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Holiday Shipping Guide 2022

Holiday Shipping Guide 2022

by | Nov 22, 2022 | UPDATES

itsumo holiday shipping gift season

2022 Holiday Shipping Guide

If you’re looking to send a gift this holiday, please follow our Holiday Shipping Guide to help you plan when to order your holiday gifts to ensure it arrives before December 25, 2021.

 

Order Deadlines

[Canadian Orders]

  • Canadian orders (except for British Columbia) are recommended to be placed by Thursday December 8th.

     

  • BC orders must be placed by Thursday December 15th. 

 

 

[U.S. Orders]

  • All U.S orders must be placed by Tuesday December 13th

[International Orders]

  • International orders must be placed by Monday November 28th to make it for Christmas Day (Sunday, Dec 25, 2020)

Notes

At ITSUMO we strive to process your order as quickly and carefully as possible. Of course, sending gifts early is the best way to avoid any issues but we cannot guarantee the delivery date. Therefore we advise all customers are responsible for ensuring orders are placed in time for your parcels timely arrival. If we are experiencing higher than normal volume we will reach out to let you know. 

Please find this link to Canada Post Delivery Standard to help you take additional precautions when ordering.

Gift Wrap

One of our special services we offer at ITSUMO is our complimentary gift wrapping, which is beautiful and thoughtful. If you would like your item(s) wrapped, please make sure to leave a note during checkout, or e-mail us with your order number.

Newsletter – September 2022

Newsletter – September 2022

by | Sep 22, 2022 | Newsletter

Newsletter – September 2022

itsumo-online special promotion-free handmade round linen coatser for online orders
Early Autumn
 Newsletter – September 2022

Hello friends,

Welcome to our seasonal ITSUMO newsletter. Every month we like to share the joy of exploring the subtle nuances of seasons changing, and how it influences our daily lives together. Summer is behind us, fall is in the crisp air; we find ourselves in the mood of transition towards the traditionally rich and flavourful season. 

・Seasonal Mood・

At ITSUMO, we love exploring cultural and seasonal observations using the 24 sekki solar calendar. Also known as “small seasons,” 24 sekki doesn’t use dates to mark seasons, but instead, it divides the year using natural phenomena. Thinking in 24 sekki is another way of appreciating the annual changes in nature’s cycle.

Moving forward, we would like to invite you to a series of posts to be made in collaboration between Kintoki Sweets & ITSUMO. With her pure passion and creation, Sen Sakamoto of Kintoki Sweets will present seasonal desserts while incorporating some of our favourite products we offer at ITSUMO. 

・Kintoki Sweets x ITSUMO・

itsumo shop photo-yumiko iihoshi porcemain-tableware

24sekki calendar

Shuubun no Hi 秋分の日 – Autumnal Equinox Day
September 22

***

On the evening of September 22, it is the fall equinox here in Vancouver (September 23rd in Japan) as we enter the 16th micro season called 秋分 Shuubun. We can feel the crisp air as the autumn season has just begun in the 24 Sekki calendar. 

In traditional agriculturally based cultures with distinct seasons like Japan, the equinoxes were regarded with an almost religious reverence. With spring equinoxes representing the start of the planting season and the autumn equinoxes being associated with harvests. There were many ancient traditional rites and religious observances that were associated with the equinoxes, the sun and ancestors, with the word 日願 Higan or “Sending thoughts to the sun” becoming the root word of the same pronunciation 彼岸 or the “other shore” in Buddhist teachings as it was believed that during the equinoxes is when the Buddhist world of the passed was in the closest proximity to the land of the living. 

In Japan, now the equinox is a day of reflection when families gather and pay respect to their loved ones, spend time together and connect over food. On this fall equinox we really start to notice the temperature getting slightly cooler and the days getting shorter. We like to send our thoughts to the sun thanking it for bringing a bountiful autumn harvest like the fall squashes that are starting to show up on the local farmers market stalls. 

 

Featured here is Sen’s “Kuri yōkan” made of local red squash. Set with agar and slightly sweetened with a drizzle of black sugar syrup for a caramel finish to compliment the squash flavours. Our choice of tableware for this dessert is a Unjour plate in rainy grey by Yumiko Iihoshi Porcelain. We love the contrast in this presentation; the orange colour looks vibrant on dark grey, and the matte glaze enhances the glossy texture of food.

