Karate, considered to have originated in Okinawa, is a martial art for the purpose of self defense.
The practice involves using the entire body to perform techniques such as tsuki (punch), uchi (strike) and keri (kick).
The attractiveness of Karate is in the process of pursuing perfection through refining one’s skills and training.
It is not meant to hurt or kill people, but it is bushido (Japanese chivalry) that is the original style of Karate.
Karate, after having spread all over the world, keeps developing in various styles.
Mastery levels are ranked with different belt colors; the black belt is an icon signifying the upper level.
Defeat, does no exist, for a black belt, does it? No, SENSEI ~
　

30- 32 Red Cape Lane . QV . Melbourne . Victoria 3000
Japanese T-Shirts Aoi
　
　

With ecological goods becoming more and more popular around the world, organic cotton is getting a lot of attention these days.
Cotton that has been grown for more than 3 years on soil that is not exposed to any pesticides or chemical fertilizer is called “organic cotton”.
Organic cotton is extremely environmental-friendly and causes next to no irritation to the skin; it is what cotton originally used to be like.
You can probably understand how precious organic cotton is if we tell you that, while it’s currently produced in 20 different countries,organic cotton accounts for only 0.3% of total cotton output worldwide (2007).
At Aoi, we offer organic cotton products as bridges between our customers and ecology.
This is a great opportunity for you to experience ecology, based on your own understanding of what it should be.
It would also be fun for you if you could find additional charm in your daily outfits.
As we all know, little steps of individuals can change the world of tomorrow.

30- 32 Red Cape Lane . QV . Melbourne . Victoria 3000
Japanese T-Shirts Aoi
　
　

Kamon is family crest that has been used for representing own family, lineage, and status since long time ago in Japan.
Nearly two million crests are acknowledged today.
Kamon was also used onto flags, armers, and swords as ways of showing their great deed, distinguishing between allies and enemies by Samurai at battle.
However, as time goes by, Kamon has changed its use to custom, which to adopt it onto formal clothes for general people from practical use for Sarumai.
The custom has passed down to nowadays. There is at least one Kamon in each family, and it is essential to have on formal costumes.
The monogram design of Louis Vuitton is said that it is also inspired by Japanese Kamon.
The symbol of AOI got hint from Kamon too, since we want to cherish Japanese culture.
We provide products that to share Kamon, symbol of Japanese culture with you.

30- 32 Red Cape Lane . QV . Melbourne . Victoria 3000
Japanese T-Shirts Aoi
　
　

AOI tees are made from high quality vintage soft cotton, giving a perfect “no shrinkage” fit. Try on an AOI tee and immediately it will feel like an old favourite. They come in capped sleeve or regular fit for men and women and there are sizes for all.

Choice is also important to us – we want you to find a design and colour that’s right for you. Our tees come is a great range of colours, in sizes to fit all (extra small to extra extra large) and at a price that means everyone can get their hands on an AOI tee. Take a look at a couple of our designs below. For the full range, you’ll need to come in and see us in-store (unfortunately, we don’t do internet sales.)

30-32 Red Cape Lane . QV.
Melbourne .Victoria 3000

(near the corner of Swanston St and Lonsdale St)

http://www.qv.com.au

Have you ever tried Zazen?
Like Yoga, Zazen (literally “seated meditation”) is a method to boost mental concentration that practitioners perform to calm the body and the mind.
Zazen practice is said to enable insight into the nature of existence without any distraction in mind, thereby reaching a spiritual state of nothingness.
Try this 5-minute Zazen to experience the culture of Japan!
(How to sit)
Place your right foot on your left thigh and pull the heel toward your stomach. Next, place the left foot on the right thigh.
For beginners, you may place only your left foot on your right thigh and cross the right foot under the left thigh. For either way, make sure that both of the feet and hip are balanced out at three points.
Put your right hand palm up and place your left hand palm up on the right hand. The tips of the thumbs should touch with a light pressure.
This posture may be quite uncomfortable at first, but you should be able to get used to it soon.
And now, follow these steps to experience Zazen at anytime, anyplace.

1. Keep your eyes half-open and look slightly downward about 1 meter in front of you.

2. Pull your chin down and close your mouth lightly with your tongue touching the base of your front teeth.

3. Relax your shoulders and sit with a straight back. Keep your back straight with a natural curve in the lower back, with the stomach pushing out slightly forward. Align your nose with your navel.

4. Breath naturally.

5. Breathe slowly through the nose and exhale.

How do you feel?
AOI offers a few items to kick start your Zen life!

30- 32 Red Cape Lane . QV . Melbourne . Victoria 3000
Japanese T-Shirts Aoi
　
　

April is the season of hanami, a gathering to enjoy cherry blossoms or ’sakura’.
Around this time of year, sakura is in full bloom in Japan, turning much of the country ’sakura pink’.
People, enchanted by the beauty of sakura, hold hanami feasts under the trees in public parks and gardens.
Around this time, Japanese people feel great happiness,
and soak themselves in a sense of grace brought by the arrival of spring in Japan.
A petal blowing down into a cup of sake invokes in us Japan’s traditional aesthetics, wabi-sabi.
If you are planning to visit Japan, please be sure to choose this season!
In case you don’t have a chance to travel, we have prepared several sakura goods inspired by cherry blossoms for you.

30- 32 Red Cape Lane . QV . Melbourne . Victoria 3000
Japanese T-Shirts Aoi