Ep. 5 — Getemono: plain things, and odd things

It's All Japanese to Me · Oct 8, 2026 · 4m · transcript

Today’s word is “getemono.” A large Japanese dictionary gives it two meanings: cheap, simple everyday goods, and things that people see as strange. I talk about the everyday wares that Yanagi Sōetsu bought at temple and shrine markets in Kyoto, which were called “getemono” there, and share my own impression of the line between the two meanings.

Sources:

* Kotobank, “Getemono” (Nihon Kokugo Daijiten, Japanese)

* Mie Prefectural Art Museum, “Mingei” (Japanese)

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