With Kuri squash’s bright colouring, the presentation gives off a feeling of a cool yet cozy autumn day. Perfect to serve as a light dessert connecting over a fall family gathering. We hope this fall equinox finds you well. The reflective atmosphere of the chilly weather will bring the loved ones closer together as we head into a season that emphasizes comfort and cosiness.

 

Until our next exploration,

Kintoki Sweets x ITSUMO

yumiko iihoshi porcelain-unjour-yuki

Sen Sakamoto of Kintoki Sweets
Japanese Canadian Nisei researching traditional recipes for the the curious and inquisitive. 

Follow @kintokisweets 


Kintoki x ITSUMO
Our ITSUMO team & Sen share many interests and a deep love for Japanese food & culture. Since 2019, our collaboration has continued to flourish. If you’d like to know more, follow us on Instagram for bi-monthly posts inspired by the 24sekki calendar. 

Follow @itsumolifestyle

・In Season・

Staff picks for our Autumn mood…

azmaya_rice storage box
azmaya_rice storage box
azmaya-hinoki bath stool
azmaya-hinoki bath stool

・Shop News・

kikka senkoh mosquito coil incense
The planter boxes outside our shop had a fresh makeover last month, and we welcome the soft autumn breeze coming into our space daily.  We look forward to seeing you at our shop in beautiful Mount Pleasant. 
***
[Shop Hours]
Wednesday ~ Saturday: 12:00 – 18:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 17:00
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Changes, and an exciting new beginning…
 
Due to the recent loss of our Instagram account, containing memories gathered over 5+ years, we’ve slowly started from scratch with a new account, @ITSUMOLIFESTYLE. Although our new Instagram is still young, we hope to re-connect with all of our ITSUMO community…

We have some exciting announcements coming soon, stay tuned!

 

kikka senkoh mosquito coil incense

・Than you!・

Chunk ITSUMO shop dog

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our ITSUMO newsletter! Here are shop dogs Toji and Chunk who wish to say thank you as well. 🐾

 

Please feel free to send us your comments or feedback. We look forward to hearing from you. 

 

Until next time,
ITSUMO

Newsletter – August 2022

Newsletter – August 2022

by | Aug 25, 2022 | Newsletter

Newsletter – August 2022

itsumo-online special promotion-free handmade round linen coatser for online orders

Hello friends,

Our team has put together a seasonal newsletter to provide you shop news, inspiration & culture as we move through the seasons together. With Labour Day approaching, we are noticing a shift in our focus and the atmosphere around us slowly quieting…

Let’s all enjoy the remaining moments of summer!

Shop News

New IG account
 

We apologize for our recent online absence. Our original @itsumolife Instagram account has been compromised. The library of images and product information that we had built over the past 5+ years was entirely lost.

As we make every effort to recover our contents, we have decided to start a fresh Instagram account, @itsumolifestyle , so as to keep in contact with you.

Thank you kindly for your patience. Please let us know if you have been hoping to contact us through social media.

We hope you will continue to follow and look forward to sharing our ITSUMO life. 

 

***

Follow us on our new instagram
@itsumolifestyle

***

Labour Day is on its way

Summer is wrapping up which means that the Labour Day long weekend is just around the corner. Please review our hours of operation to make sure you aren’t caught off guard.

– For online customers –

All orders received between Friday, August 26th and Monday, September 5th will experience a bit of delay in processing due to the holiday hour operation. Please prepare your orders ahead or contact us in advance if you are worried about the shipping time.

– Shop Hours –

Open Tuesday – Saturday: 12 ~ 6pm
Open Sunday: 12 ~ 5pm
Closed Mondays

 

* We will be closed Monday Aug 29th & Tuesday Aug 30th due to our annual inventory. We apologize for the inconvenience in advance.

itsumo shop photo-yumiko iihoshi porcemain-tableware
— Porcelain Tableware —
We are thrilled to let you know that our favourite tableware is finally back in stock! Including cups, bowls, & plates from Yumiko Iihoshi’s “ReIrabo“, “Dishes“, “Unjour”  & “Bon Voyage” collection, the popular colours and sizes are available to purchase online or in person at our physical shop in Vancouver. *We also have some exciting new items added to our collection available in-store now. 


