Miso Excited!

Like a geometric origami crane, the Everything Japan Shop flew into the Grand Hyatt Plaza on December 1 holding over 80 artefacts, fine and foolish, within its folds. A first of its kind pop-up store in Mumbai, this Japanese government initiative arranged by METI’s Small and Medium Enterprises Agency will stay at the five store hotel’s shopping gallery for just three months.

Chopsticks and other Tricks up their Sleeves

This oriental store stocks tons of clichés (chopsticks, Japanese dolls) and some surprises as well (a 2 GB porcelain USB drive with Japanese artwork is uber cool). The two-tier wood and lacquer bento box (Rs 8,000) is a great way to exercise portion control during office lunch hour. Hand woven mini mirrors (Rs 1,400) fit snugly in your pocket and ornate wooden chopsticks (Rs 3,000) will look great on your plate and in your chignon.

If you have the moolah, splurge on traditional-meets-contemporary lacquer and precious stone jewellery (Rs 32,000 and up) or elegant black iron teapots (Rs 30,000 and up).  Also on display are a world renowned kaleidoscope artist’s works, funky tweezers and intricately designed wine glasses. On the whole, the products are pricey, but the well-informed store manager has an elaborate story to justify every tag.

Paper Cuts

Legend has it that anyone who can make one thousand origami cranes will see their deepest desires come true. Does that mean we’d get to keep the Aritayaki-crafted 24 karat gold fountain pen (Rs four lakhs), showcased at the Everything Japan Shop? Bring on the paper, we say!

Getting there: The Grand Hyatt Plaza, Grand Hyatt, Santacruz (E). Log on to www.everythingjapanshop.com/grandhyattshop.