I love a beautifully-designed lighting fixture because I truly believe a really great one has the ability to illuminate a space – both literally, and metaphorically. Besides the physical light that it quite obviously emits, a well-designed lighting fixture can add manifolds of personality and charisma to a room. They can function as sculptural pieces, that are an extension of your personal taste and preference, truly exhibiting the richness and niche-ness of your curation capabilities. And a stunning lighting fixture that I believe would do exactly that is the Tri Light by Tokio.
Designed by the design brand Tokio, the Tri Light is a modular sculptural light that is inspired by the Japanese shoji. The Japanese shoji is a door, window, or room divider in the form of a paper screen, that is quite popularly used in traditional Japanese architecture. The Tri light features an interesting honeycomb-like structure that directly drew inspiration from a shoji. “Inspired by the Japanese shoji concept, Tri Light is the combination of old traditions and modern technology – we set out to design something that would be modern, classical, and timeless at the same time,” said Tokio.
The light is built using milled and anodized aluminum triangles that were designed to be expanded and configured in different configurations and customizations. “An infinitely expandable design system, the Tri Light illuminates the timeless geometry of nature within the areas we inhabit. It is luminous and ethereal, yet as timeless as the laws of physics themselves. The Tri Light is an expression of fundamental forces that are universal yet infinitely diverse,” said Tokio. The light has a curving design, and it can be added, played around with, and configured infinitely.
The Tri Light has a dimmable light that can be tuned and modified from 2700K to 4000K lighting. The innovative design can be divided into multiple zones, so that each area can be configured to feature and emit different light strengths and temperatures, making it a pretty versatile and modular lighting fixture. The Tri Light was designed to “illuminate the timeless geometry of nature within the areas we inhabit”.
Eating time should be a fun and enriching time to nourish not only the body but also the mind and the heart. That’s true not just for humans who often socialize during these moments but also for our little family members who become closer to their humans at opportunities like these. Alas, eating time can sometimes be stressful instead, both for pets who can’t but help spill food out of their bowls as well as for the humans who need to clean up afterward. Attempting to return dinnertime to its original atmosphere, this fine-looking food bowl for furry friends brings something that’s not only beautiful but also functional, utilizing human creativity and craftsmanship to make a pet bowl that delivers a pleasant experience for everyone at home.
Designer: Ena Metal
Click Here to Buy Now: $296$349 (15% off and free worldwide shipping at checkout). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours.
Some pet owners might think that the stereotypical flat bowl would be enough for pets, and that might be fine if you’re also OK with using plain, mass-produced tableware for yourself. You could argue, however, that just as you deserve well-designed things that make life more enjoyable, so does your little family, especially when it comes to eating food. You don’t need to go the hi-tech route just to achieve that, however. In fact, going “au naturale” might be an even better answer.
Swelltone delivers that kind of solution by focusing not on the food but on the food bowl, putting the eating experience above the expensive edibles. It makes “ease of eating” the focus of its design, and it does so in a simple yet effective way. The stainless steel bowl that holds the food can tilt up to an angle of 20 degrees, which makes it easy for pets to slurp every last bit without spilling their food. Coincidentally, this also gives their human owners peace of mind that they won’t have to clean up after their pets after meals.
This handsome dinnerware for pets is made of two parts, both finely crafted and beautiful on their own. The wooden base is made of fine Japanese cypress that literally and figuratively puts the bowl on a pedestal. That bowl is made from SUS304 stainless steel and is made by the same craftsmen who create precision parts for automobiles and aircraft. Together, this pet bowl looks posh whether it’s on the floor or on the kitchen counterpart, serving as a piece of minimalist decor when it’s not in use.
The bowl, however, does more than offer a visual delight to humans and pets alike. Drop pieces of dry food into it, and you’ll hear the luxurious tones resounding from the bowl, giving justification to its name. Whether your pet is eating from it or you’re still preparing its tasty treat, this handsome food receptacle offers a more pleasant and memorable experience that goes beyond just the act of eating, strengthening the bonds between humans and their little families every meal time.
Click Here to Buy Now: $296$349 (15% off and free worldwide shipping at checkout). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours.
