That's right - zero waste. Here at J-life we live the philosophy of "waste not want not" in the shipping department.



Incoming peanuts become outgoing peanuts. Shipping boxes that bring products our way never make it to the local landfill. They're too busy bringing products your way.



We've even partnered with the local Subaru dealership to reuse their incoming packing materials in a venture that benefits us, them, and the environment.



It takes a little extra time and a little extra effort but it saves trees, keeps plastic peanuts out of the landfill and makes us all feel just a little bit greener.

Paypal isn't exactly the most exciting thing since sliced bread but it does allow our customers another choice in their payment options.

Now you can shop with us and use your checking account, Paypal balance or credit cards to pay - and - your credit card or checking account numbers are never shared with anyone but Paypal.

You'll see the Paypal button as a choice at checkout. Just remember to click through to the secure Paypal site to complete your order.

And... happy shopping!

Noren add color to home decor. Their qualities of texture and subtle hues enhance any room whether used as traditional doorway dividers or wall hangings or even curtains.

Historically, noren were used as shop signs which also served the purpose of keeping sun and dust out of the shop while allowing customers to easily pass through to the inside. Over the centuries these simple split banners have evolved into items of startling beauty, unique Japanese crafts found nowhere else.

Our new noren line features noren created for the consumer market - our Ukiyo-e Noren (screen printed reproductions of classic Japanese wood block art on cotton) and our collectible Art Noren which feature hand made hemp or cotton noren with images achieved by centuries old hand dying techniques.

In Japanese noren, the fabric is nearly as important as the artwork. The weave of the hemp allows light to pass through creating noren whose translucent qualities bring their images to life. In particular, our Kibira Noren are made of a loosely woven hemp whose texture exudes style and class.

Kibira Noren also utilize the hand dying techniques of wazome and hikizome which allow the artist to create intricate and delicate designs. The picture above is of one of our Kibira Noren.

Kyoto's famed Kyo Kanoko Shibori Noren are recognized as traditional Japanese crafts by the Japanese government. These noren are characterized by subtle shading and bold graphic design.

For those wanting a larger noren - we offer a line of Shop and Spa Noren with elegant designs.

I have long been drawn to the way the Japanese create stunning gardens featuring stone lanterns, fountains and basins.



There is nothing like rounding a corner in the garden and coming upon a low and sturdy Yukimi lantern set in a bed of colored gravel and low growing plants. The rough surfaces and muted colors of the granite intensify the vibrant textures of the leaves and flowers creating an eloquent focal point for meditation and reflection.



And to set off a garden vista the slim elegance of a  Kasuga lantern is perfect to draw the eye upward and expand the outlook.



Stone and water are essential elements in Japanese gardens and there is room in every garden for a stone fountain or a basin. Modern recirculating pumps make it possible to enjoy the sight and sound of falling water without the necessity of building your garden around a real stream or pond.



Consider the possibilities! A little planning, a little hard work and the result can be breathtaking - a four season retreat from the distractions of life - complete with waterfall!



Here at J-Life we carry an outstanding selection of hand-carved stone fountains, lanterns and basins as well as the pumps and lighting kits you need to complete your project. Look here for inspiration and look to us to help make your vision a reality.