{"id":152509,"date":"2025-04-01T09:00:20","date_gmt":"2025-04-01T00:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/?p=152509&#038;lang=en"},"modified":"2025-04-01T09:23:49","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T00:23:49","slug":"home-center-secrets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/en\/home-center-secrets\/","title":{"rendered":"Home Center Secrets: DIY Tips from Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLU392qmY-T8Y3iIr-Amn_-jHgwNhK7uyy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Home Center Secrets<\/a>, a series where I delve into the world of Japanese home centers. If you&#8217;re like me, you can easily spend hours wandering through the aisles, discovering an incredible variety of cool tools and products, including some truly unique items exclusive to Japan.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout this series, I&#8217;ll be showcasing these intriguing finds through hands-on demonstrations and helpful tips. This series is proudly sponsored by GooDay Home Center, a popular and friendly Fukuoka-based chain of home improvement stores. Boasting 64 locations across Fukuoka, Saga, Oita, Kumamoto, and Yamaguchi prefectures, GooDay is your go-to destination for all your home improvement needs. Don&#8217;t forget, <a href=\"https:\/\/gooday.co.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GooDay<\/a> offers <strong>tax-free shopping<\/strong> for international travelers, making it an ideal place to find unique, practical, and affordable souvenirs!<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-152525\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fnn_hsc-web_2023_WEB.jpg?resize=1400%2C789&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Home Center Secrets: DIY Tips from Japan\" width=\"1400\" height=\"789\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fnn_hsc-web_2023_WEB.jpg?w=1400&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fnn_hsc-web_2023_WEB.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fnn_hsc-web_2023_WEB.jpg?resize=1024%2C577&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fnn_hsc-web_2023_WEB.jpg?resize=768%2C433&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Latest Episode<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/58zzlX_ugiA?si=XcUyw0_qbvVl6H3P\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nick\u2019s Picks! &#8211; Daily Use Items and Souvenirs from Japan\u201d<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nLooking for a souvenir from Japan\u2014something practical, not just pretty?<\/p>\n<p>In this episode of Home Center Secrets, Nick explores a Japanese home center to uncover items you\u2019ll actually use. From heat-retaining lunch jars to a century-old scrub brush, these everyday tools carry surprising charm. No flashy trinkets. No tourist traps. Just simple, well-made products that reflect the beauty of daily life in Japan.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you live here or are just visiting, discover six useful, affordable, and uniquely Japanese items\u2014perfect for everyday use or as souvenirs.<\/p>\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;\"><iframe style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/58zzlX_ugiA?si=-QjOJ0mMrNOCFfS1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><br \/>\n<\/iframe><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Featured videos<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>1. <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/oNudK01jmO8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to BBQ Japanese-style with a Shichirin!<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nJoin me in this video as we explore the traditional Japanese BBQ &#8211; the SHICHIRIN! Learn how to grill various foods, find the right charcoal and accessories, and even master skewer rotation with custom stainless steel rods. Plus, I&#8217;ll show you how to make a frozen cocktail using a kakigori machine. Let&#8217;s dive into this delicious world of Japanese grilling and treats!<\/p>\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;\"><iframe style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oNudK01jmO8\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><br \/>\n<\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><strong>2. <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/xyd_AE4cegE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">4 Incredibly Clever Japanese Tools And Gadgets To Make Your Life Easier<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nIn this video, we&#8217;re exploring four unique Japanese products available at GooDay: the versatile Nata gardening tool, the traditional Jika Tabi footwear, the innovative Fan Cooled Work Vest, and the game-changing Tripod Orchard Ladder. These items make for excellent souvenirs or handy tools if you&#8217;re living in Japan. So, let&#8217;s dive in and discover their ingenuity and practicality!<\/p>\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;\"><iframe style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xyd_AE4cegE\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><br \/>\n<\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><strong>3. <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/GXY71DuEzFo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Japanese Insects &#8211; Get Protected!<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nIn this video, we&#8217;re tackling the pesky problem of insects invading our homes! I&#8217;ll be sharing four products to help you protect yourself from the likes of mukade (giant centipedes) and other creepy crawlies. Let&#8217;s keep our homes bug-free and ourselves safe this warm season!<\/p>\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;\"><iframe style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GXY71DuEzFo\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><br \/>\n<\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><strong>4. <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/bYSRYmVcdkQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">My DIY garage conversion. A fun and money-saving team effort!