Cul de Sac-JAPON is a brand that offers products utilizing the characteristics of Aomori Hiba wood. Now, a 400% scale wooden BE@RBRICK by Karimoku, Cul de Sac-JAPON, will be released at MEDICOM TOY's directly managed stores, online stores, and authorized retailers of Cul de Sac-JAPON.
This is an ultimate masterpiece, crafted from solid Aomori Hiba wood and finished by skilled artisans, one piece at a time, by hand. Before its release, we spoke with Minako Muraguchi, the founder of Cul de Sac-JAPON, about the background of this product.

—You launched Cul de Sac-JAPON, a brand that harnesses the properties of Aomori Hiba wood, in 2015, and this year marks its 10th anniversary. Could you first tell us about the journey leading up to the brand's establishment and the meaning behind its name and logo?

Minako Muraguchi (hereinafter, Muraguchi)I was born and raised in a lumber business specializing in Aomori Hiba. For a long time, I worked in the fashion (apparel) industry in Tokyo. While managing my own brand and shop, I eventually felt inspired to design with Aomori Hiba. In 2015, I launched this brand with the desire to share the charm of Hiba.

The brand name "Cul de Sac-JAPON" comes from the location of my former traditional Japanese house in a cul-de-sac in Nakameguro, where I sold my clothing even before starting this Aomori Hiba brand. (Cul-de-sac means a dead-end street.) We chose this name because while a cul-de-sac might seem like an end, it also signifies finding a new path from there.

The heptagonal shape used in the logo is based on the chemical structure of hinokitiol, a compound abundant in Aomori Hiba. The inverted 'CL' represents the brand concept of 'seriously playful'.

—What are the characteristics of Aomori Hiba wood?

MuraguchiAomori Hiba has three main characteristics.

● Antibacterial, mold-resistant, and insect-repellent properties
Aomori Hiba is rich in natural antibacterial compounds such as hinokitiol and β-thujaplicin. Hinokitiol possesses strong antibacterial power, inhibiting the growth of mold and bacteria. It also has insect-repellent properties, deterring termites, mites, mosquitoes, and cockroaches.

● Aromatic properties (fragrance)
It is a highly fragrant wood, sometimes referred to as an aromatic wood. Its scent is said to have relaxing and deodorizing effects, as well as purifying properties for the space.

● Durability and water resistance
It is resistant to rot and strong against water and moisture, which is why it has been used for the foundations of buildings in shrines and temples for centuries.

We are committed to crafting products that leverage these characteristics, considering the part of the wood used and the effects of its components. The thinned Hiba, necessary for forest conservation, has fewer active components and is difficult to use as building material. By finding new value through design, we carefully utilize this precious resource, from branches to leaves.

We faced numerous unprecedented challenges, such as how to handle the oil that seeps out, which is also a component of the fragrance, and how to package it to maintain the scent. For cosmetic products, there were issues related to pharmaceutical laws, and for export, we needed Safety Data Sheets (SDS). It was a mountain of challenges.

—What is the current reach of "Cul de Sac-JAPON" both domestically and internationally?

MuraguchiOur directly managed stores are the original cul-de-sac location in Nakameguro where the brand was founded, and the WORKS store in Ebisu, which has a workshop on the basement floor. We also have our own online store.

Domestically, we are carried by about 20 stores, including BEAMS JAPAN. Internationally, our products are available in about 10 countries, including the UK, Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, in stores, saunas, and hotels.

—Could you tell us about the origin of the project, the specifications, and your impressions of the finished product for the "BE@RBRICK Karimoku Cul de Sac-JAPON 400%" that is about to be released?

MuraguchiIzumi Suga, the Vice President of MEDICOM TOY, has been a long-time user of our brand, and that's how this collaboration came about. It's a project that has been realized through a fortunate connection. Since Ms. Suga deeply understood our brand's worldview from the beginning, the collaboration progressed very naturally.

Prior to this project, we also participated in BE@RBRICK WORLD WIDE TOUR 3, which gave us the opportunity to exhibit alongside works from artists, fashion designers, street artists, and designers from around the world. I feel that BE@RBRICK serves as a 'medium for self-expression,' where various creators project their unique worldviews onto it as a canvas.

When we were approached with the offer, we were very unsure if we could take it on, but Karimoku's support was invaluable.

It took about three years to bring this product to fruition. We insisted on using solid wood, not laminated wood, and on preserving the aroma, which is Aomori Hiba's most distinctive feature. Karimoku's expertise made this challenging task possible. They meticulously adjusted the wood's moisture content over time to prevent cracking and considered how the material would change once packaged. Through this lengthy process, the BE@RBRICK made from solid wood without laminated layers was born. I truly feel that thanks to MEDICOM TOY and Karimoku, the final product beautifully highlights the strengths of all three companies.

—The description for the solid wood BE@RBRICK states, "Hiba oil was applied to the product itself as a finish so that you can enjoy the scent of Aomori Hiba." So, the aroma is indeed part of the experience?

MuraguchiUsing laminated wood generally reduces concerns about cracking or warping at the joints. However, laminated wood involves bonding pieces of wood with adhesives, which diminishes the wood's natural fragrance. By using solid wood, we thoroughly dried it to minimize cracking and warping, but this process also reduces its natural scent. Therefore, we applied a Hiba oil finish to enhance the aroma.

—Finally, could you tell us about any upcoming products or events, such as pop-up shops, that "Cul de Sac-JAPON" has planned?

MuraguchiOn May 3rd and 4th, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday, respectively), we will be holding a workshop at the WORKS store, and our B1F workshop space will be transformed into a shop called "B1 SHOP."
Additionally, from June 12th to August 15th, 2025, we have a pop-up event planned at BEAMS JAPAN (locations: Shibuya, Yokohama, Shinjuku, Kyoto – dates may vary by store).
We hope you will visit.

BE@RBRICK Karimoku Cul de Sac-JAPON 400%
Size | Approx. 280mm (height)
Accessories | Includes FRAGRANCE LIQUID
Release Date | Available from Thursday, May 1, 2025, at MEDICOM TOY's directly managed stores, online stores, and authorized retailers of Cul de Sac-JAPON.
Price | ¥198,000 (tax included)
*To allow enjoyment of the Aomori Hiba's scent, Hiba oil has been applied to the product itself as a finish. Please note that natural aging, including cracking, may occur over time, and this product is intended to be enjoyed as it changes naturally.
*Limited quantity. Please forgive us if it sells out.
BE@RBRICK TM & ©︎ 2001-2025 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.