It’s that time of year again when we start thinking hard about gifts we want to give. We all want to make an impact and leave a lasting impression, but most of us equate that with elaborate gifts that end up complicating people’s lives instead. Sometimes, the best things in life are the simplest, and it’s a philosophy that has permeated Japanese culture and design for centuries. Perfecting what is simple and turning it into a work of art is harder than you think, and these top ten designs embody Japanese minimalism that pays attention to every detail, no matter how small. From kitchen knives that make you feel like a ninja to an advanced teapot that makes the perfect brew every time, this gift guide will help you pick out some of the best ways to share that gift of simplicity with others and maybe pick one or two for yourself along the way.
1. All-in-One Grill
Cooking outdoors doesn’t have to be a hassle if you have an all-in-one tool to cook all kinds of dishes. Whether you’re barbecuing, frying, grilling, steaming, smoking, or just cooking a hearty stew, this modular grill has all the parts you need to cook a masterchef-worthy meal outdoors with your family. There’s even a special module to warm your bottles upright – perfect to get your mulled wine warm and toasty! Easy to use and easy to clean, this all-in-one tabletop grill frees you from worrying about preparation and cleanup, letting you simply focus on cooking great meals instead.
Keeping your nails trimmed shouldn’t be difficult, but the tools that are available don’t make it easy either. If you’ve ever muttered under your breath while clipping your own nails or someone else’, then you know how difficult it can be to snip some parts of those nails. Who would have thought that the answer would be as simple as having that nail clipper turn its head to your convenience? With this Rotating Nail Clipper, you won’t have to strain your wrist or arm to get that perfect cut. Just swing the blade to the angle you need, and you’ll be brandishing properly trimmed nails in no time. Say goodbye to stressful clipping and say hello to beautiful nails each and every time.
A mouth-watering presentation definitely helps the appetite, but sometimes it just takes too long to get food from the pan to your plate. Before you know it, the food’s no longer hot, and the flavors that you actually want have been left in the pan. So why not cut out the middleman and just eat from the very pan you cooked your food on? With this simple yet ingenious iron frying plate, you definitely can and even look good while you’re at it. The frying plate is designed to keep all the flavor where you want them, and an innovative wooden handle makes it easy to switch from cooking to eating in a flash. Never have to suffer with beautiful but lukewarm food when you can enjoy your meal while it’s hot with this beautiful frying pan and plate in one.
There’s nothing simpler than writing with pen and paper, but that simplicity might not always scale to the growing complexity of the human situation. We need more space to write on, but we also need to be mindful of how that’s killing our planet slowly but surely. Reusable paper sounds like a pipe dream, but thanks to technology and human creativity, that’s no longer the case. As its name suggests, this Whiteboard Notebook brings the familiar feeling of putting pen to paper with the virtually infinite space of a dry-erase board. With a simple wipe or wash, you can quickly erase the marks on a page and start anew. And thanks to the magnets that bind the removable pages, you don’t even have to worry about how your notes are arranged, giving you the freedom to move things just the way you want them. Taking notes doesn’t get easier or simpler than this!
We all know we need to stay hydrated to stay healthy, but few people really make a habit of drinking water, especially while working. Maybe it’s the inconvenience of not having a drinking container nearby or the reluctance to have a less-than-appealing bottle or glass on their desks. This stylish drinkware solves both problems by offering a cup within reach that looks beautiful whether you’re using it or not, though hopefully, you will be using it indeed. Designed to look like precious crystal, this cup has a lid that functions both as a cover as well as another cup for snacks. It can also be used to hold drinks for a guest or a special someone you might be sharing this gift with. Simple and beautiful, the Upside-Downside Cup breathes life to your desk and builds that water habit.
Whether it’s the holidays or any other day, we all need a bit of glamour to spruce up our homes. What better way to delight the eyes than with a display of stars right on your living room wall! Set against the backdrop of fir branches, these star-bearing spheres bring together heaven and earth, the mystical and the mundane, in a beautiful composition that’s sure to light up the atmosphere and set the mood for a bright and lively evening. Experience the magic of a starry night sky anytime you want with a Starry Wreath on your wall.