<\/a> <\/strong><br \/>\nIn this video, we&#8217;ll show you how collaboration can make DIY projects fun and cost-effective! See how I transformed an open parking space into a garage by teaming up with Gooday Home Center staff and a local carpenter. Tackle big projects with confidence through teamwork and collaboration!<\/p>\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;\"><iframe style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bYSRYmVcdkQ\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><br \/>\n<\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><strong>5. <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/tqN73R3SE9s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Survival Kits &#8211; Everything you need for disasters in Japan<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nThis video focuses on disaster preparedness in Japan. We&#8217;ll guide you through creating an affordable survival kit using items from local home centers. Remember, your kit should be tailored to your living situation and location. Make sure your household knows where it&#8217;s stored, and keep perishables up-to-date. Stay informed with local government resources to ensure you&#8217;re ready for any emergency. Let&#8217;s get prepared together!<\/p>\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;\"><iframe style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tqN73R3SE9s\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><br \/>\n<\/iframe><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Archives 36~<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>36.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/T98yChrkaQM?si=an816aTFKnSLA0iq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kyushu Gardening 101: Quick &amp; Easy Vegetable Planters for Beginners!<\/a><br \/>\n37.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/RTXOxxnbXfI?si=Bdy03JIKsX3IaX5c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Living in Fukuoka: Budget-Friendly DIY Apartment Makeovers<\/a><br \/>\n38.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/FWW3ll4fTbk?si=sRFnPMRY164wlCDt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Build Your Emergency Kit with Practical, Dual-Use Items<\/a><br \/>\n39.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/5mOEQP7xyTE?si=NnO6wXRu-lZpxacW\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">I Tested the Best Japanese Bath Salts &#038; Accessories \u2013 Top Picks! <\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Archives 26~<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>26.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/koWyMh891Mw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DIY Store Delights: Unearthing Gift Ideas for Women and Mother&#8217;s Day! <\/a><br \/>\n27.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/mADUrCjvjE4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DIY Delights and Tax-Free Treats: Explore GooDay Home Center in Fukuoka!<\/a><br \/>\n28.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/9XhIwtqUUwU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Beat the Heat: Top Innovative Japanese Products for Summer | World Aquatics 2023<\/a><br \/>\n29.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Wf35BtjthMk?si=s-Kxkc4B_ZwBU6Qs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shichirin Grilling 101: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Japanese BBQ Perfection <\/a><br \/>\n30.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/lV-PZ1Yq0Z8?si=r07KuMLER5W5iseN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discover Japan&#8217;s Pet Care Innovations<\/a><br \/>\n31.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/5Se-wVsPkhM?si=e4wiGxeI0BK8TSht\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DIY &amp; Home Repair: 7 Must-Have Japanese Adhesives Revealed! <\/a><br \/>\n32.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/YuX5Wgx3MpI?si=Jg00nGIpiHPasmY6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nick&#8217;s Osoji Adventure: Unveiling Japan&#8217;s Cleaning Secrets! <\/a><br \/>\n33.) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/live\/I6yrYbehQ3k?si=y8p9fge97Gto5RYI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GooDay\u2019s 45 Anniversary Guest: CEO Takashi Yanase <\/a><br \/>\n34.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/-zOm4_BRJmA?si=nc3hvmGaKk6bW5Y7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discover Top DIY &amp; Pet Supplies: A Canadian and Japanese Showcase!<\/a><br \/>\n35.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/SZQ0pdAS5co?si=Or9rpnAjWp109Ure\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Unveiling Japanese Kitchen Knives: Journey to Kyushu\u2019s Secret Castle Town!<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Archives 13-25<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>13.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/FxzWjx769dw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Make Umeshu and the Legend of the Flying Plum Tree!<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n14.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/ku9vFtR_0iI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Prevent Mold in Japan &#8211; Home Center Secrets!\u00a0<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n15.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Q-xjNHWKdSM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Japanese Igusa? Five Mats, Cushions, Rugs and Pillows for Japanese Summer Comfort!<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n16.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/jI6VAs18d2k\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Solo Camp Simplicity &#8211; The quickest way to camp in Japan!<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n17.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/HdNLVbGOf0c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canadian Campfire Recipes: Mac&#8217;n&#8217;Cheese, Cedar Plank Salmon &amp; Chocolate Cake!\u00a0<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n18.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/pY_h9Kndilk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Grow Tasty Lemons in Japan!