Ichiban Collectibles

New Vendor: Bijou World Boutique

2012-01-23T11:24:00.000+09:00

Bijou brings merchandise from Indonesia, India and Nepal to Ichiban Collectibles. Bijou buys directly from small artisans. They trade fairly, ethically and promote women-run organizations in marginalized communities. And, it's beautiful!

NOW: Clutch Purses from Naree!

2012-01-23T11:12:00.000+09:00

Naree now offers clutch-style handbags at Ichiban Collectibles. Her purses are handmade from vintage obi. Perfect for an evening out in Tokyo, or to complete your next formalwear outfit.

New Kimono Handbags

2012-01-13T21:24:00.000+09:00

Our newest vendor, Designed and Handmade by Naree, has delivered a beautiful selection of handbags made from kimono obi. Come in to pick one up while they last.

New Imports from Foochow Art

2011-10-24T22:19:00.001+09:00

Ichiban has received a new shipment of furniture and wall hangings from Foochow Art!

We are always pleased when we have a full house but these items will not last long. Come shop this week during regular hours 12-6 Tuesday & Thursday.

We are having a special opening this Friday, the 28th, from 10am-6pm! Christmas kokeshi are now available too. These make a great gift for the family back home or a fun stocking stuffer.

Fantastic Kimono!

2011-07-04T22:39:00.000+09:00

Come and see for yourself.

We are open Tuesday and Thursday 12:00 to 6:00.

We also have unique gift ideas and keepsakes for your home.

Shown above from left to right; Green Leaf Tea Set, Ramen Bowls, Kimono Detail, Navy and Gold Vintage Obi, Java Jive and Teal Coffee Set & Hand Painted Floral Bowl set.

Ichiban is the Place to go for Asian Antiques!

2011-06-20T19:48:00.001+09:00

This Saturday the Ichigirls plus one brave volunteer went to auction and brought back three truck loads for you! We had even more help unloading the items into the store! We want to say THANK YOU for volunteering, we could not have done it with out you.

Tuesday June 21 is your first chance to shop all the great items we have!

In the mean time here are a few shots... See you soon.

We Love New Stuff!

2011-06-01T21:50:00.000+09:00

It's true, We <3 new things in the store!

News: Johnny Jewelry will be here Thursday, June 2nd 12 to 6

& Friday, June 3rd 10am to 2pm.

Do not miss out on his latest designs and great deals!

Now for the New stuff!

Antique Japanese Floats

Hand Painted Kutani Sake Set

Royal Mum Sake Set

Futani Region Sake Set

Earthen Drinking Cups

Vintage Japanese Obi and Obi Hanger

Vintage Crimson Fan Obi

Full Bloom Ceremonial Kimono

& Crane Wind Obi

New Items!

2011-05-23T21:36:00.002+09:00

We Love these Rice Molds! Use them as wall decor in your kitchen!

The NOIR HAPI COAT, it's a bit glam and a bit vintage. ALL Japanese.

The Butterfly Hapi Coat, it could be the prettiest beach cover-up of all time...

Store your baubles Nippon style with one of these Antique Japanese Jewelry Boxes.

Your garden needs the soft glow of
Japanese Temple Lanterns.

Bring a splash of color into the room with a Vintage Japanese Obi.

Return of the Ichi...ban

2011-05-16T22:15:00.001+09:00

The Ichi Girls are so excited to reopen tomorrow!

A Teak Peek :) Teak wood carvings available NOW at Ichiban!

We at Ichiban work for one reason, to raise money for the AOSA Scholarship Fund & Community Grants. Since the disasters following the March 11 earthquake we have been closed. Ichiban & AOSA are counting on your support to keep our dream alive! Help us help our community by shopping at Ichiban!

Raymond Ko & Johnny Jewelery are coming back too so don't miss out on their great deals.

Here is a slideshow of our new Thailand Stock!

The following items are just a teaser from our catalog of teak furniture.
You can order direct from Ichiban, over 80 items... soon.

Furniture, Home Decor & More...

2011-02-21T14:32:00.002+09:00

Our furniture and home decor items from Foochow Art have arrived!

We Love the cottage feel of these white cabinets!

Nantucket meets Hong Kong with these breezy beach pieces.

Add Flare to your decor with this Distressed Blue Tansu!