Give your brain a rewarding challenge with this all-metal puzzle that showcases one of the most iconic Japanese flowers. Each metal piece is carefully cut so that they look almost exactly similar yet have a precise position they need to be to complete this puzzle. And when all the pieces finally fall in place, the seams magically vanish to form a beautiful representation of the sakura or cherry blossom. Perfect for taking a break from work while still keeping your brain active and healthy. And when it’s all done, the beautiful flower makes for an exquisite decoration on your shelf or on your desk.
Stealthy yet ironically eye-catching, these Black Kitchen Knives are meant to be seen even when not in use. Made of molybdenum vanadium steel with titanium coating, these knives are made by craftsmen with deep roots in the Japanese art of sword making, ensuring that their sharp blades are not just for show. Feel like a ninja or a samurai as you slice and dice through ingredients, making short work of food prep and cooking. Experience the joy of using a finely crafted tool and the pride of having a handsome set of knives that you’ll definitely want to put on display in your kitchen.
Making tea can be a complex process that involves varying temperatures and steeping times, but it doesn’t have to be complicated, thanks to technology. This rather cute Smart Tea Pot automatically picks the time and temperature depending on the tea leaves you’re using. Even better, it can change those factors to suit your mood and environment, brewing longer when you need a bit more caffeine or cutting it short when you need to wind down. All you need to do is put in the tea leaves and add water, and let the magic of technology do the rest. Its stylish design and the unique “Golden Drop” rotating infuser also make it a sight to behold. Make every tea time more personal and memorable with this smart yet simple teapot.
Who says you have to get both your hands dirty whenever you have to grate garnishes for your dishes? Shaped like a small plate that’s meant to be placed on a table, the Plate Grater introduces a novel way to make wasabi, daikon radish, or other garnishes using a circular motion that feels almost therapeutic. Its thin and lightweight body makes it easy to clean and store away until it’s needed again. Simple yet elegant, this distinctive grater offers a delightful way to add flavor to your meals anytime without cluttering the table with menacing metal tools.
A place for everything, and everything in it’s place – that is the Japanese philosophy my 2 years living in that country taught me. The level of efficiency, detailed behaviour and organization visible in everyday life in Japan is an almost calming experience. It is that level of eye for details and design ethics that we bring to you in our range of Japanese products. Small yet humble, each product reflects it multifunctional nature that respects the materials used and also respects the user by helping them make the most of every design. Add to it their space-saving nature and minimalism, we are in love with everything here – right from this convention defying screwdriver to the Japanese-lantern inspired candle. Look through this gift guide and I’m sure you will find something for your friends as well as for yourself that is sure to warm your heart this holiday season!
1. All-in-One Screwdriver
This screwdriver won’t screw you over! Aptly named the all-in-one screwdriver, this design comes with 20 bits you’ll need and its unique twisting and spinning mechanism makes it feel like play, rather than tedious work. This movement happens with an innovative ball bearing design that lets your fingers move with ease and the spinner enables the user to easily move the screwdriver when screwing bigger screws. In addition, the hexagon bit holder gives the electric screwdriver the opportunity to take over the movement when needed. The bits are made from Stainless Steel with a Titanium Nitride coating that gives it extra strength. Sleek, minimal and a pleasure to look at – in a world flooded with functional all-in-one screwdrivers, this screwdriver makes a worthy addition to your tool case that not only impresses with its aesthetic but also with its added functionality of the Spinner Wheel when you need some help.
Cooking outdoors doesn’t have to be a hassle if you have an all-in-one tool to cook all kinds of dishes. Whether you’re barbecuing, frying, grilling, steaming, smoking, or just cooking a hearty stew, this modular grill has all the parts you need to cook a masterchef-worthy meal outdoors with your family. There’s even a special module to warm your bottles upright – perfect to get your mulled wine warm and toasty! The grill lets you experiment with the kind of cooking you want – you don’t have to be stuck with simple packaged food while camping. Given its tiny size, this grill sits on any table whereas the attention to detail on the design show the thought put into this Japanese design.
Our sense of smell is one of the primary sensory experience that people draw on to relax. With air quality being in the dump in general this year, this aroma-diffuser helps their eco-friendly users truly relax with the lack of batteries. Meet the battery-free Aroma Diffuser – a minimal design that uses the heat from a carefully shielded candle that generates enough electrical power to turn the fan and helps spread the aroma of your choice. The transparent design of the aroma diffuser adds to the magic of the mystery while watching the candle’s flame can add to the overall meditative experience. Made from recyclable materials, this is a truly thoughtful design that keeps your entire experience sustainable.
