Tokyo Tips June 2012 BACK ISSUE Carefully selected new product information
2012.06.28

AMOS Celebrates 10 Years with New Character Debut in Tokyo
AMOS, founded by leading British illustrators James Jarvis and Russell Waterman, offers soft vinyl figures, magazines, and comics. To commemorate its 10th anniversary, the label is hosting "Amos Generic Character Store" at Gallery COMMON in Harajuku until July 2nd (Monday). The exhibition features figures of the new "CHARACTER" with its minimal yet endearing expression, alongside silk screen prints for sale. Each is ¥4,200.
AMOS WEB STORE
http://www.amostoystore.jp/
2012.06.28

Shu Matsuo: Deep Time Within the Ordinary
From "PLANCTON," a unique label that focuses on the universal yet "unchanging" aspects of life, evident in photo collections, paperbacks, and footwear, comes photographer Shu Matsuo's "Photography Theory." The author's gentle gaze upon his hometown Sasebo and his current home, Tokyo—focusing on family, friends, and their everyday lives—evokes various stories in the viewer. A photo exhibition of "Photography Theory" and an advance sale of the book are planned at "Raum 1F," PLANCTON's space in Shibuya, starting July 26th (Thursday). The book is designed by Fumikazu Ohara of SOUP DESIGN/PLANCTON. ¥3,990.
PLANCTON
Tel. 03-6419-3421
www.plancton.co.jp
2012.06.28

Sturdy and Refreshingly Colored: Sketchbooks from Germany
Carta Pura, a stationery company and shop based in Munich, presents its new "Sketch Book." The subtle blend of gray in its colors is refreshing, and the minimalist design further enhances the paper's texture and hue. The interior features thick, off-white paper, making it suitable not only for sketching but also for daily use. Available in three sizes and four colors: black, gray, orange, and light blue. An event featuring Carta Pura will be held at doinel in Kita-Aoyama starting June 29th (Friday). ¥1,890~
doinel
Tel. 03-3470-5007
http://www.doinel.net/
2012.06.21

Over 500 Items: A Collection of Cutlery from Around the World
Published by Corraini Edizioni in Italy, this is a reprint of the 1997 exhibition catalog "CUTLERY," curated by British product designer Marco Ferreri, known for his collaborations with Bruno Munari on "Libroletto" and "Less." The book showcases over 500 pieces of cutlery, selected without material constraints, including metal, plastic, and wood. It offers a historical overview and features life-size photographs, making it an unprecedentedly informative and niche resource. The text is in Italian and English. Softcover. ¥4,200.
Kuwano Trading
Tel. 03-5825-3053
http://www.kuwano-trading.com/
2012.06.21

High-Quality Speakers from Finland Now Available in Chic New Color
From GENELEC, the Finnish professional speaker manufacturer trusted worldwide, comes the portable active speaker "GENELEC 6000A," released last September with astonishing specifications. This summer, a new "matte black" color will be available. Despite its mere 620-gram weight, it houses an active high-quality power amplifier, delivering rich, high-fidelity sound. Its Nordic-inspired design has no front, back, or sides, allowing for immersive audio from any direction. ¥63,000.
BEAMS RECORDS
Tel. 03-3746-0789
http://www.beams.co.jp
2012.06.21

Keyboard, Protective Cover, and Stand: A 3-in-1 Wireless Keyboard for iPad/iPad2
The "Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover" (TK710) functions as a wireless keyboard, protective cover, and stand for the iPad and iPad2. The keyboard features an isolation design with 17mm key pitch and a 64-key English layout, promising comfortable typing even on the go. It also includes numerous shortcut keys for functions like accessing the home screen, search, and switching input languages, allowing for smooth operation without touching the iPad screen. Open price.
Logitech Customer Relations Center
TEL: 050-3786-2085
http://www.logicool.co.jp/contact/
2012.06.14

Bang & Olufsen's Slim TV Offers Flexible Placement
Bang & Olufsen's casual line, "B&O PLAY," will launch its first slim television, "BeoPlay V1," in late July. Its minimalist design, free of any ornamentation, challenges the notion that TVs must be placed against a wall, allowing for installation tailored to the user's lifestyle. It is equipped with the company's highest standards in both video and audio performance and is perfectly compatible with external devices such as Blu-ray players and game consoles. Available in black and white. Two screen sizes will be released: 32-inch (¥260,400) and 40-inch (¥350,700).
Bang & Olufsen Japan
http://beostores.bang-olufsen.com/japan/
2012.06.14

A Portable Desk That Turns Any Surface into a Study Area
From Quirky, a New York-based company that turns online ideas into products, comes "Scribe," a portable board-like desk. Its convenient size allows it to be placed on the lap for laptops or open books, making it usable indoors or outdoors for reading, sketching, or note-taking. The slight incline also makes it ideal for use while lying in bed, on the sofa, or on the carpet, enabling stable typing in a relaxed posture. It includes a stopper to prevent laptops or books from sliding off. Dimensions: 420x370x130mm. Open price.
Trinity
Tel. 048-299-3433
http://www.trinity.jp/
2012.06.14

A New Kind of Lounge Chair
Designed by Konstantin Grcic with the concept of deviating from traditional armchairs to create a new type of chair, the "Waver" features a seemingly simple form: a fabric seat and cushion suspended from a frame. Its inspiration comes from the structural principles and materials used in windsurfing and paragliding. It induces a unique rocking motion in all directions, offering a novel and comfortable seating experience. Made with waterproof material, it is also ideal for outdoor garden use. Main unit: ¥166,950, Neck cushion: ¥6,300.
hhstyle.com Aoyama Main Store
Tel. 03-5772-1112
http://www.hhstyle.com/
2012.06.07

Popular Sunglasses Brand "SUPER" Releases Japan-Exclusive Models!
SUPER, an Italian eyewear brand, crafts its unique world by blending authentic designs with contemporary style. Known for its high quality, it uses handmade acetate frames and lenses from the esteemed German manufacturer Zeiss. Currently, the eyewear specialty store blinc vase in Omotesando is hosting "SUPER MONTH," an event showcasing models not previously available in Japan. The "CICCIO FLAT TOP" pictured here, characterized by a gold bar across the top of the frame, is one such model. ¥19,950.
blinc vase
TEL: 03-3401-2835
http://blinc-vase.com/
2012.06.07

Ceramics You Can Wear: New Brooches from BIRDS' WORDS
BIRDS' WORDS, a studio based in Osaka that creates and sells original ceramic items, has unveiled new brooches inspired by birds and flowers. With the aim of allowing people to casually enjoy ceramic art in their daily lives, they meticulously developed 12 endearing bird designs and 7 flower designs. Currently, a limited-time event, "BIRDS' WORDS GALLERY," is being held at "Craft Bureau" in Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs until June 27th (Wednesday). Bird & flower tile brooch: ¥2,100 each.
BIRDS' WORDS
http://www.birds-words.com/
2012.06.07

New Additions to Popular Candle Series: Fragrance and Design Harmonize with Interiors
Landscape Products, which proposes a lifestyle centered around furniture and miscellaneous goods, has released new additions to its original candle series, launched in 2010. This time, three scents focusing on wild herbs have been blended: "WILD FIG" with a sweet aroma, "WHITE GINGER" with a sweet and spicy scent, and "ROSEMARY" with a refreshing, soap-like fragrance. The clean design of the labels is achieved through letterpress printing. Presented in a dedicated box, they make ideal gifts. Materials: vegetable wax and glass. ¥4,200 each.
Playmountain
Tel. 03-5775-6747
http://www.landscape-products.net/