Sakura themed items abound at Ichiban! Bring a little spring into your home with these cheerful kokeshi!

View more items in this slide show!

Great New Gear at Ichiban

2011-02-16T21:54:00.000+09:00

We have a new vendor at Ichiban!

Come in soon so you wont miss out on the new shipment of Godzilla T's, baby bibs and rompers,

coffee tumblers and so much more!

Hey AOSA Ladies! We have great hair accessories for the AOSA/AWA Kimono Dressing Event!

New Gift Items at Ichiban

2011-02-08T13:57:00.000+09:00

Our buyers have been busy!
Stop in and see our new merchandise.

Don't forget!

Johnny Jewelry will be in the house on Thursday, Feb 10th from 12-6pm and Friday, Feb 11th 10am-2pm!

February is Sweet at Ichiban!

2011-01-31T20:58:00.000+09:00

JUST IN TIME FOR VALENTINES!!!

Johnny Jewelry will be here Thursday, February 10th from 12-6pm and Friday, February 11th from 10am-2pm.

GET THEM WHILE THEY LAST!
A New Shipment of amazing, hand painted, Rebekah Deep silk scarves will arrive on Tuesday, February 15th.

EXOTIC ANTIQUES ARRIVING!
Tibetian & Chinese antiques from Foochow Art Furniture will be here on Tuesday, February 22nd!
(Special orders will be available for pick up on the night of the 19th)

What's New at Ichiban?

2011-01-16T23:05:00.000+09:00

So many New Items are at Ichiban now!
Here is a quick preview...

Styling How to from Rebekah Deep!

2011-01-16T21:19:00.000+09:00

How to tie Rebekah Deep Scarves in ways you never thought of.
Each look takes less that 60 seconds!

Rebekah has shown us Nine ways to tie her scarves. You can click on the picture of the finished product to make the view larger.

European Knot with Bow

Long Butterfly Knot

Short Butterfly Knot

Long Cowl

Double Neck Wrap

** This video is missing sound but you get the point :D

Knotted Bib

Cowl

Rebekah's Recommendations:

Use a Long Scarf as a belt, headband, a bow around your ponytail, and as a shawl.

Use a Square scarf as a Gypsy wrap around your head or wrapped around your neck and tucked under a coat.

For these last three looks come to Ichiban at the next Rebekah Deep Scarf release!

Rose Knot
using a square scarf.

Fan Fold
using a long scarf.

Hollywood Head Wrap
using a square scarf.

Rebekah Deep Lanthrop Scarves!

2011-01-09T17:30:00.000+09:00

Tuesday, January 11th, at 3 pm Rebekah will be at Ichiban! Get to know the artist behind the beautiful hand painted silk scarves. Rebekah will be showing us how to style the scarves in new and creative ways. Don't miss out on these one of a kind treasures! Last time we sold out in 3 hours ;)

Finish Your Holiday Shopping at Ichiban!

2010-12-13T21:55:00.000+09:00

We hope you are wrapping up your holiday shopping by now but don't forget to treat yourself to something fabulous! Ichiban Collectibles Holiday Sale continues this week with special holiday hours;
10am to 7pm Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday!

We will be Closed starting Tuesday, December 21st!

Our fantastic furniture from Foochow Art is still 10% off. Michael Ross Photography is also 10% off only at Ichiban Collectibles!
http://mikeross.zenfolio.com/ < check out MR photography online!>

This week Ichiban will be Hosting Two Vendors! Justin Ko from Raymond Ko Jewelry will be in the store all week. Pablo from Unique Japan will be here on Wednesday to showcase some special items that are sure to be great gifts!
http://new.uniquejapan.com/home/

Whenever our doors are open, you can stop by for a free cup of joe and free wifi. Just in case our phenomenal deals aren't reason enough!

SALE

2010-12-01T23:43:00.000+09:00

Get in the spirit at Ichiban!

2010-11-15T11:02:00.000+09:00

Ladies and Gents!

We are on cloud nine after the amazing showing for Rebekah Deep and her hand painted marvelous silk scarves! We are so thrilled to have sold out in record time! Congrats and thank you to Rebekah! If you missed out we will have more in January. A special thanks to all of you great Ichi Shoppers too!

