DESIGN /
PRODUCT
January 16, 2015
PRODUCT | Tokyo Tips June 2014 BACK ISSUE: A curated selection of new product information.
2014.06.26

"J" Shaped USB Port
A Long-Awaited Product for iMac Users
Released by the Los Angeles design studio "Bluelounge," the "Jimi" is an extension adapter that brings the USB ports on the back of your iMac to the front of the display. Simply install this product, shaped like the letter "J," to eliminate the hassle of reaching around to the back of your iMac when connecting USB devices, thereby improving work efficiency. Its supple and seamless design, which does not detract from the iMac's aesthetic, is also noteworthy. Exclusively for the current 21.5-inch and 27-inch unibody iMac models released in 2012. Open price.
Trinity
Tel. 048-299-3433
http://trinity.jp
2014.06.26

Easy-to-Use Message Tags
New Releases from SAB LETTERPRESS
From "SAB LETTERPRESS," which conveys the charm of letterpress printing to the present day, a new set of tags has arrived. The messages "THANKS ALWAYS," "THIS IS FOR YOU," and "I HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD LIFE" are printed on white paper and affixed to yellow, light blue, and gray backing cards. A red string threaded through the eyelet serves as an accent. As they are already in tag form, they are perfect for small gifts or presents. They are likely easier to use than cards, which can be a challenge to write on. Each set includes two of each message, for a total of six tags. Size: 10.5 x 6 cm. 800 yen (excluding tax).
SAB LETTERPRESS
http://sabletterpress.com/
2014.06.26

Digitize Business Cards in Bulk
Digital Business Card Box
"BizLage" is a digital business card box with a scanner that allows you to save digitized business cards. Simply place business cards in the feeder tray and press the button to continuously scan approximately 15 cards at once and transfer the data to your computer. The scanned business card data is imported into the dedicated digital business card management software "DA-1," where the company name, name, and other information are automatically converted into text data using optical character recognition (OCR). This allows for quick searching and retrieval of necessary business cards, accelerating your workflow. Available from Friday, August 29th. Open price.
King Jim Customer Service
0120-79-8107
http://www.kingjim.co.jp/
2014.06.19

Touchless Control for iOS Apps
Introducing a Motion Controller
The "IK Multimedia iRing" is a revolutionary product that allows for touchless control of music apps on iPhones and iPads simply by holding your hand over it. It comes with two ring-shaped controllers and two apps: "iRing Music Maker" and "iRing FX/Control." Each controller has a pattern recognition marker, enabling app operation just by holding your hand over it. With "iRing Music Maker," you can enjoy creating music by combining grooves, melodies, and effects. Open price.
Focal Point
Tel. 03-6447-2987
http://www.focal.co.jp/
2014.06.19

Beautiful and Efficient Storage
DANESE Tray "SETUBAL"
"SETUBAL" is a series of desk organization items created by bending aluminum plates. Characterized by the absence of welding or other joining processes, it features a beautiful design by Italian designer Geraldo Mari. This series now includes a new box and document holder. The box has the same width as the trays from the same series released in 2012, allowing them to be stacked. It will serve as a tool box for neatly storing various items around your desk, such as postcards and pens. 8,000 to 18,000 yen (excluding tax).
Kuwano Trading
Tel. 03-5825-3053
www.kuwano-trading.com
2014.06.19

>illesteva × blinc vase
Photochromic Sunglasses for Summer
A special color version of the popular "Tribeca" model from New York-based eyewear brand "illesteva" has been created in collaboration with the Omotesando specialty store "Blinc Vase." The combination of a transparent front and matte black temples offers a fresh aesthetic. The lenses utilize Kodak's "PHOTO CLEAR" photochromic lenses, which change tint based on UV intensity and temperature. The photochromic lenses are available in two colors: gray and brown. 31,000 yen (excluding tax).
Blinc Vase
Tel. 03-3401-2835
www.blinc.co.jp
2014.06.12

