Japanese Culture in New York - Chopsticks NY

CERA Ionized Shower Head

Salon Vijin

Winter is here, and we all know what that means. Dryness. But before you go out spending lots of money on expensive skincare and haircare products, consider CERA, a showerhead that can produce negative ion water to restore your skin and hair inside and out.
 
Negative ions are water molecules that have been broken down to small clusters. This ionized water molecule is small enough to reach deep into the cells, allowing your skin and hair to hydrate from deep within the cell while neutralizing the oxidation that occurs within cells. It can also protect the skin from harm caused by long-term use of chlorine treated tap water that leaves the skin dry and irritated. According to Salon Vijin, customers who have tried CERA have been commenting that since using the product, “itchiness from dry skin is now gone”, “the effects are immediate and my skin is smooth, soft, and radiant”. As for hair, customers have been saying “it brings back moisture and defrizzes, while restoring sheen”, “eliminated dandruff problems”, and that “styling is a breeze”. Some of their customers have even used it on their pets and swear that “it has eliminated odor from their pet’s coat”.
 
If all this sounds too good to be true, just visit Salon Vijin and pick up the CERA showerhead to try it out for yourself, as the salon is currently offering customers a free one week trial. But it won’t take you that long to decide. How often can you find one thing that’s good for the entire household, including your pooch! The first 10 customers who purchase the CERA showerhead will receive a portable mist spray ($50 value).

	Since the ceramic balls in the showerhead never need replacement, you can have spa quality water right in your home for the rest of your life for no additional cost ever.

Salon Vijin
10 Rockefeller Plaza, Concourse Level,   New York, NY 10020   (Entrance at 35 W. 48th St.)   TEL: 212-664-0664   www.salonvijin.com
Mon-Fri: 10am-7:30pm   Sat & Sun: 10am-6:30pm   Hair cut: $64 & up   Perm: $120 & up, Color: $68 & up   Highlight: $120 & up

UME NO YADO Junmai Ginjo & Bizen Omachi Junmai Daiginjo

Ume No Yado Brewery

When invited to a party, it’s customary to bring wine, beer, sweets, or a gift that you can enjoy with other people. You may enjoy choosing the most suitable gift for the occasion, but it’s also true that finding the perfect gift can sometimes be frustrating. Two premium sakes that were just introduced in the United States two months ago will make gift-giving easy. Ume No Yado: Bizen Omachi Junmai Daiginjo and Ume No Yado: Junmai Ginjo, produced by a Japanese microbrewery in Nara prefecture, are sure to please both demanding sake connoisseurs and absolute beginners.

Ume No Yado: Bizen Omachi Junmai Daiginjo is a well-balanced sake with an apple-like aroma, subtle acidity, and a silky texture. The elegant flavor impresses even experienced sake lovers. At the same time, it appeals to first-time sake drinkers thanks to its clean and fresh flavor. It goes well with sushi and steak as well as creamy-tasting dishes such as fresh oysters. This highest-ranked sake comes in a package and would make the perfect gift for any sort of formal occasion. If you like a richer sake, choose Ume No Yado: Junmai Gingo. It maintains a solid flavor and deep aroma, derived from rice, and is easy for beginners and quite reasonably priced--perfect for a casual party and enjoying with everybody. Junmai Gingo goes well with seafood dishes and Italian cuisine.

These two sakes are brewed by the time-honored microbrewery, Ume No Yado Brewery, which has produced sake since 1893. Enjoy the newest flavors in New York from the traditional brewery in Japan this holiday season.

	Newly released in New York, Ume No Yado’s sakes are unique and appropriate gifts for this holiday season.	The name, Ume No Yado, comes from a serene view of a bird chirping on a plum tree in front of the brewery.	Mitsuwa Marketplace, SAKAYA Hakubai, Hasaki, Hibino, Ippudo,Izakaya Hagi, KuraBarn, Matsuri,Sakagura, Sushi of Gari

Ume No Yado Brewery
27 Higashimuro, Katsuragi, Nara 639-2102 JAPAN   TEL: +81-745-69-2121  FAX: +81-745-69-2122   www.umenoyado.com
Distributed by Daiei Trading Co., Inc.   TEL: 718-539-8100

HUNTING HAT & SLIP-ON SHOES

Bit'z Kids

Bit'z Kids is a high-quality children's clothing and accessory store that carries stylish and comfortable designs, and they have just opened their first U.S. store on the Upper West Side in September. From their 7 original clothing brands, F.O.KIDS, Bit'z and Seraph are available here, and their adorable and practical collection has the perfect accessories to ride out the winter in style. Must-have items are the Hunting Hat made entirely of fleece, and Slip-On Shoes that are colorful in design and fun for kids. Bit'z Kids also provides a changing station and an entertaining play area that makes shopping fun for the entire family.