This week at Ichiban we will have Johnny Jewelry on Tuesday the 14th and Thursday the 16th. This is your chance to shop with him before the Bazaar crowds! Johnny always has the special something for your Christmas list.

We still have a limited supply of Christmas Kokeshi dolls. We will be making one more order to restock intime for you to mail them home for the holidays!

Kawaii! Christmas Kokeshi!

2010-11-02T21:30:00.001+09:00

They're HERE! Get your super kawaii Christmas kokeshi dolls at Ichiban!

Three weeks of NEW items! You're Welcome...

2010-10-19T11:01:00.001+09:00

We are gearing up for the holiday season at Ichiban. We will be bringing you new gift items and special vendors for the next three weeks! Take a little bit (or a lot!) of Japan home to the family! This Thursday the 21st, from 10:00 am to 6:00pm, we have Misti from K&M creations bringing beautiful Japanese Sea Glass Jewelry!

On Thursday, October 28th Johnny Jewelry is back! Friday, October 29th we will have a special Friday opening for Johnny Jewelry from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Treat yourself and your loved ones to wearable art from Rebekah Deep. Rebekah will be in house on November 2nd and 4th from 12:00pm to 6:00pm to introduce her amazing hand dyed "painted" silk scarves!

We love scouring Japan to bring you sweet deals on hand crafted and vintage items from the land of the rising sun. Please enjoy this slideshow of items in the store NOW that we know are the perfect gifts for the people you love!

Vendor Date Change!

2010-10-14T10:40:00.000+09:00

Due to unforeseen circumstances our sea glass vendor will be here on OCTOBER 21ST! Please visit next week!!

Beautiful Japanese Sea Glass Jewelry!

2010-10-06T14:24:00.001+09:00

Its time to gear up for holiday shopping! You know you can count on the Ichi-girls to bring you unique gift ides from Japan. We are excited to announce that Ichiban Collectibles will be hosting K&M creations from Misawa. Misti is bringing beautiful, one of a kind pieces for you to buy.

We will open two hours early on Thursday October 14th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm!

For more info on sea glass jewelry visit the K&M webpage http://www.japanseaglass.com/

Ichiban Collectibles is Number One!

2010-09-30T00:12:00.000+09:00

Thanks to your continued support Ichiban was voted Best Gift Shop in Mainland Japan!

Our sincere thanks to all employees (past and present), fabulous volunteers, and loyal customers for making Ichiban Collectibles the place to shop!

This week at Ichiban...

2010-09-27T12:28:00.000+09:00

Justin Ko with Raymond Ko Jewelery is back! He is bringing new treasures and the best sellers with him.

Justin also makes exquisite custom work. If you have an idea for a special piece he can make it happen! Come by the store this week and see what you can find because you know Christmas is just around the corner!

This week only we are having a SALE on Michael Ross Photography.

Come in to see the great deals for yourself!

Michael's work captures the beauty of Japan and brings it home to us. There is no better was to remember your adventures than an amazing work of art! He has also brought in new framed pieces that are ready to hang on your wall at home as well as new pre-matted photos for 8x10 frames.

The AOSA Welcome Event!

2010-09-27T11:45:00.000+09:00

This year's AOSA Welcome Event was a smash hit thanks to our Event Coordinators Kim Shamblee & Ashley Taylor.

Please enjoy a few pictures from the evening!
Love,
The Ichi-girls

Event Coordinator Kim Shamblee & Ichiban Buyer Mari Kruger

Ichiban Customer Service Diann Tharp & Ichiban Manager Madori Gray

Fair Winds and Following Seas to Cynthia May.

The Ichi-girls saying farewell to one of our own. We love you Cynthia!

In true Ichiban fashion there were door prizes!! Winner and new AOSA member Janelle Hampton!

Cassie Jones, AOSA member & prize winner!

Shop away!

2010-09-07T00:21:00.001+09:00

New Items for you at Ichiban!

JOHNNY JEWELER is coming on Thursday the 9th from 12- 6pm

& Friday the 10th from 10am-2pm

See you there!

Volunteer Appreciation Program

2010-08-30T19:24:00.000+09:00

Volunteer For

Ichiban Collectibles!

