Design
December 25, 2014
Tokyo Tips August 2012 BACK ISSUE Carefully selected new product information

2012.08.30

The exquisite sound of Bang & Olufsen: the wireless audio player "Playmaker"
Bang & Olufsen has released the wireless LAN-compatible audio player "Playmaker." Compatible with both Apple's "AirPlay" and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), it allows streaming from a wide range of sources including smartphones, tablets, Macs, PCs, and media servers. Despite its compact size, fitting on a bookshelf, the simple unit houses everything needed for streaming. Connect it to Bang & Olufsen speakers for an uncompromising audio experience. ¥45,150
Bang & Olufsen Japan
Tel. 03-6438-0150
http://www.bang-olufsen.com
2012.08.30

The past and present of "NEW BALANCE" condensed: Brand book makes its debut
The first-ever brand book from shoe brand "NEW BALANCE" has been released. The opening features 20 notable figures who love the brand, including Hirofumi Kurino (Senior Advisor & Creative Advisor, United Arrows), Lily Franky, Yataro Matsuura (Editor-in-Chief, "Kurashi no Techo"), and Takayuki Fujii (nonnative). Each shares their favorite items and why they love them. The book also introduces rare past models and iconic advertisements, alongside new styling features, global street snaps primarily from Asia, and maintenance tips. A must-have for fans. ¥990
Trans World Japan
Tel. 03-5778-8599
www.transworldjapan.co.jp
2012.08.30

"WORK NOT WORK," featuring "heavyweights," collaborates with "PORTER"!
Introducing "WORK NOT WORK," a new fashion label originating from London. Simon Taylor (TOMATO) serves as designer and creative director, while Adam Howe, a prominent figure in London's styling scene known for his work on "I.D." and "FACE," participates as a co-designer. This Boston bag is a collaboration with the renowned bag brand "PORTER." It features a simple, user-friendly design that combines functionality with aesthetics. ¥47,250
Urban Research Shibuya Store
Tel. 03-5468-6565
http://www.urban-research.com
2012.08.23

Prouvé RAW Jean Prouvé By G-STAR RAW for Vitra: The iconic desk finally arrives
The Dutch denim brand "G-STAR" and furniture brand "Vitra" have joined forces. Their creative teams collaborated to revive Jean Prouvé's iconic designs for the modern era. This desk, released as part of a limited collection, features a distinctive compass-shaped steel base. Its simple yet powerful presence and clear structural beauty are captivating. The tabletop is made of solid oak, and both the steel and wood are expected to deepen in character with age. ¥334,950
hhstyle.com Aoyama Main Store
Tel. 03-5772-1112
http://www.hhstyle.com/
2012.08.23

A piece of art from a series that reinterprets tradition
Christien Meindertsma, the Dutch designer/artist who gained significant attention for her TED talk "The Future We're Building - and Why It's in Our Hands," has completed a series of interior items in collaboration with a long-established workshop. She spent time researching and interpreting the 400-year-old traditions of Hindeloopen, a town in the northern Netherlands. The "ROOSJE CHAIR" features a seat woven with wool dyed using natural pigments. The frame also uses natural coloring methods, achieved through a chemical reaction between oak and iron. The backrest, revealing its internal structure, is also noteworthy. ¥157,500
black&white
Tel. 045-228-8430
http://www.bkandwh.com
2012.08.23

The big covers the small! A notable towel brand from New York
"Deck Towel" is operated by the young, 23-year-old Buck Ellison from New York. Made from high-quality linen selected from around the world and produced in a Manhattan shirt factory, these large towels gain character with age and offer excellent quick-drying and absorbency. They are suitable not only for the beach or poolside but also as throws for beds or tables. The "Sylvester" woven check pattern was inspired by a 1930s photograph of five Belgian soldiers bathing in the Meuse River. ¥18,900 (178x145cm)
Swimsuit Department
http://www.swimsuit-department.com/
2012.08.16

"STUSSY Livin' GENERAL STORE" introduces a high-quality hair & body care collection
The new label "STUSSY Livin' GENERAL STORE," which offers lifestyle-rooted items, introduces the "HAVANA Collection" of hair & body care products. Based on a scent reminiscent of mojitos with a hint of mint, the line includes shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Each product uses carefully selected natural ingredients, with a balanced blend of cleansing and conditioning agents. Suitable for daily use by anyone, regardless of gender. All products are made in Italy. Scheduled for release at the end of August. ¥1,575 each
STUSSY JAPAN
Tel. 0548-22-7366
STUSSY Livin' GENERAL STORE
http://stussylivin.jp/
2012.08.16

