Zakkaya Tsubuyaki (too-boo-yak) Blog

It occurred to me when I shared a picture of myself last week that although I do make mention of my experiences and history I have never done an introduction post or blog. I honestly don’t think I have ever done one on Instagram. So I figured it was about time. So today I will share a little bit about me. I was born in Lakewood, California and after bopping around there for a few years my family settled in the Orange County area, mainly Anaheim. That is where I spent my childhood/teenage/young adult formative years. Although I don’t think...

Running this little shop has given me countless opportunities to expand my knowledge on all sorts of topics. I have learned more than I ever would like to know about tariffs for instance. But I have also learned a lot about materials and how many things are made. I have learned a lot about how to use different tools and what makes some better than others. One topic that I have learned so much about is Japanese Tableware and today as I write this blog post I am excited to learn a little more.  Utsuwa is a Japanese word that...

Welcome to the world's finest towels made in Imabari, Japan. This city is located in the northern region of Ehime prefecture on Shikoku Island, home to the largest cotton-towel producing industry in Japan. Blessed with mild year-round climate and an abundance of soft water, Imabari has thrived as Japan's leader in towel production for over 120 years. In preparation for our upcoming pre-order and restock I am going to share a little more about these super special towels today.  Have you ever had an experience when you saw a shop and the second you noticed it you thought to yourself,...

I woke up this morning thinking about tote bags. Probably because we restocked one of my favorite tote bags yesterday, the Morita Miw Rabbit Purple tote with short handles. This bag is not only cute, like every tote bag should be, but it is nice and sturdy, has an inside pocket and short handles which makes the carrying style versatile.  I distinctly remember when I transitioned to using a tote bag as an everyday bag to carry my stuff, like a purse. It was during covid. I think like a lot of people so many things in my life shifted...

While we are having our annual Earth Day Sale it seemed a good time to add some content to the website about why I chose these items and what makes them each easy and (especially now) affordable swaps that will help you reduce waste and plastic usage at home.  Beeswax Wraps Beeswax wraps are the perfect alternative to finicky and wasteful plastic wrap. The bees have given us a gift and we can show how thankful we are by cutting out plastic usage from our lives all together. Beeswax wraps are an easy step to take if you are beginning...