Here are the perks:

1. It’s always a party at Ichiban!

2. Your time counts for something—volunteer hours earn you an exclusive silver Ichiban Collectible charm designed by Elaine Brown. (40 hours)

3. Like to travel? Earn enough hours and you’ll be in the running for free airfare to an exotic locale while accompanying the Ichiban buyers on an international buy trip March 3-5. (65 hours) The name of the person selected to accompany us will be posted January 6. If we have more than one qualified volunteer (65 hours or more) when we close December 21 we’ll do a random drawing.

4. Got your eye on something? You’ll get the employee discount (15%) on the day you volunteer in the store.

5. First dibs on our new products when you’re in the shop! Plus special access to sneak previews on new merchandise.

It's so Good to be Back!

2010-08-29T00:01:00.000+09:00

The Ichi-girls are back in action with great new finds for your gift and decor needs.

We have been busy lining up special vendor visits and new furniture shipments just for you.
August 31st and September 2nd Raymond Ko Jewelry
September 7th NEW Furniture from Foochow Art
Johnny Jeweler will be here September 9th and special Friday opening on September 10th from 10am-2pm

Thank You!

2010-06-29T01:21:00.000+09:00

THANK YOU!

Every dollar spent at Ichiban helps us provide scholarships to deserving people and support other charitable programs on base.

Here are a few heartwarming pictures of the happy students you helped.

Zama High School Students AOSA Scholarship Winners!

Kelsey Oshiro, Crystal Valentine, Jacob Harris, Nathanielle Sybico & Sharon Lee

Rene Drumheller, Jillian Michaels-Hughes

& Teresa Coe, Winners of the AOSA Spouse's Scholarship

This week is your final chance to shop the wonderful deals at Ichiban Collectibles before we close for our summer break. You will save hundreds off the prices of Chosun Antiques.

Our hours this week are Tuesday 3-6pm

& Wednesday 10am-3pm

Ichiban will be closed from July 1st until August 19th.

It's That Time of Year Again

2010-06-22T00:04:00.000+09:00

It is Summer in Atsugi.The time is right for our Super Summer Furniture SALE! All Chosun Antiques items will be on sale this week; June 22, 23,24, and next; June 29th and 30th, as we prepare to close for our summer break.

Remember that Ichiban is a great place to pick up your gifts for the loved ones back home. Don't show up empty handed. We have beautiful vintage kimono and obi that will hit the floor for the first time tomorrow. Traditional Japanese tea sets, sake sets and other new accoutrements are available.

Our hours this week are Tuesday 3-6pm, Wednesday 10am-3pm, Thursday 3-6pm.

Ichiban will be closed from July 1st until August 19th.

Adorable Kokeshi Dolls

2010-06-14T22:45:00.000+09:00

We have New Dolls! Come by Ichiban for all your souvenir shopping needs. We know that alot of our families will be heading home this summer. Don't go empty handed! We have great ideas for every member of the family.

Peek-a-Bamboo

Mother and child Kokeshi make a great gift for a Baby Shower!

Rainy Season Kokeshi too!

Father's Day

2010-06-14T22:35:00.000+09:00

Ichiban Collectibles has your answer for the perfect Father's Day gift!

Beer lovers rejoice! The Large Brushed Stone Igamono Beer Mug is one of Unique Japan's most popular items, and for very good reason. Its attractive freckled surface and distinctive brushed glaze finish not only make it a superbly designed original, but also makes beer taste even better. Here's why...

Smooth, delicious foam. The slightly rough surface allows the beer to pour effortlessly, helping to form a smooth cloud of foam.
Keeps the beer cool. Best to leave beer mug in the fridge for 30 minutes (it's well worth the wait) before pouring the beer into the mug. The material composition acts like an insulator, retaining the cold longer than a regular glass.
Comfortable to hold, looks great. Fits perfectly in hand, essentially a non-slip surface and it looks superb. Diameter (top) 10cm (4"), Height 14.5cm (5.75”)

Take our word for it, any guy will love and appreciate this gift over and over again. Try it with your favorite micro-brew.

Click here for more about the Igamono Beer Mug

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

2010-05-31T23:57:00.000+09:00

We have been very busy. Come in and preview our new merchandise on Tuesday! We are still cataloging our new inventory and it will be available on Thursday. There are also new items for sale on Tuesday!

ENJOY!!

