Nationwide shipping begins March 15, 2024
MISE 店 Japanese Home Gardening Bundle showcases three elegant and indispensable gardening tools handcrafted by Rieko Asano, the granddaughter and current owner of Asano Mokkousho, a family-run business spanning three generations in Japan’s Niigata prefecture. The bundle also includes two packages of Japanese heirloom seeds thoughtfully presented in hand-illustrated packaging, along with recipe cards for preparing each vegetable. As a final homage to the rich history of Japanese American gardening in Los Angeles, the package features an archived poem from the Issei Poetry Project, which collects Japanese-language literary materials written by Japanese immigrants in California from over 100 years ago.
- The hand trowel, rake, and weeder in this bundle originate from the woman-owned family business, Asano Mokkousho, with a remarkable 70-year history. Situated in Japan's renowned metalworks district of Tsubame-Sanjo, this business has been recognized for producing quality tools. Rieko Asano, the granddaughter of founders Teiuke and Sakae Asano, has played a pivotal role in the company's evolution. Upon assuming leadership, she embarked on redesigning a selection of tools initially crafted for farmers and fishers in the 1950s, predominantly catering to a male demographic. Her redesigns are tailored to better fit women's hands, adding a special touch to the tools' functionality. Each tool has slip-resistant handles made from sustainably-grown snow beech wood, while the Japanese metal is sharp and sturdy for precise and careful work.
- An archived poem from the Issei Poetry Project, printed on a postcard with original artwork by JACCC Master Artist in Residence, Hirokazu Kosaka. The Japanese American Cultural & Community Center received a grant from the National Archives / National Historical Publications & Records Commission to support planning for a collaborative digital edition of an almost-forgotten collection of Issei (first-generation immigrant) Japanese American poetry. The Los Angeles Issei Poetry Collection consists of writings by Issei authors — published books, diaries, ephemera, and unpublished, handwritten manuscripts — born in Japan in the late 19th to early 20th century, who migrated by steamer ship to the U.S. in their teens and early twenties.
- A package of mizuna seeds and shiso leaf seeds are enclosed, alongside planting tips and a recipe card to prepare the greens
- Each bundle can be gift wrapped in reusable furoshiki ($20), a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth featuring a hand painted design and dyed in Japan by famous artisans at Kamekonya where one skilled craftsman oversees the processes while mentoring five young people in training.
- The Asano Mokkousho canvas, oil-lined tote bag ($36) is the perfect addition to the bundle and features leather handles to hold gardening tools, trimmings, and more. The gusseted bottom and snaps make this a multi-purpose tote to carry wine, picnics, and more.
