DESIGN /
PRODUCT
January 7, 2015
PRODUCT|Tokyo Tips December 2013 BACK ISSUE - A curated selection of new product information.
2013.12.26

Lou Reed and Illesteva
A "Posthumous" Collaboration in Teardrops
Legendary musician Lou Reed, who passed away this October at the age of 71, had a deep affection for the eyewear brand "Illesteva." Sunglasses from their collaboration, which he was involved in during his lifetime, are now available in Japan. The "Lou Reed × Illesteva Aviator" sunglasses are based on a design Lou Reed favored for many years, with a fresh twist from the brand. His signature is etched onto the teardrop lenses. Sadly, this model has become his final work. Available in silver and gold. ¥17,850
blinc
Tel. 03-5775-7525
http://www.blinc.co.jp/
2013.12.26

Striking Graphics Catch the Eye
Richly Flavored Nut Butter
Founded in North Carolina in 2011, "BIG SPOON ROASTERS" is a nut butter brand. Their premium nut butters, made with carefully selected local ingredients, fully bring out the natural sweetness of the nuts. They are incredibly versatile, perfect for spreading on toast with jam or marmalade, or as a secret ingredient in cooking. In addition to a simple peanut butter, they offer "Peanut Cocoa" with a rich, bittersweet chocolate flavor, and "Chai Spice" (peanut & almond butter) with a hint of spice. The packaging graphics are charming. 226g. ¥1,995–¥2,520
GOOD NEIGHBORS’ FINE FOODS
http://goodneighborsfinefoods.com
2013.12.26

Hangable Like a Poster
Original Calendar for 2014
"Papier Labo," a brand centered on "paper and paper-related products," offers original items and a curated selection of goods from around the world. Their 2014 original calendar has been redesigned as a large-format version. Printed on thin paper using letterpress with two colors, purple and red. The monthly divisions are indicated by fold lines, making it easy to read despite its large size. Playful elements include misaligned holiday notations and month placements. Why not welcome the new year with a calendar like this? Size: 420×560mm. ¥1,365
Papier Labo
Tel. 03-5411-1696
http://papierlabo.com
2013.12.19

Enhance Your Winter Comfort
Seasonal Room Spray
"M tree," a Japanese brand, offers items based on natural essential oils extracted from trees. Their popular room spray now features a limited-edition "Winter Blend." A blend of fir needle, cinnamon leaf, cedarwood Virginia, bergamot, and clove bud creates a smoky, calming aroma reminiscent of a living room with a fireplace. Made with grain-derived ethanol for safe use. Perfect for daily use or as a seasonal gift. 120ml. ¥2,520
M tree
http://mtree.jp/
2013.12.19

Charge up to 4 iPads Simultaneously!
High-Output Charging Station
The "Kanex Sydnee" is a desktop charging station with four high-output USB ports and storage. Each port delivers up to 2.1A, for a total output of 8.4A, allowing simultaneous charging of up to four smartphones or tablets. Its tangle-free cable design keeps your charging area neat. Equipped with "Smart Charge," it detects the charging status of connected devices and optimizes power distribution. It also prevents overcurrent for safe use. Approx. 126×195×183mm. Approx. 874g. Open price
Focal Point
Tel. 03-6447-2987
http://www.focal.co.jp/
2013.12.19

Waterproof and Tactile Materials
New Colors for Bluelounge Bags
The "Bluelounge Bag Series," renowned for its specialized protection of digital devices, has earned immense trust from users. The material used is "CYCLEPET®," a high-tech fabric made from 100% recycled PET bottles. It boasts lightness and durability comparable to nylon, along with excellent waterproofing and breathability. A new "Grey" color has been added to this series. The "Postal Bag" is a versatile 2-way bag that adapts to the amount of items stored. When folded, it can hold a MacBook Pro or laptop up to 13 inches, and A4 files. Open price
Trinity
Tel. 048-299-3433
http://www.trinity.jp/
2013.12.12

