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Definition

Mottainai

What is Mottainai?

Japanese sense of regret at waste, urging respect and reuse of resources.

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Japan
Étals du marché aux puces installé dans l'enceinte du temple Tō-ji, à Kyoto.
Culture7 min

Flea markets and vintage in Japan: the second-hand guide

Kōbō-ichi, Ōedo, Boro-ichi, Shimokitazawa, Book Off: where to hunt for second-hand goods in Japan, on which day, with what vocabulary, and why the stock is so good.

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Japan
Technique traditionnelle japonaise du furoshiki : un objet emballé et noué dans un tissu décoratif.
Traditions11 min

Furoshiki: the Japanese art of wrapping with cloth

History and technique of furoshiki, the Japanese wrapping cloth. Origins in public baths, musubi knots, motifs, decline and zero-waste revival.

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Mottainai : Definition · Kotoba Interactive