Category Archives: Product design

Japanese design shop is offering 50% off on “hope forever blossoming” flower vases. Filled with water, this vinyl envelope is transformed into a fully functional 3D vase. The refraction of light through the water adds to the beauty of this simple flower vase. Each envelope contains two vases. Japanese design shop

“Fuyu” is the lightest and thinnest wooden tableware (lacquerware) designed by Kosho Tsuboi, and manufactured by Kunio Motoyoshi and Yagi Shigeru. The manufacturing process is based on Yamanaka lacquerware, special manufacturing techniques developed in Nigata, Japan. Kosho Tsuboi was formally known as Hironao Tsuboi, who has received numerous awards, including the red dot award (Germany), the D&AD Global Award (UK), and the Good Design Award.

Japanese design studio Nendo has designed a furniture collection titled “Splinter”. The inspiration of the collection comes from a piece of wood which was peeled away from wooden stems. It is produced by Conde House, a Japanese manufacturer based in Asahikawa.

Daisuke Motogi has designed “Flip table” for Sixinch Japan. The wooden frames can either be put vertically or horizontally so that you can change the table height. The prototype of this table was originally exhibited at Designtide Tokyo 2011, and now went into production.

This is a blank notebook called “Hyakunincho”, manufactured by Marukawa Shoten. It uses a special textile cover created by using “Matsusaka cotton weaving”, weaving techniques developed in Mie, Japan. “Matusaka cotton weaving” is characterized by elegant striped patterns and indigo dyes.

Coca-Cola “bottleware” collection designed by nendo, upcycled and handmade by master artisans in Aomori, Japan, is now available at Japanese design shop. They are limited edition of 500.(Photo © 2012 Takumi Ota Photography)  

Kenjiro Sano is the founder of MR_DESIGN, Inc. His work spans graphics, commercial film, character design, exhibition design, and product design. Probably he is more recognized as a graphic designer for large clients such as Nissan, Shiseido, and Kirin than as a product designer in Japan, but he is also a creator of some unique products. Here are some of his work: Sushi memo block Four types: salmon, tuna, fatty tuna, tamago Kakuzai memo (Block of wood memo) The lastest version of “Kakuzai memo” smells like Japanese cypress. Chikyu Gomibukuro (Earth garbage bag) The plastic bag transforms itself into a globe when you throw garbage into it.