Hacoa Urushi Kiku-Karakusa USB memory stick

This had to be the finest Hacoa product I have in my collection!!!!!!! I had no doubt that it will look beautiful, but in reality, thanks to the silk screen print, it's simply stunning. I just cannot describe how beautiful it is in reality... If you are really into products that reflect the Japanese craftsmanship and tradition, then the Hacoa Urushi 菊唐草 is simply a must have item!!!

New nanoblock models coming soon...

Those are my new models coming straight from Japan!!! My order includes a Shinkansen N700 Series Mizuho-Sakura, a Steam Locomotive and the deluxe version of the Himeji Castle model.

nanoblock Shinkansen E6 Super Komachi

This is the second nanoblock model I have made and I think I have found a new hobby!!!

nanoblock Shinkansen E5 Hayabusa

As most of my friends, I really do like Legos and I recently discovered a very nice alternative, coming from Japan, called nanoblock! It is funny how I discovered them, as I was searching for more info on Ken Okuyama's latest car model, the kode9, and I found out that he was involved in the design of the Shinkansen Super Komachi train. Since I am a model collector, I started looking for a train model and I ended up discovering the nanoblock models!!!

I ordered both Shinkansen E5 and E6 models and they are simply amazing!!!!!!! The parts are much smaller compared to the Lego ones and I was really surprised by their precision. There are many models available by Kawada, the company that makes nanoblock, so expect more nanoblock related posts soon!

Hacoa CardCase Karin

It has been a long time since my last post, but this month's arrival is truly special!!! It must be the most beautiful Hacoa product in my collection so far! :-)

This special Hacoa CardCase is made out of Karin wood (earlier post), one of my favourite ones, with Sakura illustration engraved at the front. 

Hacoa 切手型 Photo Frames

Hacoa is producing some amazing products, including those 切手型 Photo Frames, which have the shape of a stamp! The specific design is available in KITTE store only and it's a limited edition! It is offerer in two wood types, Alder and Walnut. Of course, I was lucky enough to get both of them :)

This month, Hacoa is giving away a Purpleheart Thanks Magnet and it's a nice addition to my collection!

Hacoa Dot.

The Dot. is a wooden pot stand available out of either Maple, or Walnut wood. The specific one is out of Maple wood and I have to admit that I really like its design and lightness!

Hacoa Key Shoehorn arrived!

A new month means even more Hacoa products and I finally got a Key Shoehorn (earlier post) out of Purpleheart wood!!! 

Review: Hacoa case for Sony Xperia Z

Now that my Xperia Z has arrived, after waiting almost two months, I can at last enjoy my Hacoa case (earlier post)! I have to admit that I am an iOS fan, so the only exciting thing about the Xperia Z is using the case.

I still cannot say much about the phone itself, but the case is simply stunning. The natural feel of the wood is amazing and Hacoa has made a superb job in terms of the finish and attention to the detail. The cuts are spot on and the edges have been so skilfully trimmed. 

There is one small drawback with the case though. One beautiful accessory made by Hacoa is the Tazuna, which comes in six different wood types, and unfortunately, the Xperia Z case doesn't come with a cut out for attaching it.  Even though I was aware of this fact, I still ordered a Purpleheart Tazuna and I managed to attached to it on the phone.

Although I already had the Sony charging dock, I decided to use the Hacoa stand (earlier post) instead. It's just looks so nice when you place the phone on it!

No matter if you own an Xperia Z or an iPhone, I feel that the Hacoa cases are by far the best. I really like the fact that there is a fine balance between the size and amount of wood used.

Personally, if you are after a leather iPhone case, I would recommend a Vaja case, or a BookBook made by Twelve South. If you are after a wooden case, then there are quite a few Japanese manufacturers producing some of the best cases available, and in my opinion, Hacoa is at the top of the list. COLORS is also producing some extraordinary cases, especially the Shunkei Red one (earlier post), but although they are beautiful to look at, they add a lot of bulk to the overall size.

Video: Crafter for Lexus

Takatatsu Kotatsu tables

Takatatsu (タカタツ) is a Japanese company producing some amazing wooden products. The Kotatsu (コタツ) collection in particular, includes some beautiful heated tables, with some of them being made out of different types of wood.

The Kanon table, part of the belluno (ベルーノ) selection, shown in the top photos, has a flower shape and it is made using Walnut (ウォールナット), Ash (タモ) and Cherry (チェリー) veneers.

The second table is also part of the Kotatsu collection and five horizontal veneers are used - Walnut (ウォールナット) / Birch (バーチ) / Zebra (ゼブラ) / Karin (カリン) / Japanese Oak (ナラ).