Hunting Hat ($25) with snug ear pads Slip-On Shoes ($19)		Bit'z Kids 410 Columbus Ave. (bet. 79th & 80th Sts.) New York NY 10024 TEL: 212-724-1415 www.bitzkids.com Mon-Fri: 10am - 7pm   Sat & Sun: 11am - 6pm

PETIT ÉTOILE (pendant set)

Bloom New York

Bloom New York in Midtown Manhattan offers a large selection of high quality jewelry for men and women at reasonable prices, and their exclusive designs are simple, elegant and unique. For this gift season they recommend a limited edition pendant set petit étoile ($108). Their pendant set includes 3 pendant tops designed in Christmas images that can be mixed and matched depending on your mood with 2 different chains - one in a pink gold and the other a pearl bead necklace. Many new items, normally available only in Japan, are imported for this holiday season as well. Bloom's romantic jewelry will make a great gift for that special someone.

The romantic pendant tops of a crescent moon and a star.	Bloom New York 361 Madison Ave. (bet. 45th & 46th Sts.) New York, NY 10017 TEL: 212-370-0068 www.bloomny.com Regular Hours:Mon-Fri: 10am-7pm Sat: 11am-6pm December Hours:Mon-Fri: 10am-8pm Sat & Sun: 11am-6pm

AQUA-COLLAGEN-GEL SUPER MOISTURE

Dr.Ci:Labo USA

During the winter months, the air becomes very dry and draws moisture away from your skin, causing wrinkles and fine lines. Aqua-Collagen-Gel Super Moisture from Dr.Ci:Labo USA is an all-in-one skincare product that is ideal for the busy New Yorker. This extra rich gel contains nano spheres, small enough to penetrate the outer layer of the skin, and keeps it supple by toning, moisturizing and balancing the skin PH. Starting Dec. 3rd, you'll receive a variety of traveler size skincare products in a beautiful white pouch for purchases of over $85 while supply lasts. It makes a great holiday gift for those who may want their healthy and youthful glow back.

Available in two sizes: 4.23oz ($82), 1.75oz ($40)		Dr.Ci:Labo USA media@cilabousa.com Purchase Locations: Takashimaya New York 693 5th Ave., NYC Douglas Cosmetics 29 Grand Central Terminals

MINI SLIP & TAP PANTS (La vie a deux brand)

Kaori's closet TOKYO

"Kawaii" means "cute" in Japanese, and it is the theme of Kaori's closet TOKYO. The antique decor and the girly, sparkly ambiance of the shop just makes you want to walk-in. They offer a full selection of charming lingerie from Japan as well as the U.S. and Europe that meet their high standards for quality and design. Their staff offers recommendations with "one size fits all" gift items. One of the hottest items this winter is a lingerie mini-collection with a colorful flower bouquet print. This collection features tap pants with a frill and a mini slip with a feminine silhouette. New products arrive every week, so every visit is an exciting one.

Tap pants ($44.50), bra ($52.50) and mini slip ($77.50) in Oval Bouquet Collection.		Kaori's closet TOKYO 71 W. Houston St. (bet. Wooster St. & W. B’way) New York, NY10012 TEL: 212-387-7788 Mon-Sat: 11am- 7pm (Open until 8pm from 11/28) Sun: 12pm-6pm

JUUBAKO & BENTO BOX

Katagiri & Co.

Katagiri & Co. is a one-stop shop that carries a wide variety of Japanese products from kitchen utensils to household supplies to groceries. Perfect gift items for this holiday are juubako and bento boxes. A juubako is a tier of lacquered boxes traditionally used to serve and store meals for festive occasions. They come in exquisite and luxurious designs that can be used as a picnic lunch box or to store jewelry. Bento boxes are functional lunch boxes that are leak proof, easy to clean, and come in an array of different shapes and sizes. Choose a design to match a personality; it’s sure to make a unique and practical gift.

The prices of Juubako range from $25 to $200, and bento boxes are about $10 and up depending on their size and quality.		Katagiri & Co. 224 E. 59th St. (bet. 2nd & 3rd Aves.) New York, NY 10022 TEL: 212-755-3566 www.katagiri.com Sun-Sat: 10am-8pm (Food Store) 10am-7pm (Gift Store)

FUROSHIKI (a wrapping cloth)

Kiteya

Kiteya introduces a variety of products from Kyoto.  The word kiteya means “please visit us” in Kyoto dialect, and as this implies, they provide the best service with the spirit of omotenashi, a sense of hospitality.  As the best product for the upcoming gift season, they suggest furoshiki, a wrapping cloth traditionally used in Japan.  Furoshiki ($20-50) is an ultimate eco-friendly product that can wrap any item. They also recommend New Year wreaths and Christmas decorations for the seasonal gift. If you buy an item at Kiteya or bring your own item and purchase furoshiki or washi (Japanese paper) at the store, they wrap it for you with no charge.