Orchid Specialty Shop PLACERWORKSHOP
A Calendar Drawn by the Shop Owner
Based in Fukuoka, "PLACERWORKSHOP" is a specialty store focusing on wild orchids. Alongside the striking orchids in the shop, the handwritten typography covering the walls by owner Yoichiro Uchida draws attention. His work, which now includes product design, is highly anticipated. The 2014 original calendar features two months per page, adorned with Mr. Uchida's typography. Why not spend the new year surrounded by his distinctive lettering? Size: 148×210mm. ¥1,680
PLACERWORKSHOP No.1
http://www.placer-workshop.com/
2013.12.12

Many requests for reissue led to its inclusion as a new staple.
The Black-Covered "FIELD NOTES"
"FIELD NOTES," inspired by the small notebooks once favored by American farmers and revived with modern design, is now available. The "PITCH BLACK" model, previously a limited edition with a black cover, has been reissued as a standard product with a refreshed look. PITCH BLACK means "utterly black." Its deep black cover exudes a sophisticated atmosphere, suitable for formal occasions. The interior features a 5mm dot grid, a first for the standard lineup, making it ideal for both text and diagrams. Set of three. ¥1,155
Hightide
http://www.hightide.co.jp/
2013.12.12

Double Famous Celebrates 20th Anniversary
New Release: CD + BOOK
This year marks the 20th anniversary of "Double Famous," the "Esperanto orchestra of borderless music." Their first release in five years, "6variations," features six songs newly arranged from their previous five albums. Notably, this release is also a book. Featuring contributions from creators such as photographer Taro Hirano, food director Kurumi Arimoto, dancer Ryohei Kondo (Condors), and painter Nakaban, it offers a glimpse into the background of the album's creation and aspects of the band beyond their music. B5 variant, 64 pages, full color. ¥2,940
Double Famous
http://www.doublefamous.com/
2013.12.05

The Highly Popular Coffee Machine
Now Available in a Chic Limited Color
The "Nescafé Gold Blend Barista" coffee machine, which allows users to enjoy five types of authentic cafe-style beverages and is used in over 1.5 million homes and offices, now comes in a new "Woody Brown" color, exclusively available on the Nestlé online store. The wood-grain panel blends naturally not only into kitchens but also into living rooms and bedrooms. Using "Nescafé series" products, a cup of black coffee costs approximately ¥14, and a cafe latte around ¥24, making it remarkably economical. Recommended as a gift this winter. ¥8,980
Nestlé Customer Service
0120-00-5916
2013.12.05

Discover Your Own Unique Shape
A "Single Stem" Vase Shaped Like a Pot
Micro Works introduces "pot base," a small brass pot. This product faithfully replicates the form of a traditional flowerpot, with a hollowed-out interior to adjust weight and achieve a perfect heft. While possessing a metallic sheen, the surface has a finish reminiscent of terracotta or unglazed pottery. By inserting a stem into the central screw, it can be used in various ways – as an accessory stand, key hook, or more, transforming with the inserted stem. It can also serve as a candle holder or paperweight. Imagining its diverse uses is part of its charm. Available in three colors. ¥4,725
little bitservice
http://littlebitservice.com
2013.12.05

ayame + blinc vase
A Light Reconstruction of the Teardrop
Based on the concept of "fostering a new understanding from the past," the premium, classical eyewear brand "ayame" and the popular Omotesando eyewear store "blinc vase" have collaborated on a special frame. The familiar teardrop shape, commonly seen in sunglasses, has been reimagined with clear lenses. By using a white frame, they have created a novel type of eyeglasses. Consider styling with these delicate white frames to complement your winter wardrobe, often dominated by dark colors. blinc vase is also hosting an "ayame" fair until Sunday, January 12th. ¥29,400
blinc vase
Tel. 03-3401-2835
http://www.blinc.co.jp/