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Thursday, May 28, 2026

6 Practical Japanese Items I Picked Up in Japan

Last summer, my husband and I visited Japan, and as always, I ended up bringing home a few of my favorite everyday items. Some of them are long‑time staples that I always pick up when I’m there, and this time I also discovered a couple of new favorites. Today, I’d love to share the six products I purchased in Japan and why I keep going back to them.

1. Cosme Brush Stand (干せるブラシスタンド)

Makeup Brush Drying Rack

110 yen at Daiso

Cosme Brush Stand (干せるブラシスタンド)

I picked up this Cosme Brush Stand (干せるブラシスタンド) at Daiso — it was only 110 yen, such a good little find. It’s a simple makeup‑brush drying rack, but it has been surprisingly useful. Ever since I bought it, I’ve been using it every time I wash my makeup brushes. It hangs easily on my shower‑curtain pole, so the brushes can drip‑dry neatly without taking up any counter space.

Cosme Brush Stand (干せるブラシスタンド)

2. Treatment Comb (トリートメントコーム)

Wide-toothed comb for Hair Mask and Conditioner

110 yen at Seria

Treatment Comb (トリートメントコーム)

I picked up this Treatment Comb (トリートメントコーム) at Seria for just 110 yen. It’s a wide‑toothed comb designed to help hair masks and conditioners work more effectively. I first learned about it from a Japanese hairstylist on YouTube, and I’m glad I followed the recommendation. It spreads conditioner evenly and helps it absorb better, so my hair feels smoother afterward. I like it so much that I even pack it when I travel.

3. Foot Scrubber Mat (3D 足洗いマット)

Foot Scrubber Mat

1980 yen on Amazon Japan

Foot Scrubber Mat (3D 足洗いマット)

I also picked up this Foot Scrubber Mat (3D 足洗いマット) on Amazon Japan. It’s one of those small items that quietly improves your routine — the soft bristles massage and clean the soles of my feet, adding a nice, refreshing feeling to my shower.

Foot Scrubber Mat (3D 足洗いマット)

4. Lion Systema Toothbrush (ライオンシステマ超極細毛歯ブラシ)

Toothbrush

168 yen at drugstore in Japan

Lion Systema Toothbrush (ライオンシステマ超極細毛歯ブラシ)

I also purchased this Lion Systema Toothbrush (ライオンシステマ超極細毛歯ブラシ). Whenever I visit Japan, I always pick up a few manual toothbrushes, and Systema is one of my favorites. The bristles are extremely thin (超極細毛), so they can reach deep between the gums and teeth. If you’ve never tried a Systema toothbrush before, it’s definitely worth trying — you can really feel the difference compared to an ordinary toothbrush.

Lion Systema Toothbrush (ライオンシステマ超極細毛歯ブラシ)

5. Dental Pro L-Shaped Interdental Brush (デンタルプロ L字型歯間ブラシ)

Interdental Brushes

Size 0 (SSSS), 0.6mm

Size 1 (SSS), 0.7mm

10-interdental brushes for 278 yen at discount store in Japan

Dental Pro L-Shaped Interdental Brush (デンタルプロ L字型歯間ブラシ)

I also purchased this Dental Pro L‑Shaped Interdental Brush (デンタルプロ L字型歯間ブラシ). Ever since I started using it, I honestly can’t live without it. My dental hygienist even told me that my oral hygiene looks very good, which made me appreciate this brush even more. Whenever I go to Japan, this is one of my must‑buy oral care items. I highly recommend trying it — it makes a noticeable difference.

Dental Pro L-Shaped Interdental Brush (デンタルプロ L字型歯間ブラシ)

6. Kao Clear Clean Next Dent Toothpaste (花王クリアクリーン NEXT DENT 歯磨き粉)

Toothpaste

120g for 198 yen at drugstore in Japan

Kao Clear Clean Next Dent Toothpaste (花王クリアクリーン NEXT DENT 歯磨き粉)

I also purchased this Kao Clear Clean Next Dent Toothpaste (花王クリアクリーン NEXT DENT 歯磨き粉). When I lived in Japan, I used Clear Clean toothpaste from time to time, but it had been many years since I last used it. After trying it again for the first time in decades, I realized I still really love it. It leaves my mouth feeling very clean without being too strong.