Raymond Ko Jewelry

2010-05-24T22:40:00.000+09:00

Ichiban is hosting Ramond Ko Jewelry this week, May 25th- 27th.

Come see the marvelous selection of gems and pearls from the Orient. Ramond Ko will also craft jewelry for the individual as well as polish and repair your older items.

This is your last chance to see Ramond Ko at Ichiban Collectibles until the Fall!

Success!

2010-05-10T20:56:00.000+09:00

The Ichi-Girls would like to thank all of you who came out to support Ichiban Collectibles during our huge sale. Thanks to you it was a major success!
The point of the sale being to make room, and boy did we move merchandise. Just in case you were wondering what we needed room for...

New Furniture!

We would also like to send our thanks, love and appreciation to all the lovely ladies who helped with our annual inventory. We would probably still be there if it were not for all your hard work.

You may have heard a dirty rumor (or read on the giant light up sign on base) that we were having a closing sale. This is simply not true! Ichiban is doing better than ever!!! We are open this week for normal store hours: Tuesday 3-6pm, Wednesday 10am-3pm & Thursday 3-6pm.

SALE SALE SALE

2010-05-03T17:09:00.000+09:00

This week at Ichiban we are having a

Everything in the store is on sale! Furniture is 30% to 70% off. Items are marked as low as $1.00. Screens, Lamps, Photos, Kokeshi, Fans, Vases, Lanterns, Kimono, Tea sets, Teapots... You see it in the store, it is on sale!

Don't miss this chance for DEEP DISCOUNT prices!

We are open for regular hours this week : Tuesday 3-6pm, Wednesday 10am- 3pm, & Thursday 3-6pm

New Items at Ichiban!

2010-04-26T20:34:00.000+09:00

Come in this week and take a look at a few new items that we have in the store!

Sakura Kokeshi

Pint sized Sayonara dolls!

Terracotta Warriors

Wine Bottle Kimono

Don't forget that this week Ichiban Collectibles is hosting Unique Japan on Thursday, April 29th. We will have extended store hours 11am- 7pm!
Unique Japan not only sells the finest in Japanese cutlery but a wide range of gifts that would be perfect for Mothers Day!

For more information on Unique Japan Check out their website @ http://www.uniquejapan.com/

Raymond Ko of Hong Kong is Here!

2010-04-19T19:25:00.000+09:00

Heads up! This week kicks off Ichiban's busy Spring with a visit from Raymond Ko Jewelry.

This week, April 20-22, during regular store hours Raymond Ko will be selling unique and beautiful jewelry to suit any price range. Raymond Ko can also custom make jewelry, as well as clean and repair your old favorites.

Mentioned in the last blog, Unique Japan will be stopping by on Thursday, April 29! We will be open early and late from 11 am to 7 pm. For more information on what Unique Japan has to offer please visit their web page at http://www.uniquejapan.com/ .

Finally, Ichiban is having a mega spring cleaning sale the first week of May!

May 4-6 during regular store hours almost everything will be on sale. We have screens, kokeshi dolls, fans, lanters, parasols, kimono, vintage handbags and so much more. You do not want to miss these prices!

Shown above: Daruma Nesting Doll, Don't be Koi Lantern ( perfect for boys day May 5th) and the Golden Villiage Screen.

Upcoming Events!

2010-04-05T19:04:00.000+09:00

Raymond Ko Jewelry, will be here April 20 - 22 during our normal business hours, coming all the way from Hong Kong. In addition to selling beautiful pieces of jewelry to suit all price ranges, Raymond Ko can make custom jewelry according to your own design, clean your existing pieces, and even repair and re-size what you already have. Come in to see his newest designs.

Fans of Ramond Ko can keep up with the jeweler at http://www.ramondko.com/

Unique Japan will be visiting Ichiban Collectibles on Thursday, April 29 from 11am until 7pm. They're famous for their hand-forged, high quality kitchen knives. There will be demonstrations through out the day using these super sharp knives.

Unique Japan will also offer knife-sharpening services. Professional chefs will tell you your knives should be expertly sharpened about once a year. Now, you can bring any of your dull kitchen knives (non-serrated) to be sharpened to a Samurai level. Allow about 2 weeks for delivery. $12.50 per UJ knife or $15 / knife for other makers.

