Japanese Culture in New York - Chopsticks NY

BOOK OFF New York Store

Take advantage of the biggest sale of the year!

Recycling is becoming more and more common in this eco-friendly age, but have you thought about recycling your books, CDs, and DVDs? BOOK OFF New York Store constantly carries 200,000 recycled items, including comics and manga, hard cover books, paperbacks, fiction, nonfiction, magazines, dictionaries, children’s books, business books, CDs, DVDs, video games, videos in both Japanese and English, and even anime and manga figures.

What is amazing about BOOK OFF is not only that it sells a tremendous number of items at reduced prices but also that these items are valuable. According to Mr. Shuzui, manager of the New York store, a recycled book caught someone’s attention at least once while approximately 30% of newly released books go unsold in Japan. “We offer items in good condition, which looks almost brand new, at approximately half price. Also, our $1 book section attracts many customers because there are a lot of bargains. I hope you enjoy looking for a lucky find,” he says. BOOK OFF also completely cleans each item before putting it on the shelf.

This Christmas, the store will hold the biggest sale of the year from Dec. 20-28. All English books will be sold at 30% off, CDs and DVDs at 20% off and Japanese comic books at 10% off. Also, all Japanese hardcover books (tank̅obon) will be $7. Other offers cannot be used with these discounts. Gift certificates ($5 and up) are also available.

If you're looking for English books, pass the counter on the first floor and go straight.  This floor also displays videos, DVDs, CDs, and video games.	You can find English books about Japanese culture, Japanese language textbooks, and translated Japanese novels on the mezzanine level.	Lots of manga and comics in both English and Japanese are displayed on the second floor. There are also children's books and anime and manga figures on this floor.	The basement is filled with Japanese books--hard cover and paperback, fiction and nonfiction--as well as Japanese magazines.

BOOK OFF New York Store
14 E. 41st St.   (bet. Madison & 5th Aves.)   New York, NY 10017   TEL: 212-685-1410   Sun-Sat: 10am-8pm
www.bookoff.co.jp

KAZUYO NAKANO NEW YORK

Kazuyo Nakano's handbag collections reconcile grace and fantasy for the urban women

Kazuyo Nakano New York is the symbol for a generation of working girls with a fashion edge. Born in Kyoto, designer Kazuyo Nakano developed a creative mind, respectful of the Japanese tradition of quality leather craftsmanship, and dedicated herself to bringing this art to the fashion-savvy New York woman. Her handbag designs reflect the complex task of modern women: captivating elegance in the midst of a busy schedule.

Chic business　women, the "Alice" bag is for you: an exquisitely detailed crocodile embossed leather purse that is large enough to pack your Wall Street Journal, your make-up pouch and your Blackberry throughout the day. And as night follows closely the day, Kazuyo Nakano New York created this convertible model to fulfill your dreams: you can fold the Alice in half, pulling its delicate gold shoulder strap to reveal a stylish party clutch.

The classic winter "Karolina" model with button detail and gold hardware is functional and chic. A colorful collection of wallets, portfolios and i-Pod cases will complete your look and accommodate any budget. You can carry everything you need from passport to planner, in one stylish three-dimensional portfolio. No matter what you are looking for, be assured that Kazuyo Nakano New York leather goods will carry you in style throughout the day from business lunch to cocktail dinner!

Innovative fold-over "Alice" bag with detachable strap and magnetic closure.	"Karolina" retro modern buffalo leather model with signature button detail.
		An extensive collection of leather accessories crafted in Japan makes the perfect Holiday gift.

Kazuyo Nakano New York
117 Crosby St. (bet. Prince and Houston Sts.)   New York, NY 10012   TEL: 212-941-7093 / www.kazuyonakano.com
Mon-Sat: 11am-7pm, Sun: 12pm-6pm

MINAMOTO KITCHOAN

Where Japanese Tradition Meets The Rest Of The World

Since 1947, when it was first established in Okayama prefecture, Minamoto Kitchoan’s creations have been loved for their originality and their unique take on the Japanese traditions of wagashi (Japanese dessert), by drawing influences from various regions and cultures from around the world.
 
Each season Minamoto Kitchoan comes up with something unique, and this winter, we are blessed with several new seasonally limited additions such as the Suikanshuku made with dried persimmons, stuffed with sweet white beans and rolled in pearled sugar. The natural sweetness of the fruit and the delicate white bean paste is subtle, sophisticated, and a great counterpart to sencha. The Hanatsubomi, made with a Japanese citrus called yuzu, stuffed with sweet white bean paste, uses a whole candied yuzu which is not only edible, but also visually satisfying, capturing the essence of the season.
 
While they strive to promote Japanese culture through their creations, some of their products have a more international twist, like the Chocolate Daifuku with soft chocolate powdered mochi surrounding the pure chocolate inside. The Gareiju, which is Minamoto Kitchoan's version of a baumkuchen, a traditional European cake that has come to be loved by the Japanese, is a European tradition elevated to its finest form with Japanese technique. Each item comes in beautifully wrapped gift boxes with various sizes to choose from, so hurry up for your chance to stand out from the crowd this season with your unique gift!

(From left) Hanatsubomi and Suikanshuku are finest examples of the wagashi craft, while Chocolate Daifuku and Gareiju demonstrate how Minamoto Kitchoan is constantly pushing the envelope of wagashi.

Minamoto Kitchoan
608 Fifth Ave. (at 49th St.),  New York, NY 10020 / TEL: 212-489-3747 /  www.kitchoan.com
595 River Rd.,  (Mitsuwa Marketplace)  Edgewater,  NJ 07020 / TEL: 201-313-9335

FACIAL INDEX

Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Eyes

A trendsetter in the eyewear industry, Facial Index offers a wide spectrum of designs with the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and the latest technology from Japan. Their collection is modern, chic and unique, but the design never compromises their true function. Many frames come with nose pads that can be removed or adjusted for a perfect fit. Their experienced staff can also suggest the best pair for your facial features. From November 22nd to December 31st, they are offering 50% off on selected items exclusively imported from Japan. Get a pair of fabulous glasses and make a fashion statement this winter!

Note: The frame misaligns without nose pads.

Facial Index
104 Grand St.,   (at Mercer St.)   New York, NY 10013   TEL: 646-613-1055   www.facial-index.com
facialindex@gmail.com   Mon-Sat: 11am-7pm   Sun: 12pm-6pm

KORIN JAPANESE TRADING

Engraved Knife - A Gift Like No Other

Korin Japanese Trading has been serving New York's restaurant industry with their premium chef's knives and Japanese kitchenware since 1982. In their store, they display beautiful, high quality knives, and their knowledgeable staff can help you pick a knife that meets all of your culinary needs and requirements. From Black Friday to the end of the year, all knives are 15% off, and selected items from Togiharu Hammered Texture Damascus knives are 20% off. Another great Korin product is Cook Zen, a cooking pot designed especially for microwave ovens, and it makes cooking for one person quick and easy.

Korin offers engraving on their quality knives, a perfect way to personalize your gift.

Korin Japanese Trading
57 Warren St.   (bet. Church St. & W. B’way)   New York, NY 10007   TEL: 1-800-626-2172   www.korin.com  
Holiday store hours (from Nov. 28th):   Mon-Fri: 10am-7pm, Sat & Sun: 10am-6pm