DESIGN /
PRODUCT
March 18, 2015
PRODUCT | Tokyo Tips December 2014 Back Issue: A Curated Selection of New Product Information
2014.12.25

Arrived from Lithuania
Wireless Fish Finder
A unique product has arrived from Friday Lab, an accessory maker based in Lithuania that develops, designs, and manufactures innovative products. The Deeper Wireless Smart Fish Finder is a groundbreaking product that utilizes the high-definition color display of smartphones like the iPhone as a fish finder monitor. The main unit and smartphone connect wirelessly, displaying clear images of underwater fish, structures, and bottom topography on the screen. The main unit weighs only 100g and has a compact, lightweight body with a diameter of 65mm. Open price.
Focal Point
Tel. 03-6447-2987
http://www.focal.co.jp/
2014.12.25

Interpreted by the Bouroullec Brothers
A New "Kokeshi"
In response to the Great East Japan Earthquake, the project EJP (East Japan Project) was launched in collaboration with traditional craftspeople from Tohoku. Led by architect Kengo Kuma, multiple manufacturing and sales companies, designers, and craftspeople are engaged in manufacturing that transcends corporate and organizational boundaries. From this project, the popular designer duo Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec focused on Kokeshi, a traditional craft of Tohoku, and reinterpreted it to present the beautiful work "Kokeshi." By giving a single joint to the traditionally immobile doll, it expresses the Japanese "ojigi" (bowing) motion. Size: Ф8.4xH21.3cm. ¥21,000 (excluding tax).
hhstyle.com Aoyama Main Store
Tel. 03-5772-1112
http://www.hhstyle.com/
Photo: Studio Bouroullec
2014.12.25

Finished with Sheet Metal Processing Only
Compact Pencil Case
Perrocaliente, a product brand popular for its uniqueness and practicality, has released "BENDIN," a pencil case made by simply cutting, folding, and assembling sheet metal, without any fasteners. Its compact form, reminiscent of a toolbox and holding only the essentials, evokes the nostalgic tin pencil cases of the past. The opening and closing mechanism, similar to the "click-clack" sound of a retractable ballpoint pen, is addictive. Available in three colors—silver, red, and black—to allow for individual expression despite the uniform shape. Size: W181×D28×H25.5mm. ¥4,800 (excluding tax).
100percent
Tel. 03-5759-6747
http://www.perrocali.com
2014.12.18

LED Light Diffuses for Improved Visibility
Your Companion for Nighttime Running
A new model, "AR08 NIGHT RUN," has been released from the ASICS running watch lineup, featuring improved screen visibility in the dark. An LED embedded in the upper left part of the watch case emits light in an efficient continuous flashing pattern, and by using luminescent material for the buttons, the LED light diffuses throughout the watch case. This allows for time checking just as easily at night during runs as during the day. Furthermore, thanks to the power-saving LED, the battery life is approximately two years even with one hour of flashing per day. Scheduled for release in early January 2015. ¥9,500 (excluding tax).
SEIKO NEXUS
Watch Customer Service
0120-181-671
http://asics-watch.com/
2014.12.18

A Blend of High-Quality Ingredients
Christmas Limited Granola
In today's granola market, often called the "granola戦国時代" (Sengoku period of granola), GANORI offers a unique approach with granolas tailored to Japanese tastes. Currently, a Christmas-limited granola, "Ginger & Cookie Mix," inspired by gingerbread man cookies, is available. It features the aromatic blend of spices like cinnamon and ginger, and the refined sweetness from MARCH PANTRY maple syrup, exclusively handled by GANORI in Japan. It makes for a small gift or a treat for yourself. Available until the 25th of this month. ¥1,260 (excluding tax).
GANORI Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs Store
Tel. 03-6434-1909
http://ganori.jp/
2014.12.18

Showcasing Precious Indian Handicrafts
Textured Cushion Covers
B:MING LIFE STORE by BEAMS has collaborated with Rungta, a shop specializing in handicrafts and antiques. They have resized traditional West Indian flat-weave carpets to create cushion covers. The cotton canvas used for the back and piping is also from India, contributing to the textured finish. The unique patterns are the work of a weaving collective called "Rooms." You will be amazed by the intricacy, which belies the fact that everything is handmade. Only the covers are sold; a 40x40cm insert is required separately. ¥6,000 (excluding tax).
B:MING LIFE STORE
by BEAMS Lazona Kawasaki Plaza Store
http://www.bminglifestore.jp
2014.12.11

