2012.05.30

Dutch Towels: Where Tradition Meets Contemporary Design
Dutch designer Jorin van Schagen explores traditional weaving motifs, creating contemporary works with the latest weaving technology. "Theedoek" (Dutch for towel) is a delicate jacquard weave textile made of linen. While it possesses the presence of an art piece, it can be used as a daily towel in various settings. Produced at TextielMuseum in Tilburg, Netherlands. W840×D520mm. ¥3,780


black&white
Tel. 045-228-8430
http://www.bkandwh.com

2012.05.30

Introducing TRAVEL COUTURE: Contemporary Travel Style

Creative Director Yoshikage Kajiwara (Representative of LOWERCASE) presents the label "TRAVEL COUTURE," offering the ultimate travel style based on his own experiences. The first release is an updated collaboration with PORTER, a travel luggage line previously released several times as an exclusive line with URBAN RESEARCH. The nylon fabric has been re-evaluated, and the particularly popular tote bag is also perfect for everyday use. Beige is scheduled for release in mid-June. Tote ¥17,850, Organizer ¥13,125, Pouch ¥10,500


URBAN RESEARCH Shibuya Store
Tel. 03-5468-6565

2012.05.30

Second Store for Popular Sendagaya Coffee Stand Releases Original Beans Exclusive to Skytree

"BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR COFFEE KIOSK" has opened its second location within Tokyo Solamachi at the recently opened Tokyo Skytree Town, as a shop-in-shop at Beauty & Youth United Arrows. The store is now selling original coffee beans exclusive to Skytree. The beans are selected and roasted by "VOILA COFFEE" in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture. They feature flavors reminiscent of peanut butter, milk chocolate, and grapefruit, with a fresh acidity. ¥1,050 (150g), ¥1,575 (250g)


BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR COFFEE KIOSK (Tokyo Solamachi
Tel. 03-5619-1692
http://www.beagoodneighbor.net/

2012.05.24

Advanced Wireless Headphones: High-End Open-Air Model Debuts

Sennheiser, the German audio equipment manufacturer known for its dynamic sound and exquisite design for both general consumers and professionals, has introduced the "RS 220," its flagship wireless headphone model. This model integrates cutting-edge wireless technology with Sennheiser's renowned traditional open-air technology. By uncompressing signals, it achieves outstanding stability for wireless listening, allowing users to enjoy music at high volumes while moving freely around their homes. Powered by two AAA Ni-MH batteries, it offers approximately 6-8 hours of operation. The headphones weigh about 330g. Open price.

Sennheiser Japan
http://www.sennheiser.co.jp/

2012.05.24

Compact Stick-Type Design: Digital Camera Combines Portability and Fashion

The "PENTAX Optio LS465" boasts essential features for a standard model, including a high-resolution 16-megapixel image sensor, a 5x optical zoom lens starting at a wide 28mm, and one-touch HD video recording. However, it achieves a significantly smaller size than conventional digital cameras, allowing it to be easily stored in pockets or small bags. Furthermore, interchangeable front sheets allow for customization to match your mood, fashion, or occasion. Available in three body colors: Sapphire Black, Ruby Pink, and Amethyst Purple. Open price.

PENTAX Customer Service Center
0570-001313
http://www.pentax.jp/

2012.05.24

Exceptional Clear Sound from a Unique Form: Philips Launches "AirPlay" Compatible Speaker

From the "Fidelio" series of speakers, which allow music enjoyment by connecting iPod/iPhone/iPad, comes the "DS9800W" with "AirPlay" compatibility. Its distinctive rounded form is handcrafted from natural wood, chosen for its acoustic properties. Utilizing Philips' innovative "FullSound technology," it faithfully reproduces CD and compressed audio sources with detailed sound and no distortion. A dedicated app (free) allows for additional functions such as equalizer, alarm, and weather forecast. Open price.

Philips Support Center
0120-336-634
http://www.japan.philips.co.jp/fidelio/

2012.05.17

Carry the World of Basquiat: Official iPhone 4/4S Cases Now Available

MSY's in-house brand "COLORS" has released official iPhone 4/4S cases featuring the artwork of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a representative pop artist of 1980s America. As the first globally licensed product for mobile accessories, the cases meticulously reproduce Basquiat's signature bold strokes, fine lines, and even details like shoe prints and wall smudges, with a strong emphasis on print quality. They feature a UV coating to resist scratches and dirt. Available in five colors. Includes a signature pin badge. ¥3,980

MSY
http://www.colorstokyo.com/

2012.05.17

Just 225g! Compact & Slim with Immersive Sound

"TDK Life on Record" introduces the USB-powered portable stereo "Sound Bar SP-XA500 Series." Equipped with a high-performance digital stereo amplifier and passive radiator, it reproduces clear mid-high frequencies and balanced low frequencies for immersive sound. Power is supplied via a single USB cable, which can be stored in the unit for portability. It can be placed vertically or horizontally, allowing for flexible arrangement on your desk. Open price. Scheduled for release on Thursday, June 21.

