Japan has held a fascination for me for as long as I can remember. Right from the days of my early childhood when my father would travel to Japan on work and bring back all kinds of cute little stationery, toys and even some delicious Japanese snacks. Even at that young age I felt there was something so special about everything my father brought back. I couldn’t understand why I was so drawn to these Japanese things but I always knew they were different. I remember that I would sometimes carefully stash these toys away as they were just too precious to play with in case they broke.
Over the years this fascination never waned and I finally visited Japan in 2007. It was one of my best holidays ever for so many reasons (amazing food, architecture, people, street fashion) and of course shopping. It wasn’t about buying but just seeing beautiful things and exquisite packaging at every turn. Of course I had to indulge in some shopping (cue extra suitcase back!) but I so enjoyed the window shopping too because Japanese design is such a treat for the eyes. The design style is often very simple, very minimal which is what makes it so stunning just like these wooden toys. The toys have been stripped down to basics and then designed from there and the result is quite beautiful. The little train set is just wonderful and perfect for little hands too. I love the use of natural wood that has been enhanced with just a hint of soft colour. Buchi toys don’t have a big range; just 5 toys but each one is a piece that I would happily have on show in my home and I think any little kid would delight in playing with.
*via spoon-tomago
