Double review for:
- Japanese Denim Everyday Tote
- Redline Selvedge Japanese Denim Tote
It was with a little bit of trepidation that I bought these 2 totes as informal gifts for a dear benefactor friend. I often see her use some old and partially torn plastic tote that shops give free with purchase, so I wanted to give her something better. But I am always a bit nervous when choosing gifts for her because she has very discerning tastes, coming from a highly talented and skilled background in the music, arts and crafts fields (she has a master’s degree in Opera Performing Arts from her country’s national music conservatory, is a choir conductor and all-around musician, performs voice acting, is a recording/mixing audio engineer, does choreography, worked in the high-end fashion industry, designed and sewed her own wedding dress, designs and builds stages and props for plays and events, etc.).
So the day comes for me to give her the gifts. I approached her, totes in hand, and I timidly said, “I got you these totes because— ". I didn’t even get a chance to finish the sentence. She had started to eye the totes in my hand at the beginning of my sentence. Then at mid-sentence her eyes lit up, her jaw dropped, she lunged forward, and literally yanked the totes out of my hand, all smiles. She said, “These are REALLY NICE, I really like them! Thank you!” (I marveled at how she came to that conclusion in literally 2 seconds!) Then she proceeded to carefully inspect each tote, noting the distinctive features of each, commenting on how neat, unique, and functional each is, how she’ll use them, and what she’ll carry inside. She proceeded to thank me profusely again, all giddy like a kid with a new little treasure. She started using them the very next day and beams when carrying them.
Thank you Wabi Sabi Shop!
Joseph T.
PS: I stumbled onto the Wabi Sabi Shop website by accident a little less than 2 years ago. At first, I was curious about the shop’s take on the wabi-sabi philosophy as merchant and as writer in its communications, and so signed up for the shop’s newsletters.
I read every newsletter I received, and during the first few months thought the topics were whimsical or interesting in a trivia-wise manner though overall forgettable. But over time, the newsletters’ simple prose style, philosophy, and topics gradually did something to me—they reached out and gently grabbed something in my heart…
Now, every time I see a Wabi Sabi Shop newsletter in my inbox, a little spark of joy lights up in me and I can’t wait to read it. It’s the only thing in my inbox that gives me this reaction. I cherish each newsletter like a tiny secret treasure. At first, I thought this was because the newsletters changed over time to match my interests, fancies, and life philosophy. But now I strongly suspect the newsletters did not change—rather, they helped bring to the surface in me the simple but beautiful things and ideas I yearn for in this very materialistic, noisy, greedy modern world that has tempted me with its false charms. Thank you—for reminding me to slow down, for showing me true simple beauty, and for inspiring me to think and live in a simpler but better way.
I can see that the shop and newsletters are labors of love and joy for you. I wish you the best fortunes and blessings. Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
Joseph,
Thank you for taking the time to write something so thoughtful and generous. I read your review slowly—more than once—and I don’t take a single word of it lightly.
The story of your friend’s reaction made me smile immediately. That moment—when someone with a truly trained eye recognizes quality without needing it explained—is exactly why we carry pieces like these denim totes. They’re quiet, honest objects, but they reveal themselves quickly to people who notice details. I’m so glad they found their way into the hands of someone who could truly see them—and use them with joy.
What you shared about the newsletters moved me even more. I never set out to persuade, convince, or impress. I only try to write honestly, about things that feel small but meaningful, and to leave space for readers to bring their own lives into the words. Knowing that, over time, they helped surface something you already carried—that longing for simplicity, for clarity, for beauty without noise—is deeply humbling.
What you wrote reminds me that the emails don’t need to be louder or smarter—just honest and steady.
The shop, the writing, the objects—all of it really is a labor of care. Some days it’s quiet, some days it’s hard, but messages like yours remind me why it’s worth doing thoughtfully and without shortcuts.
Thank you for your trust, your attentiveness, and your kindness. I’m truly grateful you’re here.
Wishing you a calm, meaningful year ahead,
This one is a little bit stronger than the others I’ve tried,but still a beautiful incense
I absolutely ❤️this one, such a beautiful scented incense. It has become my favourite
I love this hairbrush. I brought my first one when I recently visited Japan and had to buy more for my family. It gives you smooth, shiny hair. Its a teally beautifully made hair brush. Great service from Wab Sabi Shop too 😊
Love it! Very happy it can go over my shoulder. Would have love more if the denim is a bit thicker to my liking!
Perfect size for me very well made. I wish the denim a bit thicker.
It really reduce splatter and allow the food to fry properly . Easy to use, wash & dry. Recommend it!!
Thank you so much, Gina.
I’m really happy to hear the splatter screen is helping in your kitchen. It’s such a simple tool, but when it works well, it makes cooking feel calmer and cleaner. I’m glad it’s been easy for you to use, wash, and care for.
This is the best thing that Ive brought all year,with this little gem I can now whip around my entire house in under 5 minutes, and everything is clean. And the best part is,no more chemicals.I love it
I bought one of each of these cups to serve tea from the same white server from Wabisabi shop. Each came individually wrapped in a box with different color paper accent piece. It was so beautiful I couldn't throw away the boxes. I'm thinking of ways to display them so I can enjoy looking at them as well as serving from them. Delicate yet solid. I'm looking forward to serving tea in these pleasing cups for years to come.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, Junko.
