FIFA World Cup fever is officially rolling into Vancouver, and we couldn’t be more excited to cheer on Japan’s National Soccer Team — the legendary Samurai Blue. To join the celebration, we asked our Summer Market vendors to share their best blue‑themed creations. The results? A stunning collection of art, fashion, food, and craft that captures the spirit of Japan’s summer.
But why blue?
In Japan, blue is the emotional temperature of summer. It’s the color of aizome indigo workwear, the fizz of ramune soda, the shimmer of glass fūrin (wind chimes), and the coolness people once relied on before air conditioning. Blue is the sky, the sea, the breeze, and the feeling of relief on a hot day.
Here are this year’s top “Samurai Blue” submissions. Visit our Summer Market June 6 & 7 at the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza to find these products and more! As you explore these creations, we hope they bring to mind your own summer memories and landscapes.
🌊 Ocean Blues & Marine Stories
Potteruki — Ceramic Whale Cup
A soothing ocean‑blue cup featuring a tiny whale perched on the handle, perfect for slow BC mornings. Its deep blue glaze mirrors the calm of coastal waters, blending Vancouver’s marine life with Japan’s love of ocean imagery.
MO’s Pottery Studio — Deep Blue Whale Plate
A richly glazed plate where a friendly whale peeks from a deep blue sea. The contrast of carved white lines against the dark blue surface brings the refreshing coolness of the summer ocean straight to the dining table.
Natsukashii Ink — “Octopus” Unisex Tee
A bold octopus design symbolizing resilience and adaptability was created for the TV show Remarked. The marine palette reflects the designer’s “Ocean” identity and channels the strength and fluidity of deep‑sea life.
Steamworks — Aonori Seaweed Fries
Crispy fries tossed in aonori seaweed with wasabi aioli. In Japanese, ao means blue — a playful nod to the theme and a delicious taste of the sea.
Nanase Design — Japan Blue Teacup Set
Indigo-inspired cup set that bring the calm of traditional aizome dyeing into everyday tea or coffee time. A timeless blue for quiet summer moments.
Manpuku Bento — Summer Festival Favourites
From salmon & tuna poke bowls to cold ebi tempura udon, Manpuku’s dishes capture the refreshing energy of the ocean. Their menu brings the lively, Omatsuri (festival) spirit of a summer day under a clear blue sky.
🧵 Indigo Traditions & Japanese Craft Blue
itchyichi — Patchwork Sashiko Tote Bagi
A beautifully layered tote combining Japanese fabrics, recycled denim, and traditional sashiko stitching. This piece blends indigo tones with Japan’s long history of mending, reuse, and the beauty of visible craftsmanship.
Siamurai Apparel & Mukashinoboro Mingei Studio — Vintage Fireman Hanten (1940s)
A rare, naturally indigo‑dyed fireman’s jacket that preserves the rugged spirit of Japanese workwear. Its deep blue tone reflects the durability and heritage of traditional aizome dyeing. Aizome dye is a natural mosquito repellent and has natural skin-cooling properties, perfect for hot summer days.
Itoma Japanese Craft Studio — Sashiko Threads & Craft Supplies
Cotton sashiko threads in stunning blue gradients inspired by summer skies, ocean waves, ramune bottles, and starry nights. Perfect for embroidery, mending, and textile art rooted in Japanese tradition.
FAM. — Mino Ware Matcha Bowl (Aoyu‑nagashi)
A handcrafted matcha bowl featuring flowing blue glaze that pools like water. Its deep, serene blue evokes the sea and sky — ideal for enjoying a chilled matcha latte on a hot summer day.
🎨 Blue Art, Illustrations & Playfulness
SHOBA — Science World Postcard (Shinkai Makoto Style)
A luminous illustration of Vancouver’s Science World, drawn in the cinematic style of Makoto Shinkai. The blue palette captures Vancouver’s unique blend of moody skies and brilliant ocean light.
Fancipress Nails — Pokémon Porcelain‑Style Press‑On Nails
Hand‑painted cobalt blue designs that blend beloved Pokémon characters with traditional blue‑and‑white porcelain motifs. A playful fusion of pop culture and classic Japanese aesthetics.
👘 Wearable Blues: Fashion, Jewelry & Everyday Style
Dobe & Friends — Foldable Grocery Bag
A clever, sandwich‑style foldable shopping bag in deep navy blue, playfully referencing the iconic IKEA aesthetic. Practical, stylish, and perfect for summer markets and daily errands.
Bomul — Blue Floral Earrings
Elegant earrings featuring deep blue beads accented with gold floral details. The color evokes Japan’s summer sky and ocean, while the gold adds a traditional touch.
Scandinazn — Blueberry Hoop Earrings
Handmade from second‑hand leather on gold‑plated hoops, these earings are a charming tribute to the sweetest blue of summer treats… Blueberries!
We are grateful to our Summer Market vendors who submitted their blue-themed creations — bringing summer vibes to Japan Market. If any items catch your eye, be sure to check out the vendors’ Instagram pages and websites, or visit us at Summer Market on June 6 & 7.