Inspired by Mochi
Hella Jongerius's New Work
Hella Jongerius, known as a leading female designer in the Dutch design scene and color director for Vitra, unveiled "MOCHI" last year. Inspired by "mochi," an icon of Japanese New Year, this soft object serves as a chair or ottoman. Its striking color combinations are available in five variations. The charming form will add a playful accent to any living space. The cover is removable and washable. Expected to arrive in July. 75,000 yen (excluding tax).
hhstyle.com Aoyama Main Store
Tel. 03-5772-1112
http://www.hhstyle.com/
2014.06.12

A Watch by Car Designer Satoshi Wada
Now Available in a Smaller Size
From the ISSEY MIYAKE watch project, a mini size of the "W" series by Satoshi Wada, a leading Japanese car designer, has been released. While retaining the car design elements such as the dial and case inspired by automotive gauges and aluminum wheels, the case diameter has been reduced from 43mm to 39mm. This makes it a more accessible size for men with slimmer wrists and for women. The refreshing and clean silent blue hour and minute hands exude an intelligent and sophisticated look. Its simple design is sure to stand out on the wrist. 36,000 to 40,000 yen (excluding tax).
Seiko Nexstage
Watch Customer Service
0120-181-671
http://www.isseymiyake-watch.com/
2014.06.12

A Card Game for All Ages
A Memory Game from Sweden
From "TREE FRUITS PRESS," a Stockholm-based studio that creates books, prints, objects, and games for children using artists' ideas and stories, comes the memory game "TWINS!". The rules are simple: find the twins of 30 different characters. The charming illustrations are by Sonny / Samuel Nyholm, an artist who has also created illustrations for Vitra and TATE. The textured printing is done by Sweden's oldest letterpress company. Size: 50 x 50 mm, 3,800 yen (excluding tax).
dieci
http://www.dieci-cafe.com
2014.06.05

Subtle Sweetness That Enhances Ingredients
Almond Paste
Born in Durham, North Carolina, in 2011 from the owner's passion for peanut butter, "BIG SPOON ROASTERS" is a nut butter brand. Using carefully selected local ingredients, they have added a new lineup to their high-quality nut butters that emphasize the natural sweetness of the ingredients. The "Mission Almond" is a blend of almonds, honey, and sea salt in a unique ratio. Compared to peanut butter, it has a lighter taste, but when paired with jam or marmalade, its toasted notes will undoubtedly create a rich and deep flavor. It also seems suitable for cooking. 2,400 yen (excluding tax).
GOOD NEIGHBORS' FINE FOODS
http://goodneighborsfinefoods.com
2014.06.05

Made from Truck Tarpaulin
ARAHEAM's Multi-Box
Based in Kanoya City, Kagoshima Prefecture, "ARAHEAM" develops products that add accents to daily life through experimental approaches using plants. Their new product is a plant pot cover made from truck tarpaulin. Available in two sizes: W30cm x H30cm (for 8-go pots) and W37cm x H37cm (for 10-go pots). Due to its durable material and sturdy construction, it can be used not only as a plant pot cover but also as a laundry bag or dustbin. Its subdued khaki color will blend well with any interior. Limited quantity. 8-go: 6,000 yen, 10-go: 8,000 yen (excluding tax).
ARAHEAM
http://araheam.com
"2014.06.05"

Easily Make Fresh Noodles at Home
Fully Automatic Noodle Maker
The "Philips Noodle Maker" is a revolutionary appliance that replicates the authentic noodle-making process, allowing you to easily create udon, soba, ramen, pasta, and more at home. It fully automates everything from evenly adding water to the flour (mizumawashi), kneading, dough preparation, and noodle extrusion. It can make 1 to 4 servings at a time, and the entire process takes only about 10 minutes. By extruding the dough in three stages, it applies approximately 720 kilograms of pressure, resulting in firm, chewy noodles. In addition to standard noodle types, you can also enjoy creative fresh noodles by adding ingredients like eggs, spices, herbs, or vegetable juices. Open price.
Philips Support Center
0120-944-859