One-of-a-Kind Ayakashi Concept Goods

Ayakashi (あやかし) can mean Japanese demons yokai, supernatural apparitions, or anything strange and suspicious. Exotic Goods Store Koufuku-do is a unique store that sells miscellaneous items, many of which with the concept of “ayakashi” and occasionally a blend of Chinese or Buddhist elements. 

For example, these outstanding earrings that can “strengthen your ears”: 

The designer and creator behind Exotic Goods Store Koufuku-do (異国雑貨屋 廣福堂) is Kouten 廣天. Her various works and products can be seen on her social media: Twitter (@ayakashixxx0v0) and Instagram (@rojiura_kouten). Her products are available to purchase online (subject to availability) or in-store. 

https://hapihapiroji.thebase.in/

• Ayakashi Was Only the Beginning
• Original Design Fashion Accessories
• Unique One-of-a-Kind Design Shoes, Bags, and Tops
• Exotic Goods Store Koufuku-do (異国雑貨屋 廣福堂) 

Ayakashi Was Only the Beginning

Browsing through Kouten’s listed products, we noticed the ayakashi motifs of course, but also the blends of different cultures. There are the obvious Chinese and Buddhist inspired designs, but also tentacles which are indicative of perhaps the mythical creature Cthulhu or just a giant squid. 

Curios, we asked Kouten herself what the inspiration for her works are.

最初は日本の妖怪や神話をモチーフにすることが多かったのですが、現在は色々な国の文化に興味があり、たくさん影響受けております。特に世界の縁起物（ラッキーアイテム）が好きで、自分の考えをミックスながら、現実に存在してほしいアイテムを制作しています。
At first, I mostly used Japanese yokai and myths as motifs, but now I am interested in the cultures of various countries and have been influenced by them. I especially like lucky items from around the world, and so mixing them with my own ideas, I’ve brought these items into existence. 

How inspiring. If you’re not too sure what “ayakashi” concept goods are? Here’s an introduction to some original designs by Kouten. 

Dream Eating Tapir 夢喰い獏

In Japanese mythology, Baku are supernatural creatures that eat nightmares. The same term “baku” also refers to the Malaysian tapir, an endangered species. If you are experiencing nightmares, call on a baku to help you eat them up. Though be careful not to overdo it, it is said that if the baku is too-hungry, it will end up eating your hopes and dreams as well along with the nightmares. 

獏には嘘は通じないので獏の気持ち次第で悪夢を吉夢にすることも出来る、また逆もしかり。
Baku cannot understand lies, so depending on the baku’s feelings, a nightmare can become a good dream, or vice versa.

O-inari-san お稲荷さん

Foxes are said to be the messenger of Inari, the God of harvest, fertility, rice, sake, and many other things. 

Shikigami 式神

Shikigami is a type of ayakashi believed to be a sort of kami (God). Shikigami are common in anime and shows about yokai and the supernatural, usually summoned and controlled by a spirit master. In many cases, they take on the form of paper figures. 

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Original Design Fashion Accessories

Her earrings are what first caught our eye, so now we’ll introduce some of Kouten’s other unique accessories. The mixture of different cultures are apparent in some of these. Not just earrings, there are also headdresses, hairpins, necklaces, and more. 

Ornamental Headdress

Many of the comments to this Tweet are a mixture of "so cool (kakkoi かっこいい) or "so cute (kawaii かわいい)", and we couldn't agree more. This style of ornamental headdress is more common in China, but the Japanese motifs of cherry blossoms and torii (how unique!) work very well with them! 

Rabbit, Fox, Snake Earrings and Chinese Motif Earrings

A Variety of Japanese Lucky Charm Earrings

Do you recognise any of these lucky items? 

Ornamental Hairpins - Kanzashi

Magical Necklaces 

身に付ければ魔法🧞‍♂️使えそうなネックレス各種入荷しました✨️ダウジングストーンも✨️
Wear for magic. Necklaces that look like they can be used have arrived. Dowsing stone too.

Unique One-of-a-Kind Design Shoes, Bags, and Tops

Aside from fashion jewellery, Koufuku-do also sells shoes, bags, and apparels. Can you identify the inspiration behind them? Each and every one of these is a unique design. 

We especially like how the same pattern fabric is used to make different types of items. You can get the whole set to match, or just get something you need in a pattern you like. The boots are especially fabulous! Even with a simple outfit on, they will surely catch some looks! 
 

Exotic Goods Store Koufuku-do (異国雑貨屋 廣福堂) 

Kouten’s exotic goods are available for purchase online (subject to availability), and also at their physical store. Do note that there is no ready stock for clothes and shoes which are made to order. However, the numerous knick-knacks and accessories in stock are surely enough to dazzle you. 

The store is located at 1569, Ino-machi, Agawa District, Kochi Prefecture (高知県吾川郡いの町1569番地). The interior of the store really fits with the theme don’t you think? There’s an aura of mystique surrounding it that makes one curious to explore and find out what it holds. 

Follow Kouten’s social media for latest updates on product availability and new amazing products. We look forward to seeing what else she makes. 

Photos provided courtesy of Ayakashi Soushaku Kouten 妖装飾屋 廣天 (Official Website, Twitter, Instagram).