In addition to knives, Unique Japan will bring a rare collection of handcrafted goods from all over Japan. Each product is unique and has it's own special story to tell: Come feel the amazing Igamono beer mugs; they make beer sing! Special handmade candles from Kyoto that burn beautifully. Make your dreams come true with the power of a Daruma Doll!

Check out their website for more information http://www.uniquejapan.com/

Finally, Ichiban Collectibles will be having an Inventory Closeout Sale the first week of May.

Come see us May 4-6 when practically everything in the store will be on sale with huge discounts!

This is one sale you don't want to miss!

Kiddo Kimono!

2010-04-01T11:32:00.000+09:00

Long awaited children's kimono and yukata have arrived at Ichiban. Hurry in today because these precious ensembles wont last!

Ichiban is Proud to Present Michael Ross Photography

2010-03-26T17:13:00.000+09:00

Michael, a pro since 2004, has built a portfolio that has beautifully captured Japan. Ichiban Collectibles is excited to feature his work!

Michael's passions for photography run the gamut and he most enjoys capturing images of people and places and the interactions thereof.

Professionally, He spent two years as a staff photographer at the Marietta Daily Journal in Metro Atlanta. He has been published by Holiday Inn, he was published on the CNN.com front page during major storm coverage in April of 2006 and has been published in and had photo features in several issues of Cobb Life Magazine and Cherokee Life Magazine. His photos appeared in Business Climate Magazine in Pensacola, FL and he was also published in the Winter 06/07 issue of CURE Magazine, a national publication focusing on cancer research.

Ichiban currently has prints availably in 8x12. However, othersizes are available upon request. All prices in the store are the same as on the web. Check out Michael's portfolio and prices at mikeross.zenfolio.com

Japanese Furniture in Western Interiors

2010-01-18T20:14:00.000+09:00

We, the shop girls, have some materialistic goals for our time here in Japan---we want to return to the States victorious with interesting Asian furniture that fits seamlessly with Western interiors. And if it's even a bit of a conversation piece? So much the better. The trick is finding a balance. We don't want people to walk into our homes and wonder if they stepped through a time and space portal, but hey, completion of a tour in Japan is something to be proud about; let those Japanese accents show!

With that in mind, we want you to know we're scouting the Kanto Plain for unique pieces that will work with the furniture you already have while highlighting the fact that yes, you have lived somewhere exotic. "This old thing?" you might glance casually down at the black Bamboo Grove Cabinet (upper left) you were just leaning against. "Oh, that's just something I picked up outside Tokyo. I think Ichiban Collectibles was the name of the place."

So stop in and see our new items. If you like them, rest assured---there will be more where that came from!

We'll Have a Blue Christmas

2009-12-01T12:31:00.000+09:00

We'll have a blue Christmas without YOU! Come see Ichiban's Blue Christmas display, stocking stuffers, gift ideas and more! We're getting down to the wire for Christmas gifts, so come on in and let us help you get those last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers. We JUST received a shipment of birthday month kokeshi dolls, so a limited number of each month is now in stock! We also received our last order of Holy Family Kokeshi sets, so please come get yours before we run out!! These have been going fast, so don't wait.

Also keep an eye out for our genuine Japanese tea sets that will be appearing throughout the week. We only have one of each style, and these make great gifts! Decorative Japanese hagoitas are lovely gifts and ship well, too (Hagoitas are paddles traditionally used to play a badminton-ish game around the end of the year, and they're usually exquisitely decorated with 3-D silk geisha).

Looking for stocking stuffers? We have adorable kokeshi key chains (these also make great ornaments!), vintage kokeshi, decorative Japanese floats, jewelry rolls, cosmetic bags....lots of ideas! We're here to help!

See you soon!
The Shop Girls

Upcoming Events at Ichiban

2009-11-17T16:33:00.000+09:00

Special Late-Night Opening November 26 10:00pm – 11:45pm
*leave your purchases in the store during the special showing of New Moon

Extravaganza Week 2nd Week of December

**Raymond Ko Jewelry of Hong Kong**

**Storewide Holiday Sales**

**Expanded Holiday Hours**

Tuesday, Dec 8 – 1:00pm – 7:00pm

Wednesday, Dec 9 – 10:00am – 4:00pm

Thursday, Dec 10 – 1:00pm – 7:00pm

Closed for the Holidays

Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, Nov 26

(we will be open late that night: 10:00pm – 11:45pm)

Thursday, Dec 24 thru Monday, Jan 4, 2010

Come back to see us on Tuesday, Jan 5!