I’m delighted to hear the cups arrived safely and that the packaging resonated with you as much as the pieces themselves. They really do invite both use and display, and it’s wonderful to hear you’re enjoying them in both ways.
I burnt the hanga lotus this morning,just as a morning fog was starting to come in, it was a beautiful setting
The Hanga pine is another beautiful incense to burn first thing in the mornings, perfect way to start the new day
Kansas travel hair brush
Thank you so much for your review, Danny.
I’m glad to hear the travel brush is a perfect fit for you. It’s a small piece, but the craftsmanship really shines through — I’m happy it’s working well for you.
The Hanga Bamboo is another beautiful incense that I have purchased from wabisabi shop,every morning I rotate between the plum and the bamboo.for me it sets the mood for the day
Thank you, Danny! Rotating between Plum and Bamboo sounds like such a lovely morning ritual. Those are my favorite scents too—they really set the tone for a calm day.
I purchased two, intending to give one to a family member. Instead I am keeping both as they are so useful. From reaching down into jars to get the last of the contents to spreading the same on toast to prying up the lid on a can, these are great. I especially like that they can go into my dishwasher. Highly recommended.
Thank you, Alice! I love how you’ve discovered so many clever uses for them—that’s exactly what makes this tool such a quiet superstar in the kitchen. And being dishwasher-safe really does make life easier. Sounds like keeping both was the perfect choice!
My new broom feels like useful art. It is beautifully made and works extremely well. It has solved my frustration with pet hair and our wood floors shine after I sweep with this broom.
Thank you so much! I love how you described it as “useful art”—that’s exactly the spirit of these brooms. I’m so happy to hear it’s helping with pet hair and making your wood floors shine.
I just opened the box and used these garden pruners and my jaws dropped. They are so much more efficient and the sharper edges don't put too much pressure on my hands - a big help as they weaken with age. I really appreciate this kind of high precision sheers. They are a gardener's delight! I'm so glad I upgraded my tool. It was worth the price I paid!
Thank you so much! I love how you captured the precision and ease these pruners bring—it really is like upgrading to a whole new level of gardening. I’m delighted to hear they’re helping your hands and making the work more enjoyable.
Perfect for my friend’s birthday, and she loved it!
Thank you, Jeff! I’m so happy to hear the furoshiki made the perfect birthday gift—and even more wonderful that your friend loved it!
I love the Shirayuki Kitchen Cloths and ordered a few more because they hold up and dry quickly in humidity.
Thank you, Li! I’m so glad to hear you love the Shirayuki Kitchen Cloths. The way they hold up and dry so quickly—even in humidity—is one of the things I admire about them too. A few more on hand is always a good idea!
It's so lovely to look at, rather than putting it away in a cupboard, I have it displayed in the kitchen. I'm now trying to brew various kinds of tea and how much leaves/fruits to put in.
Thank you, Junko! I love that you’ve chosen to display the teapot—it really does have such a quiet beauty. Using fruits for tea is such a great idea, I’ll have to try it myself!
What struck me about this ladle is its beauty. Once received, I liked the heavier weight as you can feel the quality. I'm looking forward to using this for the kitchen and also serving at the table.
Yes! I feel the same way about this piece—it’s a favorite of mine too.
This brush is a wonderful addition to my routine. The bristles are exceptionally soft and supple, making it very gentle on the skin. Unlike harsher brushes, it does not cause redness or irritation, nor does it pull at the skin. Instead, it glides smoothly across the skin and is a true pleasure to use. A thoughtfully made brush that combines effectiveness with comfort—I highly recommend it
Thank you so much, Linda! I’m thrilled to hear the brush has been such a pleasure to use. Kanaya really puts so much care into their craft, and it shows in how gentle yet effective this brush feels on the skin. I’m so glad it’s become part of your routine.
I wanted to test this sponge in my kitchen. It does clean easily and washes in such a way that it doesn't smell after several use like my other ones. It's true to word!
Thank you so much, Junko! I’m the biggest fan of this sponge too—I’ve tried so many others over the years, but nothing compares. I’m so glad to hear it’s been working just as well in your kitchen and living up to its promise.
This is my second time I get these garden pruners. I have a tendency to leave tools outside, but the first one stayed sharp for years and I've enjoyed using them. I'm a bit more careful with these and even use oil so the blades stay sharp. It's good to have dependable garden tools like these!
Thank you, Junko! I’m so glad to hear your first pair lasted for years and that you’ve come back for another. Hidehisa tools really are wonderfully dependable—wishing you many more good seasons in the garden!
These have got to be the best smelling incense,I’ve ever smelled. I burn them in my lounge room and they make my entire house smell so fresh,
Thank you so much, Danny! We couldn’t agree more — the Plum incense is truly one of the best. Kousaido makes such heavenly scents, it’s always hard to choose a favorite. Alongside Plum, I often find myself reaching for Wave and Crane too. Each one brings such a special atmosphere to the home. We’re so glad you’re enjoying it!
Love this awesome bag.
Thank you, Anthony! We’re so glad you love the bag. Japanese denim is made to be a true companion—strong, practical, and only getting better with age. Wishing you many years of enjoyment with it!