Gucci x Japanese Traditional Crafts
Tamamushi Lacquerware on a Wristwatch
As the second installment of a charity project that creates new products through collaboration between GUCCI's inherited craftsmanship and Tohoku's traditional crafts, a Japan-limited Interlocking Watch has been released. The dial features the "3D Pyramid" motif, an iconic design by artist Koichiro Kimura, adorned with "Tamamushi Lacquerware," a traditional craft of Sendai. This marks the first time since the brand's founding that a watch has been produced in collaboration with Japanese traditional crafts, with a dial design commissioned from a Japanese designer. Twenty percent of the proceeds will be donated through Sendai City to support reconstruction efforts in the cultural and artistic fields. ¥185,000 (excluding tax).
Luxury Timepieces Japan/Gucci
Tel. 03-5766-2030
www.gucciwatches.com
2014.12.11

Motif: A Postal Worker
Focus on Functionality and Aesthetic Design
OG×OLIVER GOLDSMITH, an eyewear brand that proposes three-dimensional and modern shapes by leveraging the aesthetic sense and know-how cultivated by Oliver Goldsmith. Among the new collection "CEGP," themed around "occupations," we particularly recommend "Postino." The small frame, inspired by a postal worker briskly delivering mail on a bicycle, is also suitable for wearing as non-prescription glasses. The six available colors are inspired by British vintage cars from the 1950s-60s. ¥33,000 (excluding tax).
SARAI DISTRIBUTION TOKYO
Tel. 03-6427-7239
http://ogxolivergoldsmith.com/
2014.12.11

Papier Labo's Design
An Elaborate Calendar
From Papier Labo, specialists in paper-related designs, comes their 2015 original calendar. Every year, their calendars, which feature unique materials, designs, and printing techniques, impress paper and product enthusiasts. While last year's version was a poster format with folds dividing the 12 months, for 2015 they have returned to a monthly format. They use a slightly textured medium-weight paper and apply letterpress printing, which pairs well with it. The size is 9.8×21cm, making it perfectly user-friendly. Why not start the new year with this calendar? ¥1,400 (excluding tax).
PAPIER LABO.
Tel. 03-5411-1696
http://papierlabo.com
2014.12.04

Usable with Protective Case
Convenient Desktop ChargerA desktop charging stand for iPhone and iPad has arrived from Twelve South, a US company, including Lightning and microUSB cables. By adjusting the connector stroke, it can accommodate devices with protective cases. Additionally, using the included microUSB cable, it can charge iPhones with battery cases or various smartphones with a microUSB port in the center of the bottom. Recommended for hands-free calls, FaceTime, Skype, and video chats. Open price.
Focal Point
Tel. 03-6447-2987
http://www.focal.co.jp/
2014.12.04

Exquisite Packaging and Rich Aroma
A New Wave in Olive Oil
GOOD NEIGHBORS’ FINE FOODS is a label that introduces unique ways to enjoy food discovered during travels. This autumn, they began handling olive oil under the name "Other Brother." Two young men, who grew up on olive farms, started making olive oil with their passion for food. They currently produce it in California, overseeing everything from olive cultivation to product manufacturing. Its fruity flavor and smooth, butter-like texture pair well with various dishes, offering a satisfying taste. Also recommended as a year-end gift. Contents: 375mL. ¥3,600 (excluding tax).
GOOD NEIGHBORS’ FINE FOODS
Tel. 03-3470-3940
http://goodneighborsfinefoods.com/
2014.12.04

A Stir in the British Eyewear Scene?!
New Designs from Savile Row
SAVILE ROW is an eyewear brand from a long-established eyewear workshop in London. Having been favored by John Lennon, Eric Clapton, and Sean Connery, and establishing a solid position in metal frames, the brand is now releasing eyeglasses that combine acetate and metal. The flat front design, 4mm thick, is blended with traditional manufacturing techniques, resulting in exquisite finishing down to the finest details. Limited domestic sales are available only at Blinc and Blinc Base. The model shown is "WILTSHIRE." Available in 6 colors. ¥40,000 (excluding tax).
blinc
Tel. 03-5775-7525
http://www.blinc.co.jp/