Wrapping at Kiteya makes your gift even more special.		Kiteya 464 Broome St. (bet. Greene & Mercer Sts.), New York, NY 10013 TEL: 212-219-7505 www.kiteyany.com Sun, Tue-Sat: 11am-7pm

BLENDER'S SELECTION

Maeda-en USA

Afternoon tea is a great escape from busy everyday life, and Maeda-en USA offers hand-selected premium green tea directly imported from Japan. Blender's Selection is a series of loose tea leaves in 11 different flavors, carefully blended from 7 types of tea leaves such as Gyokuro, Sen-Cha, Genmai-Cha and Houji-Cha. Each tea is packaged in aluminum bags to preserve their freshness, and the splendid aroma of the tea allures the senses every time you open the package. It also comes with blend specific brewing instructions for the best brew. Enjoy their wide variety of teas according to your mood, and add it to your holiday gift list.

Available at local Japanese grocery stores. ($3.99-$15.99)		Maeda-en USA 16591 Millikan Ave. Irvine, CA 92606 TEL: 949-251-9601 www.maeda-en.com info@maeda-en.com

SPA GIFT CERTIFICATE

Moonflower Spa

Relaxing your mind and body at a spa is a great way to retreat from the cold. Moonflower Spa offers customized spa service at affordable prices and recommends spa treatment for a holiday gift. Purchase a gift certificate for 1, 2 or 3 treatments from Aromatherapy Rose Facial to recover moisture, Aromatherapy Rose Body to exfoliate the entire body, Geisha Facial with sake lees to exfoliate and nourish the skin, and Hot Oil Massage with heated herbal oil to increase cell metabolism. Choices for men are Men’s Facial with Peel, Ear Candle Therapy & Upper Back Swedish Massage, and Hot Oil Massage. Give the gift of relaxation this winter.

Each treatment is 60min, and gift certificates are available for 1, 2, 3 treatments. ($85, $160, $225)		Moonflower Spa 8 E. 41st St. 3rd Fl. (bet. 5th & Madison Aves.) New York, NY 10017 TEL: 212-683-8729 www.moonflowerspa.com Mon-Fri: 11pm-9pm Sat & Sun: 11am-8pm

CHIKUNO CUBE (a bamboo charcoal cube)

Morihata International Ltd. Co.

Chikuno Cube is an air freshener made from ultra fine powder of bamboo charcoal and clay minerals. Bamboo charcoal naturally absorbs odors, but the secret to the superior absorption power of Chikuno Cube is the micro-honeycomb structure that amplifies its surface area a thousand fold. This 2-inch cube has the surface area equivalent of 4 football fields and works best in a small enclosed space such as refrigerators, closets and cars. It is eco-friendly and can be re-used for up to 1 year by just exposing it to direct sunlight every 4 weeks for several hours. The quality is rooted in Kyoto's craftsmanship, and it won the Good Design Award in 2008.

1 cube ($24), 3 cube set in a tray ($88) until 12/31/08.		Morihata International Ltd. Co. 428 North 13th Street 2C Philadelphia, PA 19123 TEL: 215-238-1328 www.morihata.com info@morihata.com Sun, Tue-Sat: 11am-7pm

MODAL TURTLENECK (Bradelis New York Collection)

Ripplu

Ripplu is a custom fit lingerie shop, specializing in body shaping underwear. From their most popular collection, they suggest Long Sleeve Modal Turtleneck ($58) as a perfect gift item. It's a soft and velvety turtleneck top made from Lenzing Modal MICRO, which is the finest cellulose fiber derived from beech wood. It regulates the moisture from the body while keeping you warm, and also comes with underarm pads containing bincho-tan particles that neutralize any odors. The exceptional design works as innerwear or a stylish top, and it is available in black, chocolate, champagne and crimson. This is a must-have item to endure the cold winter.

Bring the December issue of Chopsticks NY for $5 off on purchase over $50. Other restrictions may apply.		Ripplu 66 Madison Ave. (bet. 27th & 28th Sts.) New York, NY 10016 TEL: 212-599-2223 www.ripplu.com infoj@ripplu.com Mon-Sat: 11am-7pm Sun: 11am-6pm