— About Yumiko Iihoshi Porcelain —

 Yumiko Iihoshi’s concept is to create a design that is on the boundary between handmade and conventionally manufactured products. She designs and oversees the manufacture of porcelain tableware which combines the use of molds for uniformity, with hand glazing by artisans, to ensure each piece has a sense of individuality. 

All products are crafted in Japan. Each ceramic glaze and shape is unique and original, taking inspiration from the functionality and pure sense of a vessel. The aesthetic forms and unique palettes are infused with a sense of nostalgia, inspiring us to reflect and reminisce about time while using it in our daily lives.

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yumiko iihoshi porcelain-unjour-yuki
yumiko iihoshi porcelain-bon voyage-plate-green
azmaya-teaware-tableware

— Traditionally Handcrafted Homewares —

Our latest shipment from Azmaya includes their beautifully crafted homewares and  the return of the coveted items such as  Hinoki Bath Stool & Rice Storage Box. Whether you’re creating a relaxing space for your bath or organizing space in your kitchen, these items are made to last and will bring a touch of elegance in your everyday lifestyle.


— About Azmaya —

Making the best use of skilled Japanese craftsmanship, Azmaya collaborates with artisans, designers, and small local manufactures to revive an old Japanese aesthetic sense.

From beautifully crafted tableware and functionally calculated kitchenware, their specialized homewares are made with a consistent commitment to using traditional techniques and only the highest quality materials found in Japan.   

azmaya_rice storage box
azmaya-hinoki bath stool

Seasonal Mood

24 Sekki Calendar

SHOSHO 処暑 – Lessening Heat 
August 23

At ITSUMO, we enjoy exploring culture and seasonal observations using 24 sekki solar calendar. Also known as “small season”, 24 sekki doesn’t use dates to mark seasons, but instead, it divides up the year by natural phenomena. Thinking in 24 sekki is another way of appreciating the changes in seasons.

Today starts the micro season of Shosho (Lessening Heat). It is the time when the heat of the hottest season is over, marking the end of summer.

Although the heat still lingers during the day time, the air has been noticeably cooler in the morning and at night. A sign that Autumn is upon us, providing a sense of relief from the summer heatwave and gratefulness for moments of rainfall to bring all the dried greens back to life. It is during these times of seasonal transitions when we can feel changes the most. Whether that be in the air, within our wardrobe, or even in our personal lives like a new school term, or traveling to a new city, like nature, it is essential for growth and transition for the greater good.

For pleasantly enjoying the summer evenings, Kikka Senko Mosquito Coil will protect you from mosquitos while adding a calm scent of natural incense in the atmosphere. Ideal for your camping trip or backyard party!

kikka senkoh mosquito coil incense
Chunk ITSUMO shop dog

Thank you so much for taking the time to read ITSUMO’s newsletter!
Here is one of our shop dogs Chunk to say thank you as well. Last month he got his summer haircut, now that fall is upon us, it also means Chunk’s hair will grow out and be fluffy soon. 
Please feel free to send us your comments or feedback. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Until our next letter,
ITSUMO

Instagram – New account

Instagram – New account

by | Aug 4, 2022 | UPDATES

Instagram – New account

itsumo-online special promotion-free handmade round linen coatser for online orders

To all our ITSUMO friends,

We apologize for our recent online absence. Our original @itsumolife Instagram account has been compromised. The library of images and product information that we had built over the past 5+ years was lost.

As we make every effort to recover our contents, we have decided to start a fresh Instagram account, @itsumolifestyle, so as to keep in contact with you.

Thank you kindly for your patience. Please let us know if you have been hoping to contact us through social media.

We hope you will continue to follow and look forward to sharing our ITSUMO life. 

ITSUMO team.

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NEWS

Made in Tsubamesanjo

Made in Tsubamesanjo

by | Feb 1, 2022 | Events

Made in Tsubamesanjo

Made in Tsubamesanjo


– Traditional Craftsmanship –

February 01 – 28, 2022

This month of February, Itsumo presents an exciting new line of housewares from Tsubamesanjo, Niigata Prefecture. A town famous for its metal processing and technological evolution, we hope you enjoy exploring the authentic products directly from the city of Tsubamesanjo.

With the history and traditions of such manufacturing still preserved by craftsmen in this area, new advanced industrial technology continues to develop, making Tsubamesanjo homewares ideal products for the modern home, while still living within tradition.

