Although the novel coronavirus pandemic is still raging around the world, in some countries, things have eased up enough to allow people to consider throwing parties again. You may have postponed that trip to Japan this summer, but what's stopping you from having a Japan-themed party?

You can serve some Japanese food or Japan-inspired dishes, play your favorite J-pop, or anime songs mixes, and get into the mood.

Speaking of which, we'd like to recommend a few great items that could really help it all come together.

kawaii koneko kitty cat food molds

Let's say you're planning on serving some Japanese style curry, which evokes summer camp memories for many Japanese people. These koneko kitty cat food molds will turn a plain dish into a memorable one!

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You can even make jellies and other desserts with a cute kitty cat shape. Imagine how fun it will be to add a touch of kawaii to your party with this!

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Check out the Koneko Cup kitten-shaped food mold at grape SHOP.

(We use WorldShopping Global. The grape SHOP page is in Japanese, but if you see the WorldShopping widget appear at the bottom of the page, that product can be shipped overseas)


Brilliantly colored marbled chopsticks from a traditional Japanese maker

While Japanese curry is always eaten with a spoon, if you're serving sushi, gyoza fried dumplings, yakisoba noodles, or other Japanese dishes and appetizers, you'll probably want to use chopsticks.

But why settle for disposable bamboo or plain chopsticks when you can bring out these?

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Japanese maker Chopstick Warehouse Matsukan works closely with their creative artisans to make chopsticks that aim to match different lifestyles and situations. That's on display with their popular FUSION series, which consists of six brilliantly colored chopsticks and chopstick rests using a marbling technique that is certain to bring some liveliness to your meals.

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With these chopsticks, everything looks more festive, no matter what you're serving!

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Check out the beautifully marble colored FUSION chopsticks at Grape SHOP, where you can find them available with a matching chopstick rest as well..

(We use WorldShopping Global. The grape SHOP page is in Japanese, but if you see the WorldShopping widget appear at the bottom of the page, that product can be shipped overseas)


Flower-print cups and saucers are inspired by Okinawa’s traditional Bingata textile patterns

What's a party without drinks? With these summery cups and saucers with an Okinawan inspiration, you'll be transported to the tropical Okinawan isles.

The glass version of the Ryukyu BINRYU series are great for serving sake, wine or other chilled beverages and add a colorful note to your party table.

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If you're serving coffee or tea along with dessert, these opaque cups and saucers are a beautiful accompaniment as well:

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Check out the entire Ryukyu BINRYU series at grape SHOP.

(We use WorldShopping Global. The grape SHOP page is in Japanese, but if you see the WorldShopping widget appear at the bottom of the page, that product can be shipped overseas)


Traditional Kiriko cut-glass style unbreakable glasses

If your party involves kids (or maybe adults who expect to drink a bit heavily), you may be concerned about breaking those nice BINRYU cups and saucers. If that's the case, you can still keep your Japan-inspired theme with these beautiful but durable Kiriko cut-glass

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Kiriko 切子 glass is a beautiful Japanese artisanal glass craft with carefully applied cuts, often in intricate patterns. Within Kiriko, the traditions of Edo-kiriko 江戸切子 and Satsuma-kiriko 薩摩切子 are the most famous. The cuts create beautiful patterns, making the glasses look like jewels.

Made of silicone, these glasses reproduce the look of Kiriko glasses, without the worry of breaking or scratching. Kids can safely use them and enjoy the party with the grownups.

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They come in three colors: clear, ice green, and lavender, and are available in two styles, a bud pattern or a blooming flower pattern at their base.

These surprising Kiriko glasses are so malleable that their sides will bend inwards when you apply pressure but sturdy enough that they'll keep their shape if you hold them normally.

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Yawaraka Glass also has a series of unbreakable cups and glasses with a larger capacity, if that's what you need.

Check out the Yawaraka Glass series at grape SHOP.

(We use WorldShopping Global. The grape SHOP page is in Japanese, but if you see the WorldShopping widget appear at the bottom of the page, that product can be shipped overseas)


Heat-conducting spoons and knives

Even if it's summer, when you serve that matcha ice cream, you don't want your guests to wait around and ruin the mood. With these heat-conducting spoons, you'll be able to dig into your ice-cold dessert with hardly any effort.

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Check out the COPPER ice cream spoon and butter knife series at grape SHOP.

(We use WorldShopping Global. The grape SHOP page is in Japanese, but if you see the WorldShopping widget appear at the bottom of the page, that product can be shipped overseas)


By - grape Japan editorial staff.