From Japan, across the sea, into new hands.
For inspiration, creation, and love.


- About TSUBAKURAME -

TSUBAKURAME is a small online shop based in Japan, sharing Japanese art, culture, and creative treasures with people around the world.

We collect secondhand books, exhibition catalogues, art and design materials, postcards, and other items connected to Japanese creativity. Our collection includes catalogues from exhibitions by Japanese artists, art books and reference materials from Japanese anime and games, and other pieces that may be difficult to find outside Japan.

But TSUBAKURAME is not only for people who love Japan.

We also hope our collection will reach artists, illustrators, designers, and other creators around the world. A book made for an exhibition in Japan might become a source of inspiration for someone far away. An old art book might lead to a new idea. A postcard might simply spark someone's curiosity.

We believe that creative things can travel much further than we imagine.

- The Story Behind the Name -

“TSUBAKURAME” つばくらめ is a Japanese word for a swallow.

Swallows are familiar birds in Japan. They travel far away and return to Japan in spring, when their arrival feels like a sign that a new season has begun.

We chose the name TSUBAKURAME because we love this idea of traveling and returning.

The books and objects we send from Japan may travel to someone on the other side of the world. Perhaps they will be loved, collected, used as a reference, or become an inspiration for something new.

And perhaps, someday, something will return to Japan in another form — as a new creative work, a new idea, or simply a little love.

That is what we hope for the things that leave TSUBAKURAME.

From Japan, to somewhere in the world, and perhaps back again.

- Our Collection -

Our collection currently includes:

Secondhand art and culture books

Exhibition catalogues from Japan

Anime and game art books and reference materials

Secondhand postcards featuring art and illustration

Other creative items from Japan

We also plan to introduce discontinued and no-longer-available items by Japanese artists and creators, including small goods, figures, plush toys, and other collectible objects.

Some of our items are secondhand, vintage, or no longer in production. We carefully check each item and describe its condition as accurately as possible so that you can enjoy your discovery with confidence.

Thank you for visiting TSUBAKURAME.

We hope you find something here that makes you curious about Japan, inspires your creativity, or simply brings you a little joy.