Language

the field guide

ZUKAN 図鑑

Five ways into Japan. Pick a door, then sort by what you want: a word explained, a place to go, a story, news, or a voice.

暖簾Norenfood & drink

散歩Sanpostreets & nature

寛ぎKutsurogistays & baths

遊び心Asobigokoropop & play

拘りKodawaricraft & design

図鑑 zukan暖簾 norenA split fabric curtain hung in a shop's doorway, usually meaning "we're open."

図鑑 zukan玄関 genkanThe entryway where outside shoes stop and the raised floor begins.

図鑑 zukan縁側 engawaA wooden veranda strip between a room and the garden.

図鑑 zukan障子 shōjiA sliding wooden lattice screen covered with translucent paper.

図鑑 zukan関守石 sekimori-ishiA small rope-tied stone on a garden path that means "not this way."

図鑑 zukan間 maThe meaningful gap: space or pause that gives shape to everything around it.

図鑑 zukan侘び寂び wabi-sabiBeauty found in things that are simple, humble, imperfect and aged.

図鑑 zukan枯山水 karesansuiA dry garden of rock and raked gravel standing in for mountains and water.

図鑑 zukan金継ぎ kintsugiMending broken ceramics with lacquer and gold, so the cracks shine.

図鑑 zukanもったいない mottainai"What a waste" — regret at letting something valuable go unused.