 

 

– Shop Hours for February –

Tue ~ Sat: 12 – 6pm
Sun: 12 – 5pm
Mon: Closed

– Location –

ITSUMO shop

279 East 6th Ave. Vancouver BC

*All products are available for sale in-store from Tuesday Feb 01. Online will be avaiavle the following week. 

About Tsubame-Sanjo

 

Tsubame and Sanjo, often referred to as “mid-prefecture,” are two cities located almost in the center of Niigata Prefecture. Tsubame-Sanjo is famous for its metal processing, but it is also a region rich in nature – thanks to the Shinano river, Japan’s longest, that runs through the region – and is known as a production center for delicious rice and fruits. Its fertile land has long contributed to a harvest of agricultural products and prosperity.

The tradition of metal fabrication in these two towns dates back over 400 years to the Edo period (1603-1867), with the manufacturing of metal nails marking a turning point in Japan’s industrial revolution. Since then, Tsubame-Sanjo has become one of the world’s leading technological zones, continuously developing new ways to improve and evolve industrial technologies to meet new challenges amid changing times. But time-honoured techniques of the past are not forgotten. Some traditional industries, such as Tsuiki copperware and forging, are still passed down in an unbroken line from generation to generation, while simultaneously embracing present-day lifestyles with contemporary metal products and tools that no modern household can do without. In this way, the manufacturing tradition of Tsubame-Sanjo continues to evolve.

“Tsubame and Sanjo – two manufacturing towns where the history and traditions of industrial live on. By continually facing new challenges, our craftsmen have acquired more advanced techniques, to ensure that these manufacturing towns never stop evolving.”

Tsubamesanjo-trade.com

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NEWS

Reopening January 22, 2022

Reopening January 22, 2022

by | Jan 13, 2022 | UPDATES

Reopening January 22, 2022

Due to the ongoing health challenges in our community, we continue to prioritize the well being & safety of both our ITSUMO team and our beloved customers. We will delay our 2022 reopening until Saturday, January 22. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please feel free to contact us via IG or email if you have any questions. We are looking forward to seeing & serving you all once again just as soon as we get past this current time of stress for our healthcare community & all of the frontline workers. Thank you kindly for your patience & understanding.

[ Shop Hours ]

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 12pm – 6pm

Thursday: 12pm – 6pm

Friday: 12pm – 6pm

Saturday: 12pm – 6pm

Sunday: 12pm – 5pm

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Shop Hours – January 2022

Shop Hours – January 2022

by | Jan 10, 2022 | UPDATES

Shop Hours – January 2022

Our shop is closed until January 14th, 2022.

We will open from Saturday, January 15th  22nd, 2022. Thank you.

[ Shop Hours ]

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: By appointment only

Wednesday: 12pm – 6pm

Thursday: 12pm – 6pm

Friday: 12pm – 6pm

Saturday: 12pm – 6pm

Sunday: 12pm – 5pm

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NEWS

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Online Special Gift

Online Special Gift

by | Jun 7, 2021 | UPDATES

Online Special Gift

Free Kinchaku Bag 

For a limited time, ITSUMO will be gifting our online customers a charming kinchaku pouch for orders over $100. 

Commonly named as “kinchaku” in Japanese, these drawstring pouches are locally handsewn with Japanese fabrics, some with lovely sashiko details making each one unique and one of a kind. Use them to carry small items like accessories, face masks, cosmetics, snacks, or even lucky charms! They vary in different sizes and colours and will be chosen at random. Available until quantities last.

 

Free shipping

Free shipping will be offered for orders over $200 including an ITSUMO Kinchaku Bag.

 

(Offer valid until supplies last.)

About Kinchaku Bag (巾着袋)

 

Kinchaku is a traditional Japanese purse or handbag, typically with a drawstring. ‘Kin’ means fabric and ‘Chaku’ means to put on. Kinchaku was created to carry personal belongings or sometimes Lunch box and utensils.

Ways to use…

These pouches are a great way to organize drawers, bags, or closets to put away small items such as headphones, keys, jewelry, toys, and even a face mask! Or use them as a reusable gift wrap and make it extra special.

One of a kind…

Carefully hand sewn locally in Vancouver, these charming pouches are made of cotton or linen fabric gathered together with a linen drawstring, some finished with sashiko stitching detail to create a simple and elegant pouch to accessorize your home and hold small possessions.