Abnormal Hours This Week

2009-10-27T11:03:00.000+09:00

We're open Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 3pm to 6pm

Ichiban Collectibles will be closed Wednesday Oct. 28 and Thursday Oct. 29.

We'll reopen with normal hours Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 10am to 3pm, Thursday, Nov. 5 from 3pm to 6pm. Bonus: Raymond Ko will be in store to solve all your jewelry needs the first week of November!

Come see us!!

We adore all our fans...

2009-10-20T22:32:00.000+09:00

Yes Daaaahling...

We LOVE antique Chinese fans that make you say WOW!

Shown here are the 9 Dragon antique Chinese fan and the Year of the Tiger antique Chinese fan. Both of these are quite large and in good vintage condition.

Express Yourself

2009-10-20T22:03:00.000+09:00

Women have many moods

but this little gal has three!

Kokeshi dolls are a fantastic gift that is truly Japanese.
We have a limited supply of this unique doll. Come by and get one today!

Fall Decor & More!

2009-10-02T10:44:00.000+09:00

Fall is in the air, and in the store! Come in to Ichiban and see for yourself the fantastic fall items.

In this photo:Silk photo frames; Koyo Carved Wood Kokeshi; Antique Japanese Fan; November Month Kokeshi; Antique Dandelion Kokeshi; and Kimono Fabric Runner.

We also have NEW FALL COLORS for our most popular item,

the Sayonara Doll.

The Sayonara Doll, or scroll doll, has more uses than just recording your goodbyes. You can keep a height chart for your little ones, or keep a timeline of your stay in Japan! We also have Boy dolls and Wedding Scroll Kokeshi. It is a great gift to give your engaged friends so their wedding guests can write down their well wishes.

Love,
the Shopgirls

"plum blossoms of smoke"

2009-09-28T21:08:00.000+09:00

Where does the smell of incense take you? It takes me to the hills of Kamakura, catching whiffs of incense wafting on a fall breeze as I wander from temple to temple. Or it takes me to the cathedrals of Europe where monks chant and incense permeates the air. This week we're showcasing a variety of incense burners so you can light a stick and let the smell of adventure drift through your home.

Incense first arrived in Japan in the 6th century with Chinese Buddhist monks, who burned incense in their purification rites. Koh, a high-quality Japanese incense, became popular among Imperial Court nobles during the Heian Era 200 years later. Samurai warriors perfumed their helmets and armor with incense in the 14th century because it was believed to create an aura of invincibility. The Muromachi Era in the 15th and 16th centuries spread the appreciation of incense to upper- and middle-class Japan. In Japan today there is a strong relationship between nature, incense, poetry and the human spirit. "I breathe in the cool incense smoke from the metal brazier,

While thinking about a poem for my dear friend Lu Wa.

My sandalwood-hearted companion spits out plum blossoms of smoke,

Looking like the cloudy fog of the other world.

Perhaps it's the soul of my friend the old mountain man

In the smoke's dense patterns?"
- Kan Po, in memoriam

Morning Glories---September's Kokeshi Doll

2009-09-22T11:12:00.000+09:00

You've probably noticed morning glories lifting their little faces up all around Japan this month. They like the cooler weather, and so does our September kokeshi doll! If you've missed a friend's birthday this month and want to send her a piece of Japan, this makes the best belated birthday present. Or if you're thinking ahead to Christmas shopping, come look at our entire range of birthday month kokeshi dolls! It's a great gift for family members when you want to get them comparable items that aren't identical. And if you had your eye on one of our Holy Family kokeshi sets, get them before the holiday season starts, because they're already going fast!

PURSES ON SALE!!

2009-09-15T17:39:00.000+09:00

Almost all purses at Ichiban have gone on SALE!! Beaded clutches, leather bags, vintage fashion bags of all sorts! They're not going to last long...we've already sold a handful. So if you had your eye on some of our wearable art, now is the time to grab it up before it's gone!

Seek & Find Winner!