This tradition defying pen challenges the notions set up by mass produced pen manufactures for years – instead of focusing on the ease of manufacturing, it focuses on the ease of writing for users. Made from lightweight aluminium, the pen is designed with a lower centre of mass, which means better grip an overall elevated writing experience. A lot of high end pens also come with a heavy back – the section opposite the nib is heavy, causing you to lift the nib and make the writing experience more difficult. The grip of the pen is intentionally larger than the barrel giving a more comfortable hold and it’s faceted design makes it easy to hold for longer durations with ease!
You know the frantic struggle we face when we need something opened up – be it your long awaited Amazon package or just that packet of chips you’ve been eyeing for a while. Scissors have a tendency to disappear just when you need them the most…until now! Designed to be displayed proudly, this 2-in-1 design is a scissor and a box-cutter in a minimal package that stands tall. Made from Japanese stainless steel with a black Teflon coating, the scissors stands on a milled aluminum base. The base is magnetic, ensuring the scissor can be kept upright and keep the scissor easily accessible when needed. Visually, the scissor cuts an impressive figure with its all black look and wide shape and a small extension that makes the box cutter almost seamless in design. This one is for showcasing!
When Apple launched AirTags, it was the solution a lot of us were waiting for, while also answering the permanent question of where are my keys! The AirTag gets a more rugged, carry-friendly version with this Carabiner. A simple accessory that takes your precious Apple accessory to the next level, attach this stylish metal carabiner to your purse, keys, bags, bikes or even umbrellas! It is made from Duralumin composite alloy – a material suitable for use in aircrafts, spaceships and even boats! When you buy an accessory like AirTags, you know its not a possession you will forget about. Rather its something you cherish and use it to track the objects you value – and that is exactly why the AirTag Carabiner comes in use – its a precious to hold your precious.
Say a goodbye to cluttered desk with this hanging desk rack – a genius organizer that lets you stow away your spare pens, notebooks, hang your keys and even store your charging cable. The system is magnetic which makes the design modular so you can organise as you wish. The rack is held in place with a nano suction tape – making it easy to stick, remove and relocate. The installation-free design makes the entire process mess-free, because the one thing you don’t want is to add clutter to your desk while installing your desk organizer. The rack also comes with accessories you can stick to streamline your setup – the cable holder sticks magnetically and keeps your cable accessible and away from you until you need it. The pin can be used to stick small notes and is strong enough to have keys, lanyards or even your phone on it. And lastly, a hook at the back of the organizer keeps your bag floor-free until you’re ready to pack up for the day!
The one thing I hate about buying expensive candles is that once they are over, there is no way around it but to get rid of the remnants. To put it simply, this is a pillar-shaped candle but the beauty begins once the candle starts burning – the more it burns, it turns into a traditional Japanese ‘chouchin’ lantern. This happens with the use of 2 different grades of waxes – one on the inside, which burns the way a normal candle would and another on the outside which retains the shape. The hollow shell mimics the effects of a lantern by diffusing the light that passes through it. The material used for the outer shell is a patented non-melting wax – hence it collects the wax as it melts. In fact, we can even hold the candle in our hands while it is burning and have no hot wax drip onto your hand. Providing almost 60 hours of burn time, this candle is one for keeping.
Winter is coming…and along with it the joy of holding a warm cup of coffee or chocolate on a cold frosty morning. To amplify this feeling, we bring you this ceramic mug with its earthy tone and a wooden handle that is designed to be a treat for your fingers holding it. From the first sip you take, the interaction is actually between your skin, the beverage and the mug – which is one factor we omit to include in our drinking experience but this minimal mug has you covered. The cup meets your lips in a soft touch, given the materials and the mug’s design. The mug is made using quality Japanese ceramic and the quality is reflected in your tactile experience with holding and drinking from the mug. The aesthetic of the mug gives the look of cast iron, which may shock the user when they find out its ceramic and warm. Sipping your beverage with all your focus on it is a humbling experience and this mug lets natural elements be a part and elevate this daily experience.
