Only 50 of Each of the 6 Colors Will Be Sold

"Edo-style characters" is a general term for several types of calligraphy that were widely used and cherished during the Edo period. These include theatrical characters, Yose-moji (characters for variety shows), sumo wrestler characters, and the basket characters of the Edo town fire brigade. These unique scripts, developed for specific entertainment and occupational purposes, have been passed down as fonts that color Edo culture.

The calligrapher, Yoshikichi Tachibana, who designed the brand name "Victorinox" in Edo-style characters as "美句鳥納久寿" (Bikuchō Nakusu), was officially recognized as a successor by the late master Ukon Tachibana, head of the Tachibana school of Yose-moji, in 1969. Since then, he has been granted the pen name "Yoshikichi Tachibana" and has produced numerous Edo-style character works, including posters for the National Theatre and National Engei Hall, Oedo Onsen Monogatari, Shibamata Taishakuten, Asakusa Washinomiya Shrine, a celebratory lantern for the enthronement of Mitsugoro Bando the Third, a name plaque for the enthronement of Kanzaburo Nakamura the Eighth, and a decorative ema plaque for the enthronement of Kankuro Nakamura the Sixth. He is a leading Edo-style calligrapher in Japan.

Holding an Order Event for "Edo-Style Character Multitools Finished with True Lacquer"

On Friday, August 28th, and Saturday, August 29th, the same days as the release of the "Bikuchō Nakusu Tokyo" Edo-style character multitool, the "Edo-Style Character Multitool Order Event Using True Lacquer" will be held at the Victorinox Store Ginza.

This event offers a unique opportunity to experience the masterful techniques of Edo culture, as you decide on the content and design of the characters while gaining a broad understanding of Edo-style calligraphy from Mr. Yoshikichi Tachibana. At the order event, you can commission a custom-made multitool on a Victorinox "EvoWood" model, with your chosen words or name rendered in Edo-style characters.

The custom-made models with true lacquer are premium, one-of-a-kind items that take two months to create, as Mr. Tachibana meticulously applies multiple layers of true lacquer by hand. However, the "Bikuchō Nakusu Tokyo" model, released for a limited time, is also appealing for its accessibility compared to the true lacquer models. It's a desirable item to acquire as a stylish accessory or a rare Tokyo souvenir.


Edo-Style Character Multitool
"Bikuchō Nakusu Tokyo" Model
Price | ¥2,700
Release Date | Friday, August 28, 2015
Limited Quantity | 300 units (50 of each color, sold exclusively at "Victorinox Store Ginza")
Colors | White, Green, Black, Blue, Red, Yellow
Handle Length | 58mm
Functions | Small blade, nail file, screwdriver (minus), scissors, key ring, tweezers (hair tweezers), toothpick