2009-09-09T22:35:00.000+09:00

Congratulations Alysa Hutton!

Alysa attended the A.O.S.A. Welcome Event for the 2009/2010 year. She participated in our Seek & Find game and won a fabulous Friendship Flag Kokeshi! Come by the store to play this no purchase necessary game.

New Items!

2009-09-08T23:13:00.000+09:00

New to Ichiban this week!

The "Black Cauldron" Tea Pot, the "Day Tripper" Sake Set & the "Mini Espresso" Mug Set of 2.

Please remember that our items move fast.

New items appear all the time so don't miss out.

If you have an item that you are looking for come by and tell Elaine and Mari.

Game On!

2009-09-08T23:02:00.000+09:00

Ladies and Gents Fall is upon us.

With the cooler weather comes the season for GAMES. We have recently acquired Mahjong, Chess and Domino sets for you and your family to take home. Each set comes with a beautiful wood case. Sales have already begun so get them while they last!

Sayounara Julie!

2009-08-31T17:24:00.000+09:00

Sadly, we said sayounara to Julie Umemura at Friday's AOSA Welcome Event. Julie was key in reopening Ichiban Collectibles last year, putting in countless hours and making the shop what it is today! Thanks, Julie! You will be missed!!

AOSA Welcome Event

2009-08-27T22:13:00.000+09:00

Ichiban Collectibles will open it's doors Friday, August 28th at 7:15 p.m. for the A.O.S.A. Welcome Event. Please come out and enjoy food, drinks, and games while shopping our special hours. A.O.S.A. members you can earn 5 dollars off your purchase of any Ichiban items by recruiting a new member! Your new recruit will also receive a 5 dollar off coupon. Please know that there will be one coupon per person. Don't miss the fun! Please contact your A.O.S.A. President, Tori Calisch, at aosapres@yahoo.com with any questions. See you there!

NEW! Japanese Nesting dolls!

2009-08-20T23:46:00.000+09:00

Ahhhh! So cuuuuute!! Today we got in some new kokeshi dolls from Eikoh Trading, the same maker as the Holy Family and bottle opener kokeshi. These Nesting Doll Kokeshi come in Daruma (below, left), Ninja (below, center), Sakura (above and below, right) and Sumo (on a different shelf...not pictured). Each Nesting Doll has five components.

Seek and Find WINNER!

2009-08-18T19:38:00.000+09:00

Congratulations to Ansley Galman, our first Seek and Find WINNER! Ansley found the Stabilizing Earthen Bowl ($8) and brought it to the register for her free gift---this vintage, hand-painted kokeshi doll. Signs around the store tell you which item to seek. Just bring it to the register for your free gift! No purchase necessary! Come to Ichiban Collectibles for your chance to play.

Opening Day

2009-08-17T20:59:00.000+09:00

It's finally here...Ichiban Collectible's Fall 2009 Reopening! Today, just for you, we'll have some refreshments and a new game. Can you find the Stabilizing Earthen Bowl? The first person to bring it to the register will receive a free gift! Yay, gift! We hope to see you soon! Ichiban Collectibles is open to all military ID holders today from 3-6pm.

Keep an eye out for these featured items:

Ichiban Fall Opening

2009-08-16T22:15:00.000+09:00

It is almost time!

Ichiban is ready to reopen on Tuesday, August 18th. The doors will open for an A.O.S.A. Members Only Preview from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. Remember your membership cards and claim your discount. Not a member? Please come by and fill out an application in the store. The doors will be open for all Military I.D. holders at 3 p.m until 6 p.m. We are excited and ready to welcome you back to Ichiban. Keep coming back to the blog for updates on new items and store events. Who knows you might end up on the Ichi-blog!

See you soon,

The Ichi Girls

Meet the Buyers

2009-08-16T20:23:00.000+09:00

We're just two totally normal people who now get to stock Ichiban. Let us know what you'd like to see, what you're tired of seeing, and what the heck---tell us what you'd like to pay for it too. We may look silly, but we're miracle-workers on the inside.

Check Out Featured Items and Sales at the New Ichiban Blog!

2009-08-16T20:17:00.000+09:00

We're starting a blog to go along with the Fall 2009 reopening. Check out featured items new buyers Elaine Brown and Mari Krueger have picked up during the week, then come in and see what else is new!