Imation Customer Service
0120-81-0544
www.tdk-media.jp/

2012.05.17

Inherited Craftsmanship: New Type of Redesigned Chair Introduced

Based on chairs popular as outdoor furniture in Mexico since the 1960s, the "Acapulco Series" has been redesigned by Metrocs and is handcrafted by Mexican artisans. The "Acapulco Side Chair" is the newest addition to the series. Like the existing series, it features a simple structure with an iron frame wrapped in durable PVC cord. Its small, charming form and vibrant color variations (available in 7 colors) make it a perfect accent for interiors, and it can also be used outdoors on balconies or terraces. ¥27,300


Metrocs
Tel. 03-5777-5866
http://metrocs.jp/

2012.05.10

Why Wasn't "Vagabond" Drawn? Complete Unreleased Interview with Takehiko Inoue!

"Vagabond," which had been on hiatus due to manga artist Takehiko Inoue's health issues, resumed serialization in March 2012 after approximately 500 days. During a period of significant change, including the "Smile" series drawn on iPad and shared on Twitter, the Great East Japan Earthquake, and the creation of the screen "Shinran" at Higashi Honganji Temple's request, why did "Vagabond" remain silent for so long? Takehiko Inoue himself speaks for the first time about the answer and the process leading to its resumption in the book "Kuhaku" (Blank). This is a supreme non-fiction work about a popular manga artist reclaiming what he had lost. ¥1,470

Switch Publishing
http://www.switch-pub.co.jp/

2012.05.10

Smooth Cheese Cutting: A Representative Norwegian Product

Founded in 1925, Norway's Bjørklund & Sonner is the world's first cheese slicer manufacturer. The cheese slicer was created because founder Thor Bjørklund was dissatisfied with cutting cheese with a regular knife. Even after 80 years, the quality of products made in Lillehammer is recognized worldwide and symbolizes Norway's traditional craftsmanship. The photo shows the representative model "All Round Slicer Hard," which has a straight blade suitable for hard cheeses. ¥1,890

doinel
Tel. 03-3470-5007
http://www.doinel.net/

2012.05.10

High-Performance Trench Coat: Online Exclusive Version from MINOTAUR

From "Minotaur," a popular brand for urban dwellers, comes a light outerwear perfect for the current season of cool mornings and evenings. The material is a 3-layer fabric with excellent windproof, waterproof, and breathable properties. It features seamless waterproof pockets developed by Germany's POLI-TAPE using "POLI-FLEX," and water-stop zippers inside the side hand-warmer pockets, ensuring complete waterproofing. Its breathability also makes it suitable as a raincoat during the rainy season. It pairs well with French casual wear and can also be worn over a suit, making it useful for business attire. ¥61,950


MINOTAUR SHOP TOKYO
Tel. 03-6416-4174
http://www.minotaur.co.jp/

2012.05.02

Adaptable Leather Tray: Reshapeable for Small Items

From 100percent's original product label "Perrocaliente" comes the "Flex Leather Tray," a leather tray that can be freely reshaped. Made of high-quality cowhide with a pleasant texture, it features a wire along the edges that allows it to be bent and hold its shape, enabling you to create a receptacle for your small belongings. Its design flexibility also allows for arrangements from simple shapes to object-like forms. Available in three colors: Navy, Wine Red, and Orange. ¥3,990 each.

Perrocaliente
http://www.perrocali.com/

2012.05.02

Body Care Items from a Buzzworthy German Brand
"STOP THE WATER WHILE USING ME!," a hair and body care brand born in Germany in 2010, advocates for water conservation with its name, meaning "Stop the water while using me!" This brand has launched body care items containing organically certified honey that provide rich moisture. Suitable for the face and entire body, its rich, creamy lather gently cleanses, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth. It cleanses gently while protecting the skin's moisture. Available in five types, including shampoo and body lotion. ¥1,785 (200ml), ¥3,255 (500ml).

CIBONE Aoyama
Tel. 03-3475-8017
http://cibone.com/

2012.05.02

hhstyle.com Special Edition: Limited 500 "Toolbox" Units

To commemorate the first anniversary of the JR Osaka Mitsukoshi Isetan store opening, hhstyle.com presents a limited edition color "Glacier Blue" (with hhstyle.com logo) of the popular "Toolbox" product. As the name suggests, the Toolbox is a convenient storage box for neatly organizing small everyday items. It features a handle for easy portability, and internal dividers allow for flexible use at home or in the office. The design is by Arik Levy, who is based in Paris. ¥4,200

hhstyle.com JR Osaka Mitsukoshi Isetan Store, 3-1-3 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka
JR Osaka Mitsukoshi Isetan 7F Living Floor
Tel. 06-6341-2857
http://www.hhstyle.com/