dudes—named for the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism, Bodhidharma—don’t do much but sit on a shelf. While they’re a symbol of perseverance and good luck and all, they’re not very practical. This is where Formless Design comes in. Their Darma Formless vases (¥5,880) are at least functional: they include a test tube in the top to hold fresh flowers. Available in traditional red or goes-with-anything white, lending a bit of variety to the way you keep track of your goals.

Available online at http://store.novelax.jp