A minimal holder that may look simple, but holds all your essentials with a fun little magnetic twist – that’s what this Quick Access Organizer brings to us. What do we need on a daily basis? Our keys, earbuds, pens, glasses and wallet, all of which can be fit into this tiny holder. The organizer uses a magnetic rotating mechanism, allowing you to swivel the lid easily (actually making it the most fun aspect of this entire design) and drop the contents easily into its place. And the best part is, it enforces the habit of looking at the same place for items you need without getting the entire family involved in helping you find it!
People use door chimes for different reasons, but it’s all for the sake of announcing someone’s arrival or departure. Traditional chimes are made from pieces of metal that hit each other when they move, but there are also newer chimes that use electronics to produce a wider variety of sounds. Depending on how often that happens, the sounds that these chimes can begin to be irritating or tiresome, especially if the kind or quality of the sound isn’t at all pleasant. At the same time, however, a door chime can’t be too soft or forgettable because it would eventually lose its purpose. This door chime is, fortunately, not your typical door accessory, and the tunes it makes might make you even look forward to coming home after a long day at work or, better yet, to family and friends coming over to visit.
The mechanics of typical non-electronic door chimes are pretty much the same, no matter the design. There are parts that move when the door swings open or closes, and these parts hit each other to produce sound the same way percussion instruments work. There are some chimes that are made of wood, which produces deeper and more muted sounds with a narrower range of tones. Common door chimes, however, use metal, and the sounds they make can vary wildly depending on the shape and size of those chimes. Over time, the sounds can start to become either too annoying or too boring, causing a bit of mental stress you might not even be aware of.
The Tori chimes, named after the Japanese word for “bird,” uses the same mechanics but achieve a very different outcome thanks to meticulous attention to detail. Shaped like a bird with metallic tail feathers, the chime’s movement causes the tail to sway and produce sound. The sound, however, is more like the tranquil and calming chirps of birds in their natural habitat. It’s a sound that coaxes our minds to wander off to more peaceful images rather than associating the sound with an unwelcome disruption.
This chirpy greeter, however, isn’t just about the sounds it makes, though that definitely takes center stage. The chime’s minimalist yet colorful design makes it an ideal accent for any door. While most door chimes are located near the top and out of sight, this avian simulacrum is something you’ll want every to see, perhaps to evoke a bit of envy at your charming decor. The die-cast zinc body gives it a sturdy and distinctive form that you can attach to any ferrous metal surface with ease.
Whether you’re stepping out to start your day, coming back home after hours of traffic, or simply opening your doors to welcomed guests, this attractive door chime’s glittering sounds are sure to set the right, positive mood. Simple, cute, and calming, this twittering bird will ease its way not just into your home but into your heart as well, providing a brief period of peace at every chime.
K-Campers are known for packing a lot into a tiny space. Unique to Japan, the K-Campers is a type of Kei car, a Japanese vehicle category for the smallest highway-legal passenger cars that are built with restricted dimensions and engine capacity.
The ultimate microcar, K-Campers host an array of multifunctional features that help make the tiny space feel a lot roomier. Upgrading from the Vamos and Acty vans, Honda Japan released the N-Van Compo, a Kei Van Camper that sleeps four with the help of an expandable roof.
Reaching 133.7 inches in length, the N-Van Compo is 20.4 inches shorter than Mazda MX-5 Miata, but the size can be deceiving. Converting the classic N-Van into a compact camper van, the N-Van Compo finds space with modular and multifunctional interiors. When driving, the N-Van Compo can be operated like any other motor vehicle only to transform into a sleeping space when put in park.
When camping, passengers of the N-Van Compo can create sleeping accommodations by turning the driver’s seat around and spreading the mattress modules out in line to make room for one taller and one shorter person to sleep comfortably. When it comes to the van’s interior configuration, interested buyers have three options: Style-One, Style-Two, and Cabin.
Getting the most bang for your buck, Style-One provides some overhead storage, two sinks, a freshwater tank, microwave, small refrigerator, solar panel, foldable table, and a set of screen doors. The expandable roof can be accessed from the van’s sleeping area and is also included in the van’s Style-Two configuration.
