Japanese goodies

Those are some more Japanese goodies I received this week!

• Coddle「+ PAPER 01」Stripe Silver case
• Coddle「+ PAPER 06」Diamond Silver case
• Coddle「+ PAPER 07」Stripe Brown case
• YOnoBI Jomon 023 case (earlier post)
• “Art in Japanese Stamps” series: Ukiyo-e series

These stamps feature five woodblock prints by Utagawa Hiroshige (1795-1858), a prominent ukiyo-e artist in the late Edo era from his works “Views of famous sites of sixty some provinces of Japan”. They also feature five Bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women) woodblock prints by ukiyo-e artists in the Edo era, including Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806).

Hacoa Koro

I was after a rather unusual mouse pad and of course my default choice was the Koro from Hacoa. I opted for maple wood and I chose two have a couple of engraving in order to give it a personal touch. I was pleasantly surprised by the very smooth surface! It is nice also that it can ne used in two different angles thanks to the supplied bar.

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 :-)

Hacoa Red Urushi USB memory stick

The Urushi Kiku-Karakusa USB memory stick I got last month (earlier post) was the finest Hacoa product I have in my collection... until now. Well, this solid Red Urushi USB memory stick is even better as you can see the beauty οf urushi-oil. It is coated over and over by a craftsman until the surface becomes so smooth and reflective like a mirror!!! 

I have to admit that I really love Japanese urushi-oil lacquerware :-)

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!!!

Hacoa Tablet USB memory stick

It's finally time to reveal the Table USB memory stick by Hacoa! The Tablet has a memory capacity of 8GB and wood type choices include Maple (メープル), Teak (チーク), Rosewood (ローズウッド) and Purpleheart (パープルハート).

The specific Tablet is made out of Purpleheart wood and it definitely looks elegant and unique. The natural feel of the wood is amazing and Hacoa has made a superb job in terms of fit and finish.

Synthax Babyface 漆

If you are really into Japanese lacquered products, then you will love this. Synthax Japan released back in January a limited lacquered edition of Babyface. Only 50 Babyface Urushi (漆) were sold in MI7 Japan online store. This special Japanese model was sold for approximately ¥98,000!