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Thankful for the New Year

Thankful for the New Year

by | Dec 31, 2020 | UPDATES

Thankful for the New Year

IKE by Joji Fukushima Exhibition at ITSUMO 2020

Jet-lagged. Though I didn’t travel at all this year, it’s the word that may be the closest description for how I’m feeling personally as we each attempt to fly through the psychological and social turbulence of our moment in history.

A strange journey, 2020, the pandemic has caused significant shifts in our world, resulting in the many ordinary things of our daily lives being put into deeper perspective. Here in our part of the world, we feel blessed to be a part of a community that has made consistent effort and sacrifice to confront these new challenges we face, individually & collectively. Our thoughts remain with all of the families whose struggles this past year became too difficult to bear.

The invisible ink spilt all over made many vital issues and injustices visible. With the flow of polarization around us, our ways of thinking are constantly moving, becoming increasingly divided, far & close. We stand at a turning point.

Right and left, light and shadow, up and down. I think of two opposing powers like electromagnetic forces. If a new balance can be born out of these energies in opposition, a new way of thinking that challenges upwards instead of downwards, perhaps even bringing us closer as one, is this the eternal nature of our growth & evolution?

Despite all the uncertainty, there is something that I felt was definite. 2020 has forced many of us to take time to slow down, reflect and to always be thankful.

 

Speaking of slowing down…

We recognize this refound change in pace as an opportunity to see our business practices with a fresh frame of mind, and to find the many ways we can begin to make a more positive impact on the community around us.

2021 is a year of Ox. It is said that the year of Ox will be a year of endurance. As the Ox has long been a symbiotic animal helping humans in agriculture, we’d like to believe that working hard on what is in front of us without rushing ahead will one day lead to future prosperity.

We aspire to make 2021 a year more full of hope, to aid our community in overcoming the challenges of the time, and to wish for productive innovation and new ways of understanding to be born out of it.

 

Looking back on the past year, mostly, we remain tremendously grateful for all of the kind support you, our customers, our families, and our broader community have offered us. We realize our determination to think carefully about the products and services we wish to offer to you is an even deeper responsibility now more than ever.

We see your warm encouragement as a shining light to follow passionately in a straight line toward our ever evolving mission. 

 

Once again, thank you so much.

We wish you & all your loved ones a bright, safe & healthy start to a new year.

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IKE | いけ Joji Fukushima Exhibition

IKE | いけ Joji Fukushima Exhibition

by | Oct 9, 2020 | Events

IKE | いけ Joji Fukushima Exhibition

IKE by Joji Fukushima Exhibition at ITSUMO 2020

An exploration of the connection between ponds and vessels.

ITSUMO is pleased to invite Vancouver based artist Joji Fukushima for an exclusive event featuring his handcrafted wooden products.

Comprised of over one hundred wooden bowls, cups and plates, Ike exhibition explores the connections between two familiar objects: ponds and vessels. In combination, the unique pieces gathered on the presentation platform evoke a landscape, inspired by the essence of a pond. Within this moment of organization, Fukushima invites viewers to explore a juxtaposition of two previously unrelated entities. 

Each vessel is numbered and etched with the Japanese word “ike” (pond); a reminder of Fukushima’s ongoing exploration of the hidden connections found between similar yet divergent forms; parallels, often experienced in life, which Fukushima finds useful as a means of understanding  that help guide a sensible evolution of culture.

IKE | いけ Joji Fukushima Exhibition

Thursday October 22 – December 2020

279 East 6th Ave. Vancouver, BC

Wed – Sat: 12:00 – 18:00
Sun: 12:00 – 17:00
Mon & Tue: By Appointment

 

◉ All exhibiting items available for sale.

 

Joji Fukushima

Born in Japan, Joji Fukushima came to Canada as a teenager and now operates a/i studio, a multi disciplinary workshop providing design and fabrication services.

 

His wooden furniture designs are a combination of simplicity and thoughtful functionality, and are often born out of everyday necessity and the idea of adapting objects to suit individual needs.
His connection to the materials is evident, regularly using offcuts of wood to minimize waste and change the way we view and interact with seemingly basic items.  a/i studio is currently located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. 
a/i studio
www.i-divides-a.com
@i_divides_a
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