In an increasingly digital world where toddlers and pets alike develop their hand-eye coordination with Fruit Ninja and Ant Crusher, it’s undeniably important to let kids experience the pleasure of tactile toys and natural materials. I still have the tsumiki (wooden building block) set that my brother and I used to play with; now worn around the edges but with the same nostalgic smell, the pieces still make a delightful and distinct clacking sound when they hit each other.
And so, after coming across a unique build-a-sushi set that has been garnering attention in Japan for its sleek minimalistic design, we rounded up a few timber toys from Asia that not only would spark children’s imagination, but would also look right at home at Anthropologie or the MoMA gift shop. With their chic sensibilities and innate warmth, even adults would love to have these playful objets d’art in their home!

More Shinkansen trains being added to Japan’s “golden route” to meet traveler demand
Japanese man who didn’t know how banks work defrauded out of 21 million yen
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
TikTok releases its Year in Music 2025 – Japan’s Top 10 Songs ranking
Poll finds support to let women inherit imperial throne as Japan faces possible succession crisis
7-Eleven Japan has a hack for creating insanely delicious potato chip rice meals
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
We try the new Famichiki Burger from Family Mart
Japanese restaurant combines solo shabu shabu dining with the fun of a sushi train
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Gundam and Reebok team up for new GQuuuuuuX Pumps【Photos】
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Studio Ghibli mixes with sporty street styles of New Era to put No Face on your head in cap series
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
7-Eleven Japan has a hack for creating insanely delicious potato chip rice meals
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
We try the new Famichiki Burger from Family Mart
Japanese restaurant combines solo shabu shabu dining with the fun of a sushi train
Exhibit featuring cutting-edge smell technology held at Tokyo Skytree
Studio Ghibli releases My Neighbour Totoro neckties in Japan
7-Eleven Japan now sells…matcha burritos?!?
We visited Egawa Beach, the closest you can get to walking in the world of Spirited Away【Pics】
Mr. Sato shows us what happens when you try to cook rice with only eggs 【SoraKitchen】
We try a Le Lectier, the highest-quality European pear available in Japan【Taste Test】
We go on a quest to find the cheesiest sushi at Japanese conveyor belt sushi chains【Taste test】
One of Tokyo’s busiest subway lines is adding women-only cars
Japan’s Hiepita forehead cooling strips, so popular they changed the language, are disappearing