\u00a0<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n19.) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/live\/4wUufV6qajg?feature=share\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most practical, affordable, unique gifts from Japan in one store!<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n20.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/_h180yEAdnE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 cool and unique gifts and souvenirs from a Japanese home center store!<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n21.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/KYZyhZNRypM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canadian vs. Japanese Hardware Stores &#8211; GooDay Goes to Canada!\u00a0<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n22.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/mtYoY65PsE8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Build a Birdhouse: Get Professional Results with GooDay FAB&#8217;s Laser Cutters<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n23.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/E3fWpieCH08\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discovering Japan&#8217;s Pet Culture: Pet Show Tour and Latest Pet Products 2023\u00a0<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n24.) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=CVBC0NEsWhA&amp;list=PLU392qmY-T8Y3iIr-Amn_-jHgwNhK7uyy&amp;index=25&amp;t=50s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Japan&#8217;s Ultimate Picnic Guide: Tips, Tricks &amp; Fun Games! <\/a><br \/>\n25.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/iODpBtmZRr8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Clamming Adventures in Japan: The Complete Guide with Nick &amp; Julie<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Archives 1-12<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>1.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/GXY71DuEzFo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Japanese Insects &#8211; Get Protected!\u00a0<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n2.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/tqN73R3SE9s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Survival Kits &#8211; Everything you need for disasters in Japan\u00a0<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n3.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/oNudK01jmO8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to BBQ Japanese-style with a Shichirin!<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n4.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/SeobWdivfcM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How I made an affordable and clever DIY garden table at Fablab<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n5.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/xyd_AE4cegE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 Incredibly Clever Japanese Tools And Gadgets To Make Your Life Easier<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n6.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/0ZzbcIiN7C8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking for fun and practical souvenirs of Beppu Onsen? Here&#8217;s three!<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n7.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/hryGPCQddFs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OSOUJI &#8211; 8 must-try products to make your year-end cleaning fun in Japan!\u00a0<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n8.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/HdCLH_uNrEE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Make Beautiful Japanese Floral New Year Decorations For Good Luck!<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n9.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/bYSRYmVcdkQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My DIY garage conversion. A fun and money-saving team effort!<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n10.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/IWhgk29bmJ4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Introducing Japan&#8217;s outstanding and unique gloves for DIY and home use<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n11.) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/live\/FMPz1fJSV1o?feature=share\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Japanese Home Centers Explained! with GooDay CEO, Takashi Yanase\u00a0<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n12.) <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/jibJ-_FRAFo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GooDay Home Improvement Store Tour in Fukuoka, Japan<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to Home Center Secrets, a series where I delve into the world of Japanese home centers, known as &#8220;home improvement centers&#8221; in other countries. If you&#8217;re like me, you can easily spend hours wandering through the aisles&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29305,"featured_media":152525,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/?p=152509&lang=en","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[265,4913],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-152509","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-shopping","category-things-to-do","location-fukuoka-prefecture","en-US"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/fnn_hsc-web_2023_WEB.jpg?fit=1400%2C789&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152509","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29305"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=152509"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152509\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":170014,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152509\/revisions\/170014"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/152525"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=152509"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=152509"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=152509"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}