The traditional Japanese kanzashi hairpin is usually an elaborate affair meant to be worn in the hair when donning a kimono or yukata. Intricately detailed and beautiful, they’re like Japan’s answer to the corsage. But these particular kanzashi may just be too beautiful to ever wear at all on account of directing all the attention away from your kimono.
Sakae, a kanzashi specialty manufacturer, makes each kanzashi by hand from colored glass that’s been melted down and coated in resin to prevent breakage – and lord knows you wouldn’t want one of these shattering into a thousand pieces in your hair.
If you’re interested in purchasing your very own kanzashi from Sakae, then I’m afraid we have some bad news for you. Like so many other cool things from Japan, they’re not available for shipment outside of the country. But if you happen to live here, or are visiting on a whirlwind otaku tour like this guy, you can put an order in at Sakae’s official website.
Source: Otonarisoku
Photos: Sakae Blog
Upgrade your hairpin arsenal with Japanese kanzashi shaped like samurai swords and rifles
Style that slays – Japanese fashion brand Mayla creates gorgeous Demon Slayer hair accessory line
New hair pins let you look like you’ve been stabbed in the head with a classic Japanese icon
Beautiful, spongy soft modern Japanese sandals give you geta style without the traditional pain
Beautiful line of Kimono Pouches let you add traditional Japanese style to any outfit
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Nintendo and Lego team up for an awesomely accurate the Lego Game Boy kit【Photos】
Busty Japanese brushstroke calligraphy artist shares visual appeal in video series【Videos】
From cameos to creepy-crawlies: 15 little-known facts about Studio Ghibli movies
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Japanese police question man for “not looking good in a suit,” turns out he robbed an old lady
Retro Japanese-style hotel room with kotatsu, free ice cream is both amazingly cool AND warm
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Sayonara Heisei Brows: Japanese makeup video takes us through an era of eyebrow beauty trends
Leave a Reply