Sleeping on a Japanese futon (布団) is a quintessential experience when visiting Japan, and many people fall in love with this humble, yet elegant sleeping solution that can be packed away when not in use. In South Africa, you can order your custom made futon from WAZA Japan Store. We work with Takaokaya Futon in Kyoto to make and ship futon to South Africa - usually once every quarter. Learn more about the benefits of sleeping on a futon here.

Tatami is a traditional Japanese flooring made from woven igusa (soft rush), valued for its comfort, natural air-purifying and deodorizing properties, and ability to regulate temperature and humidity. It’s hypoallergenic, aesthetically calming, and versatile—supporting multiple functions like working, relaxing, or sleeping. WAZA supplies traditional tatami, or modern tatami options which include modular, easy-to-install mats suitable for Western homes, offering a serene, low-maintenance space for rest or connection.

Japanese food is not just sushi. We present a selection of WAZA's favourite eateries during a 2016/17 new year's visit to Japan, which showcases the mouthwatering variety of food and drink options available.

Fifteen hours by plane, fifteen thousand kilometres: There is a lot of water between South Africa and Japan. For generations people from both countries have perceived each other as far removed in distance and psychology – and little has changed in the 21^st Century. There is very little precedent for focussed, active contact. Very little precedent, but the little there was, came surprisingly early.

The same time tested forging tradition that led to the exceptionally strong katana, is used in the production of Japanese steel for household implements ranging from pruning shears to kitchen knives. The Japanese were not prepared to leave excellence on the battlefield.