The Hatsukoi online shop aims to bring you unique and unusual Japanese homeware, gifts and accessories. Everything in the store has been carefully selected to fit with the 'kawaii' and 'zakka' design ethos and the Japanese lifestyle philosophy that goes with them.
The selection of homewares, kitchenware, stationery and accessories are either made in Japan, designed in Japan or both! When you visit Japan, these are the things you can find in department stores, shopping malls and people's homes.
Many online stores in the UK or Europe sell very high end and expensive Japanese items - they're beautiful, of course, but not always within everyone's means. The Hatsukoi collection has some more expensive items but also includes many more affordable things, things that you won't be worried to use and that will make every day more enjoyable.
Japanese manufacturing is unique, even today. There still exist many small and medium sized factories that specialise in locally produced goods, sometimes carrying on a centuries old tradition. This may be ceramics (many areas in Japan are know for their potteries), glassware, textiles, woodwork or many other manufactured products. Even though they are made in factories, with some automated processes, the items are made to a high standard with skilled workers ensuring the quality and performing many tasks by hand.
Hatsu-what?
Ha-tsu-ko-i! In Japanese this word means 'first love'. Uncomplicated and innocent, it reminds us of the things we loved as a child.
What is Zakka?
'Zakka' is a Japanese word that has come to be used for a particular design style but, in a typically Japanese way, zakka is more than just a fashion trend. It is a word that encompasses personal style and lifestyle and is infused with meaning and deeper feelings.
In the home, zakka is a warm, natural style that will lift your spirit; a little nostalgic and folksy with Scandinavian and European influences. It can take you back to sunny days, simpler times and brings nature into every corner. It's all about taking pleasure in small things, caring about details and finding enjoyment and satisfaction in everyday objects.
What is Kawaii?
In Japanese 'kawaii' means 'cute'. However, kawaii has become its own style, cool and youthful, and is regularly applied to fashion, homeware and accessories. In the West, kawaii is probably best known as the outlandish and wonderful Harajuku street fashions such as Lolita (sweet and gothic), dolly, fairy and countless other weird and creative interpretations.
However, kawaii culture in Japan is not exclusively the realm of teenage girls. It can be seen in decor, food, accessories and clothing and a little touch of kawaii brings a splash of fun and colour to more sophisticated looks. Cute characters, pastel colours, lace and ribbons make us feel young and bring lightness and vitality to grown up living.
A word from the owner:
"My little shop selling Japanese homewares and accessories started in 2016. It has taken many years to build up, although it is still small scale compared to most of my competitors. I try to keep my prices comparable to those from other sources but many of the products I stock are unique, coming from my love for Japanese culture and the items and designs I see when I'm there. Many are difficult to find in the UK or Europe and, as such, are difficult to price match.
Exclusive items are great if you can afford these luxuries. However, I prefer to have things that are just asking to be used! Why buy beautiful cups that only come out on special occasions? I want to use them every day, just to have the pleasure of using something lovely.
In Japan even small everyday objects have a story and meaning. The simplest items have been created with both their purpose and aesthetic design in mind and making them enjoyable to use is highly considered. I have tried to reflect the importance of these aspects in the product descriptions I write, trying to give an idea of the story behind the product. It's not always easy as we're not used to imbuing inanimate objects with such significance.
My ambition was to bring all the beautiful things I saw in Japan to the UK. I realised people in the west have a particular idea about Japanese design but what I saw was a little different. Cute characters doesn't necessarily mean 'manga' and isn't just for kids; technology doesn't have to look harsh and serious, we want our homes to be comfortable and fun. Soft colours, fun characters and pretty designs are fully embraced by Japanese culture and serve to make day to day life a little less stressful and a little bit more enjoyable.
If I can bring a little of that to you, then I've achieved my goal!"
