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[Yamaichi's Koyamaki Bath Bucket]

Yamaichi's bath set, popular both in Japan and overseas, now includes a bath bucket made of Koyamaki (Japanese umbrella pine). Koyamaki is a conifer native to Japan, growing naturally around Mt. Koya in Wakayama Prefecture and in the Kiso region of Nagano Prefecture. Counted as one of the Five Trees of Kiso, it has been prized since ancient times for its water-resistant and rot-resistant properties, making it ideal for water buckets and construction.

The greatest charm is the refreshing fragrance that spreads the moment you fill it with hot water. The scent, with a lime-like freshness, helps to melt away the fatigue of the day and brings deep tranquility. At Mt. Koya, legend has it that the founder, Kobo Daishi (Kukai), offered its branches and leaves instead of flowers, making it a special tree that has been close to people's hearts for centuries.

A relaxing time that feels like being immersed in hot water in the middle of a forest. Why not welcome the scent of Koyamaki, which provides both refreshment and relaxation, into your daily bath time? As this product is limited in quantity, sales will end as soon as the stock is gone. Please consider this opportunity.

Yamaichi's Koyamaki Bath Bucket
https://www.shokunin.com/en/yamaichi/yuami.html

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[Indigo Classic's Handkerchief Has Been Added]

This indigo-dyed handkerchief is beautifully crafted by hand, with every detail meticulously dyed. By stripping away logos and decorations, we have achieved a simple appearance that allows the indigo color itself to stand out. Despite the crisp texture characteristic of linen, the fabric is thin enough to fit in a pocket without disrupting the silhouette of your clothing. The smooth touch becomes softer and more familiar with use, while its excellent water absorption and quick-drying properties keep it fresh for daily use. Available in three shades to suit the occasion or your daily mood, it also makes an ideal gift for a loved one.

Indigo Classic's Handkerchief
https://www.shokunin.com/en/indigo/handkerchief.html

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[Copper Kettle: A Companion in My New Life]

Several years ago, when I moved to Otaru, a certain object came along with me. It was Azmaya's Copper Kettle. Although I had purchased it quite some time ago, my family home already had a copper kettle that had been used for decades, so I felt there was no rush to use it, and it remained tucked away for a while.

The start of my new life finally gave me the perfect reason to bring it out. Starting each morning by boiling water, the kettle naturally became a part of my daily routine as an essential tool. It has been with me for exactly the same number of years as my current lifestyle, and because of that, I find immense joy in watching its appearance subtly change day by day. On weekdays, I use it to boil water for the tea in my thermos. On cold winter nights, I prepare water for my hot water bottle. Since I place it over the fire almost every single day, there is hardly a day it sits idle. As I use it more and more, it has developed a settled, deep color and a soft, refined luster.

A copper kettle is truly a practical tool. First of all, it boils water remarkably fast, which makes busy mornings stress-free. Even just letting water sit in it seems to somehow soften the taste. Once boiled, the water becomes even mellower, and the difference is clearly noticeable when brewing tea. It is sturdy, easy to use without hesitation, and I rarely have to worry about it breaking. It is a presence that allows me to naturally enjoy the sensation of using a fine tool. Whether it is a copper kettle or something like a woven basket bag, I wonder why we are so drawn to things that change over time. I believe it is because the time spent using them and the traces of our daily lives are preserved in their very form. A look that is different from the beauty of a brand-new item—one with a few small scratches and a deepened hue. Knowing that my own life is etched into it makes me feel a natural sense of affection.

Having started this new life together with my copper kettle, I am already looking forward to the hot summer, as I am eager to try making the "Mugicha (Barley Tea) Made in a Kettle" that was introduced on our store's blog. As the seasons turn and the ways I use it increase, the copper kettle's expression will change once again. I want to continue my relationship with this kettle as a special presence and a reliable everyday tool for years to come.

Azmaya's Copper Kettle
https://www.shokunin.com/en/azmaya/yakan.html
Sunami Toru Shoten's Ikago
https://www.shokunin.com/en/sunami/ikago.html
Mugicha (Barley Tea) Made in a Kettle (Article)
https://en.shokunin.com/archives/55263867.html