New Furoshiki Online Store Opens

Oct. 6, 2011 - PRLog -- Furoshiki are traditional Japanese wrapping cloths. Modern furoshiki can be made of a variety of cloths, including silk, chirimen, cotton, rayon, and nylon. Furoshiki are often decorated with traditional designs or by shibori. There is no one set size for furoshiki, they can range from hand sized to larger than bed-sheets. The most common sizes are 17 inches by 26 inches.

The Furoshiki Shop has just opened its online store. Furoshiki Shop carries a large inventory of unique and quality furoshiki at very reasonable prices. Their furoshiki comes direct from Kyoto, Japan. Furoshiki has regained its popularity because it is eco friendly. In fact, the Japanese Minister of the Environment, Yuriko Koike, recently created a furoshiki cloth to promote its use in the modern world.

The Furoshiki Shop's supplier is Hayashi San. Mr. Hayashi took over the business from his father, and his company has been making real, quality furoshiki like this for over 70 years now, right here in Kyoto. he also happens to be a friend of one of my students, and so I was able to meet with him and when I told him about my desire to give people outside Japan the chance to try his furoshiki, he was happy to give me his best price. As with many traditional things here, furoshiki are not as commonly used as they once were, and without increased support, both in Japan and abroad, it's inevitable the number of furoshiki companies will keep thinning.

The Furoshiki Shop is owned and operated by Gary Bloom. Gary is an American in Kyoto. he enjoys exploring, letting serendipity guide him as he wanders down narrow streets; he says, "ten years here haven't put a dent in the number of places waiting to be discovered!"

Gary is an English teacher, and though he takes great satisfaction and pleasure in that, he was craving a deeper connection with Kyoto. He wanted to interact with Japanese people in their language, on their terms, with people who have no particular interest in studying English.

Gary says that, "For the last 7 years I've been representing people here who make traditional goods, friends of friends and the like. Through that I've been able to learn more about the culture, the language and have some nice times over sake and sushi with some very kind, talented people."

Visit the Furoshiki Shop online at http://furoshikishop.com.