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2008: 04.25 01.31 01.01 2007/ 2006/ 2005/ 2004

we usually send out newsletter (shown below) monthly. If you are interested in it, please press the below button to get in our mailing list.


apr.25.08

As a lot of locals have noticed, there have been many changes on Abbot Kinney these days. Some great stores left and new ones came. Compare to five years ago when we moved in, the street is more lively with people and new buildings, but it is always so sad to say good-byes to ones that kept the street so unique.

Because of your warm support, Tortoise is able to keep introducing great products of Japan. And we are stepping up for a new challenge.

Tortoise is going to open a second store! As you may have noticed, we were running out of space ;)

The second store will be on the same street and still be "Japanese", but mostly one-of-a-kind artists' pieces, vintage furniture and items, and Taku(co-owner)'s furniture.

address: 1342 1/2 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291
store hours: Wed - Sun noon-6pm or by appointment

Store opens May 2nd!

map

Yo is back in town!
It is getting warmer outside, and it is time for Yo Takimoto's wood carving class! (updated.05.14.08)

5/25 Sun 2-5pm @ Tortoise (1208 abbot kinney blvd)
6/8 SUN 2-5pm @ Tortoise
6/15 SUN 2-5pm @ Tortoise
6/22 SUN 2-5 @ Ananda (1354 abbot kinney blvd)
6/28 SAT 2-5 @ Ananda

The class is $25 and he provides everything!
Each class is limited for 10 people, so call quickly to save a spot! 310-314-8448

more details



jan.31.08

Ryota Aoki

Only at age 29, Ryota Aoki has won numerous awards in ceramic design contests throughout Japan, Korea, Australia, and Europe. These silver bowls could be used to put dry fruits, flowers, or just as a gorgeous center piece.

The material is porcelain with silver glaze. Price ranges from $100 - 500. We have his white porcalain works as well so please call or visit our store for more information!

Shio Kusaka

Most of you are already familiar with our local ceramicist, Shio. She brought in some of her new work. There is no words to describe her progressive creativity. Come and see it and feel it for yourself!

Seiko Wakasugi

Seiko is another young artist from Toyama, Japan. Most of her work is sold as tableware or vases but her work is almost like a flower itself. Seiko is a silver medalist at the craft design awards in Japan in 2005.









'e-glass' by Shotoku Glass

This environmentally friendly and safe glass is made from recycled fluorescent light tubes! The mercury has been safely removed. First glassware to receive Eco Mark design in Japan.
more details

I hope you all had a great first month of 2008! To start off the year, Tortoise would like to introduce just few of the new artists we found in Japan, along with some fresh new products from our local artist. We also found a great eco-friendly product made in downtown Tokyo, which could be a great addition to your green lifestyle.


First Fridays + New Store Hours!

Don't miss our next First Fridays event- February 1st! Most of the store on Abbot Kinney Blvd. will be open late. Tortoise will be open until 9pm.

Also due to requests from our customers, Tortoise will be open 7 days a week, 12-6pm for the month of February. We hope to see you soon :)

jan.01.08