Life is Wabi-Sabi

Life is Wabi-Sabi We believe in sharing positive thoughts and appreciating all things purr-fectly imperfect!

Permanently closed.

This business began in 1988 as a custom frame shop and gallery, and over the years has evolved into what we are today. "Life is Wabi-Sabi" is the creation of Brian, and the artistic inspiration of his daughter, Erynn. It is also supported by a team of like-minded creative individuals, who enjoy spreading messages of positivity. Life is Wabi-Sabi is an offshoot of our main business, Taninmoto Dharm

a Designs; which is located in the heart of Hilo, Hawaii. Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese view of life that finds beauty in things that are imperfect, humble and simple, ordinary and unrefined. It is a way of living that peacefully accepts the natural cycle of life. Everything ages, nothing lasts forever, and sometimes things don’t work out as planned. The "Wabi-Sabi Cat" was a drawing made by Erynn when she was 13 years old. Its cute and quirky looks inspired the development of this brand, which focuses on embracing and appreciating the imperfections of everyday life. Each of our products carries the simple yet inspiring philosophy — "Life is "purr-fectly" imperfect!"

We specialize in handmade, unique, and one-of-a-kind original artwork — framed prints, magnets, buttons, t-shirts, and more! Great for home or office decor, gifts, omiyage... or anytime you want to share a little happiness with others! Our goal is to make a positive difference in the world, by sharing our message with one person at a time, through our kawaii (cute) and inspirational artwork. We hope you enjoy our products!

— The Tanimoto Dharma Designs / Life is Wabi-Sabi Team

03/08/2026

This is Erynn, Brian Tanimoto’s daughter. I’m heartbroken to announce the sudden passing of my dad. He loved inspiring people through art & positive messages. When Life is Wabi-Sabi started out, it was just a silly lil cat drawing I did- I never imagined he would grow it into something so much more meaningful over the years🙏🏼💜 The shop will be closed while we go through things- if anyone had pending orders or items there that you would like to pick up, please DM so I can make arrangements. Thank you so much for your kind understanding during this difficult time.

Wow! Yesterday we sold 23 plush kitties! Leaving just this one lonely wabi sabi cat left in the kitty box. 😢 Well, he wa...
12/21/2025

Wow! Yesterday we sold 23 plush kitties! Leaving just this one lonely wabi sabi cat left in the kitty box. 😢 Well, he was sold this morning at the exact time more plushies were being delivered to fill the kitty box once again. YAY!!! 😂

Assembling a special button order for the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin gift shop, along with 90 laminated wabi sabi ca...
12/20/2025

Assembling a special button order for the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin gift shop, along with 90 laminated wabi sabi cat magnets. Grateful for this order and their support. Arigato gozaimasu! 🙏🏼✨💜

Just dropping in to let you know we’re still here. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!!! 🙏🏼✨💜
12/30/2022

Just dropping in to let you know we’re still here. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!!! 🙏🏼✨💜

Having an amazing week! The wife was attracted to the wabi sabi cat art, but the Yoshio abstract art spoke to the husban...
08/05/2022

Having an amazing week! The wife was attracted to the wabi sabi cat art, but the Yoshio abstract art spoke to the husband. AWESOME!!! I wonder why he held it sideways for the pic? 😂

Still catching up posting pics. This is another one from late April. I just love it when customers select a variety of a...
08/03/2022

Still catching up posting pics. This is another one from late April. I just love it when customers select a variety of art from our wabi sabi collection. This couple purchased a kanji art, abstract art with Yoshio hand lettered saying, and a ”Life is Wabi-Sabi” Maneki Neko cat art. Awesome!!!

Yep, that’s former Senator Jill Tokuda who is running for Congress. She stopped by the shop back in April and picked up ...
08/02/2022

Yep, that’s former Senator Jill Tokuda who is running for Congress. She stopped by the shop back in April and picked up a wabi sabi cat plushie and other LIWS items. Awesome!!! Mahalo gozaimasu Jill! 🙏🏼✨🤙

Yes, we’ve been missing for a long time, and I have a lot of catching up to do. Gomen, but it’s not easy keeping up with...
08/01/2022

Yes, we’ve been missing for a long time, and I have a lot of catching up to do. Gomen, but it’s not easy keeping up with all the work responsibilities now that I’m alone again. Here’s a happy pic from back in May when I was visited by these friendly young men. It was a guys only vacation, so I told them they must be buying these kawaii plushies & cat art to appease their GFs. 😂 Thanks all, for your patience and understanding! 🙏🏼✨💜

Oh wow, do you see it??? That’s an oldie! Life is Wabi-Sabi is still alive and well in Hilo! 👍😊
08/01/2022

Oh wow, do you see it??? That’s an oldie! Life is Wabi-Sabi is still alive and well in Hilo! 👍😊

Got a surprise visit from Jamie Yoshida, owner of the Bead Gallery in Honolulu. I love it when there’s interest in both ...
03/15/2022

Got a surprise visit from Jamie Yoshida, owner of the Bead Gallery in Honolulu. I love it when there’s interest in both our “Life is Wabi-Sabi” line of art, and our Tanimoto Dharma Designs inspirational art and sayings. Thank you Jamie for your many purchases. You brightened up my day with your upbeat personality and enthusiasm. Looking forward to your next visit. 🙏🏼✨🌸

Went out to get the newspaper this morning and what do I see on the front page?! 🙀 I spy an old “Life is Wabi-Sabi” t-s...
02/18/2022

Went out to get the newspaper this morning and what do I see on the front page?! 🙀 I spy an old “Life is Wabi-Sabi” t-shirt, lol! Awesome that people still have them, since it must be at least 7-8 years old. Mahalo Joan Cudeback for continuing to wear our LIWS tee! Hmmm 🤔, should I bring back that t-shirt, or maybe another design?

Monday is normally a very slow day at the Hilo store, because the Two Ladies Kitchen mochi shop is closed. Lucky for me ...
09/21/2021

Monday is normally a very slow day at the Hilo store, because the Two Ladies Kitchen mochi shop is closed. Lucky for me this young couple from Colorado picked up their mochi last week, and returned specifically to check out our “Life is Wabi-Sabi” cat art. Fantastic!!! This is just a few of the things they purchased 😱. Thank you Hayli and Amr for making my day! I enjoyed chatting with you and hope you return one day. Meeting and interacting with friendly and nice people is why I love my job. 🙏🏼✨💜

Address

278 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI
96720

Website

, ,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Life is Wabi-Sabi posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Life is Wabi-Sabi:

Shortcuts

Share

Category