Seven Pieces of Bathware to Warm the Soul

The bathware brand "YUIRO," designed since last early summer by Kaori Akiyama and her team at STUDIO BYCOLOR, is finally set to be unveiled.

Project Director Masashi Watanabe (roca branding) states, "Japan's hot spring culture, with its abundant sources and unique development, has not only cleansed the body but also provided therapeutic benefits, social interaction, and healing for people.
In our modern, developed world, hot springs are emerging not only in historic locations but also in urban areas across Japan, continuously evolving into something more familiar. With an increasing number of foreign tourists visiting for hot springs, Japanese hot spring culture is on the cusp of a new dawn."



"YUIRO's" aspiration is to color a new Japanese bathing culture by exploring the history of Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, Ehime. Among various items such as bath buckets, chairs, amenities, and bathrobes, STUDIO BYCOLOR has designed seven new products. Other designers involved include Akira Mabuchi (AKIRA MABUCHI DESIGN), Mariko Kitano (NanoMe), and Natsuko Fukuhara.

Kaori Akiyama of STUDIO BYCOLOR shares a message for OPENERS readers: "Participating in the launch of this brand has given me a renewed opportunity to reflect on Japan's bathing culture. It was my first time visiting Matsuyama, Ehime, and I focused on directly translating the values I felt from my conversations with the people I met into the products. I hope these items bring a little warmth and richness to your daily life as you contemplate the history of hot springs."

The collection includes a "Zao-ke" bucket made from Hime Hinoki cypress from Ehime, filling the space with a forest-like aroma; a bath stool with cushioning, inspired by the hot spring balls of Dogo Onsen; wooden toothbrushes and Iyo bamboo craft toothbrush trays; and pumice stones and trays dyed with natural pigments. Each item is designed to make your bath time at home more enjoyable.



International Hotel & Restaurant Show
Dates: February 17th (Tuesday) - 20th (Friday)
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, East Exhibition Hall
Invitation Tickets: Register via the exhibition organizer's website

http://www.jma.or.jp/hcj/jp/visit/index.html


STUDIO BYCOLOR | Kaori Akiyama
Born in Tokyo. Graduated from Chiba University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Design and Engineering in 2002. Worked at ITOKI Co., Ltd. from 2002 to 2012, focusing on product planning, branding, design, and color schemes. Worked at STUDIO SAMIRA BOON in 2013, and established STUDIO BYCOLOR in September of the same year.
www.studiobycolor.com