The twang of a Dobro or rhythmic picking on a banjo may be the last sounds a traveler expects to hear in Asia. Welcome to the wonderful world of Japanese bluegrass, which astounds roots-music lovers with its dedication to authenticity. To journey to Appalachia via Tokyo, check out one of the regular bluegrass nights at Moon Stomp (Koenji Kita 2-22-6, 81/(0) 3-3310-6996, bighitcompany.com/moonstomp), a 20-seat club in the low-rise Koenji neighborhood; and Rocky Top (Ginza 7-8-19, Chuo-ku, 81/(0) 3-3571-1955, liverocky.com), in the posh Ginza district. This story appeared in the September/October 2011 issue.
The Trtl Travel Pillow comes in seven colors, including the original gray seen here.
Courtesy of Trtl
I opened my big mouth about pickin’ the banjo and got dragged on stage to play a number. “We have a new challenger!”
Jeff More
L.A.’s Block Shop textile company celebrates traditional hand-block printing and supports artisan makers in India.
Courtesy of Block Shop
Get the pattern to make this Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther doll for just $1.
Courtesy of LoveCrafts
Knitting is a great activity to take up during lockdown.
Courtesy of We Are Knitters
Teach kids about sustainability with this solar powered flashlight.
Courtesy of Studio Olafur Eliasson
In addition to the cobalt blue here, this blanket is also available in cream.
Courtesy of Block Shop
This beanie is available in 13 colors, including the forest green seen here.
Courtesy of Sh*t That I Knit
Just say no to instant coffee.
Courtesy of Treeline Coffee Roasters
The tie-dye beanie is also available in a golden yellow color.
Courtesy of Parks Project
Stay safe and warm this winter outdoors.
Courtesy of Rumpl
Rico is just one of many scents available at Vela Negra.
Courtesy of Vela Negra
This sleek vaporizer is available in four colors: Quartz, Slate, Jade, and Gold, seen here.
Courtesy of Omura
If there’s no local bookshop in your neighborhood, shop through Bookshop.org, which gives proceeds back to indie bookstores.
Courtesy of Chronicle Books
The Out of Office Pet Carrier comes in six colors, including the camouflage and magenta combination seen here.
Courtesy of Roverlund
At 1.7 ounces, this sunscreen is also TSA-friendly for future travels.
Courtesy of Everyday Humans
In addition to Midnight Camo, seen here, these travel pouches are available in two other colorways.
Courtesy of Rothy’s
Curie makes hand sanitizer in Grapefruit Cassis, White Tea, and Orange Neroli scents.
Courtesy of Curie
The Aviator Carry-On Plus is available in eight colors, including Scuba Navy seen here.
Courtesy of Paravel
The Manuela Basket is just one of multiple designs available on Mayan Hands.
Courtesy of Mayan Hands
Bring a bit of art therapy to your next yoga session.
Courtesy of Jackson Pollock Studio
The Rainbow Stripe Beaded Fringe Earrings are just one of a few dozen designs available from Lillie Nell Beadworks.
Courtesy of Holly Nolan, Lillie Nell Beadworks
The East Fork mug is available in seven different colors.
Courtesy of East Fork
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Bluegrass Clubs, Japan
The twang of a Dobro or rhythmic picking on a banjo may be the last sounds a traveler expects to hear in Asia. Welcome to the wonderful world of Japanese bluegrass, which astounds roots-music lovers with its dedication to authenticity. To journey to Appalachia via Tokyo, check out one of the regular bluegrass nights at Moon Stomp (Koenji Kita 2-22-6, 81/(0) 3-3310-6996, bighitcompany.com/moonstomp), a 20-seat club in the low-rise Koenji neighborhood; and Rocky Top (Ginza 7-8-19, Chuo-ku, 81/(0) 3-3571-1955, liverocky.com), in the posh Ginza district. This story appeared in the September/October 2011 issue.