Compact mobile battery with Panasonic lithium-ion battery
With the increasing number of portable devices like music players, digital cameras, camcorders, smartphones, tablets, and game consoles, the demand for mobile batteries continues to grow. The "Power Pond Smile (LE-UBT3K)" model features a Panasonic lithium-ion battery for stable power supply. With a capacity of 3,000mAh, it can fully charge the latest smartphones approximately twice. Its compact size, around 10cm, also includes an LED light for emergency situations. Open price
Look East
Tel. 03-5816-3518
http://www.lookeast.co.jp/
2012.08.16

TEMBEA × BEAMS RECORDS: Special color for a popular item
BEAMS RECORDS has released a special denim color edition of "BOOK TOTE," a popular item from the Japanese bag brand "TEMBEA." Originally designed for books and magazines, BEAMS RECORDS proposes it for storing 12-inch records. While it serves as an excellent interior piece, the canvas is treated with paraffin wax for enhanced water resistance and durability compared to standard versions. Rearranging your space will be easier with this. It can hold approximately 70-80 records. ¥12,600
BEAMS RECORDS
Tel. 03-3746-0789
http://www.beams.co.jp
http://shop.beams.co.jp/shop/records/
2012.08.09

Dramatically alters sound quality: Portable amplifier with built-in battery for iPhone 4S/4
This accessory from American audio brand "v-moda" combines three functions: an iPhone case, an iPhone charging battery, and a portable amplifier for high-quality music playback from your iPhone. It features a built-in 2,200mAh battery that can charge an iPhone approximately once, and the amplifier alone can play music for about 8 hours. Enjoy immersive sound and output high-quality audio via the optical output terminal, allowing for use similar to a home music server. Open price
Focus On Marketing Department
Tel. 03-6447-2987
http://www.focal.co.jp/
2012.08.09

Perfect for this summer: "June Taylor Company" fruit syrups
"June Taylor Company," based in California, offers the highest quality fruit preserves and conserves. Popular in Japan for their marmalades, conserves, and fruit butters, they have now introduced "Fruit Syrups." These syrups are made from the liquid skimmed during jam production, resulting in a lower sugar content and a refreshing yet complex flavor. This season, they are recommended for drizzling over ice cream or mixing with sparkling water. They can also be used in yogurt or as a glaze for meat dishes, making them a delightful gift. ¥2,520 (approx. 210g)
BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR COFFEE KIOSK
http://beagoodneighbor.net/
2012.08.09

Upgraded functionality! "Pitrec" manages business cards as image data
The digital business card holder "Pitrec," which manages business cards in files and offers digital searchability, has been upgraded. It now features a high-definition LCD panel for clearer viewing of even small text. New functionalities include digital business card exchange, allowing data transfer between devices, and OCR (Optical Character Recognition) that converts text information into QR codes. It can store almost all business card information (12 fields), including addresses and phone numbers, streamlining workflows. ¥27,300
King Jim Customer Service
0120-79-8107
http://www.kingjim.co.jp
2012.08.02

Nordic colors + meticulous craftsmanship: "AFRO ART" from Sweden
"AFRO ART" is a Swedish brand focusing on fabrics. Designs are created in Sweden, while production is handled by artisans in Asian countries like Bangladesh. The "PON PON PORCH" is a pouch featuring vibrant woodblock prints adorned with embroidery and cotton pompoms. Though it has no gusset, it's perfect for small items. The artisans' meticulous work is evident in every detail, offering a pleasant texture that grows more endearing with use. Available in brown, green, and red tones. Size: 11.5 x 15.5cm. ¥1,470
dieci
http://dieci-cafe.com/
2012.08.02

A snug fit that reduces burden: A shoulder bag that beautifully and securely protects your iPad
The "Bluelounge Bag Series iPad Shoulder Bag" is a versatile shoulder bag suitable for any occasion, from business settings to everyday use. Its smooth exterior and soft, padded interior provide excellent protection for your iPad and other valuable digital gadgets. Both the interior and exterior are made from "CYCLEPET®" (100% recycled PET bottles), a high-tech material with water-repellent treatment, offering peace of mind against sudden weather changes. Compatible with 10-inch tablets. Open price
Trinity
Tel. 048-299-3433
http://www.trinity.jp/
2012.08.02

3 steps, just 35 seconds: A revolutionary item for making carbonated water at home
The home soda machine "Soda Sparkle" is an ingenious device that creates fresh carbonated water in just three steps: "twist," "shake," and "pour." Simply fill the bottle with water, set the gas cartridge, twist the charge unit to release the gas, and shake a few times. It takes only 35 seconds! The Twin Bottle Starter Kit includes two bottles: a Light bottle (1.3L) for larger quantities and an Extra bottle (1L) for stronger carbonation. Making 1L of carbonated water costs only about ¥50, making it an economical choice. ¥7,900
Living Motif
Tel. 03-3587-2784
http://www.livingmotif.com/