Hacoa Wasurena painted with Red Urushi!!!

Back in February, I was looking for a rather special base for my nanoblock Himeji castle (earlier post). As usual, I did a lot of search but I couldn't find what exactly I was looking for. Then I got an idea... a Hacoa Wasurena (earlier post) in square shape... perhaps even painted with urushi!

My contact in Hacoa was so kind that accepted my request to create such a unique item for me!!! I opted for red urushi (earlier post) as I wanted it to be truly special. Urushi-oil lacquerware is pretty special for Japanese people and in my opinion, a very fine example of Japanese craftsmanship.

On Friday, I received my custom Wasurena and I have to admit that it is by far the most special item I ever had!!! It is simply amazing, I cannot use any other words in order to describe it! The surface is so smooth and reflective like a mirror!!!

I consider myself as a very lucky man and it is truly an honor to possess such a special and beautiful item :-)

ハコア、本当にありがとう！ ！ ！ 

MOTE - Mobile Tote by Capo

If you are really into cool stuff made in Japan, reflecting the Japanese craftsmanship and style, then the mobile tote by Capo is for sure a must have. 

MOTE is made in Nishijin region of Kyoto using the "jacquard", a highly innovative and complex machine designed for very sophisticated weaving of fiberous material.  The finest material has been created out of carbon fibre for the first time by the special overlap capabilities of the jacquard machine.

The MOTE, along with the YOnoBI sleeves (earlier post) are for sure the best two laptop accessories I have came across so far.

YOnoBI hana-sarasa and jomon lapton sleeves

I have recently bought a Sony Vaio Duo 13” as my MacBook Pro is about to retire and thus, I grabed this opportunity to buy a Sony laptop, before they disappear from the market. I opted for the Duo as I really liked its design, plus of course the fact that it is made in Japan!!!

Even before I bought my Vaio, I was searching for the perfect case/sleeve. I wanted something out of the ordinary, which would carry the “made in Japan” tag, while at the same time, it would have to reflect the Japanese craftsmanship.

A few days ago, I came across with the YOnoBI sleeves and my quest was over!!!

The award-winning, foldable laptop sleeve in traditional kimono fabrics was presented by the Japanese label YOnoBI at the Interior Lifestyle fair in Tokyo 2005. It was designed by designer Katja Hettler and architect Jula Tullmann who collaborated with Mizuta, a manufacturer of traditional Kimono fabric. 

Hana-sarasa is made of Edo Calico silk and comes in pink and green. Jomon is made of Ojiya Ramie Crepe linen. I still haven’t decided if I am going to buy one, as my laptop is a bit wider, but at least I have discovered the perfect sleeve :-)