Only changing the location of the kitchen to be on one side entirely, Style-Two hosts the same array of amenities as Style-One. The final option, Cabin, gives buyers the option of keeping the expandable roof, microwave, and refrigerator, but ditches the sink to make room for sleeping and storage.
A proverb that I often associate with the Japanese is ‘They have a place for everything, and everything is in its place. After living in Japan for almost two years, I can conclusively say they have a gadget, gizmo, or appliance for even the most mundane actions. I agree; many of them are so innovative that my immediate reaction is why do we not have these available everywhere – like an ear wax cleaner with an attached LED light or a banana holder (it’s for the actual fruit people!). These designs amaze us and keep in line with the Japanese attention to detail, meet the $4000 cooking appliance by ANAORI Kakugama.
The black-box-looking design looks almost like a gadget from the Black Mirror, with its sleek and minimal aesthetics – and it packs a punch! This one appliance combines five major functionalities – grill, simmer, poach, fry or steam! Dubbed The Tastemaker, the tagline goes as ” Tradition and innovation together present a breakthrough for restaurant kitchens. Carbon graphite fused with the wisdom of Japanese cuisine create a product unprecedented in culinary history.” Why Carbon Graphite? It’s a material that is lighter than iron, used for replacement and specialty parts. When prepared properly, it has wear resistance, high-temperature capabilities, self-lubricating properties, and the ability to be used with corrosive materials. This cube delivers superior heat retention with the capability to emit five times more infrared than cast iron. The design is compatible with all heating sources – induction heat, gas, and even the oven!
Each part of the appliance has unique functionality; the outer lid works to seal the box and as a grilling surface. To emphasize Japan’s respect for natural materials, Hinoki Cypress is used, reinforcing the aroma of the Japanese countryside. The raw carbon graphite is meticulously crafted and given chamfered edges, throwing back to the intricate Japanese Tea rituals. The inner pot is rounder in shape, ensuring even heat distribution and higher heat retention reduces the cellular breakdown of the raw materials. Every foodie has heard of the best-selling book Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat. You control the heat, and you contain the umami, and that is exactly what The Tastemaker allows you to control.
The appliance weighs in at a hefty $4000, making it one of the more luxury kitchen appliances, especially when compared to your average cooking range. While the price ensures it’s not an everyday kitchen essential like a microwave, it delivers perfection, and of course, there is a price attached to that perfection. You don’t eat at a Michelin Star restaurant every day; you go there once in a while for the entire experience it provides. Similarly, this gadget delivers the goodness of great food to your plate whenever you demand it, in a space-saving, futuristic black box that keeps in touch with its Japanese roots. An elevated version of the one-pot cooking appliance, this one is on my wishlist!
I absolutely adore Japanese product designs. They’re simple, sophisticated and something about them completely warms my heart. They leave an impact on you, and an imprint on your heart, with their soft minimalism. I love incorporating Japanese products in my home space, they have such a soothing effect, and can add an elegant touch to any home. I also enjoy using Japan-inspired kitchen and tableware products! Not only are they adorable to look at and gentle to use, but they’re also high on functionality and very rarely give you any trouble. They’re foolproof designs that you can depend on to tackle your cooking prep and other kitchen tasks. From portable rice cookers to tableware created from a 400-year-old Japanese wood bending technique, we’ve got you all covered! Dig in, you can tell us Arigato later!
Designed by Nendo for Hashikura Matsukan, the Rassen (spiral) chopsticks are a pair of chopsticks that come together as a convenient single unit. They look like a solemn long wooden stick, but they can be separated, resulting in a pair of chopsticks that can be used for eating. They pack fun and functionality together, bringing them together and apart is like playing with a jigsaw puzzle! The artfully designed chopsticks are a beautiful example of quintessential Japanese design philosophy.
The Magemono Tumbler comes made with a Hasamiyaki porcelain inner vessel, and a Magemono Japanese cedar wood sleeve around the outside, in signature fashion. The Magemono Bread Tray, a fir tree crafted thin tray (available in two sizes) is perfect for meals, especially for the breakfast sandwich, paired with a nicely brewed cup of coffee. Nasuda’s aim is to showcase the untouched perfection of Japanese artisanship, while helping the families of craftsmen to sustain themselves and also pass the art down to younger generations, helping it thrive.
The Dry Mountain Gas Stove has a meditative quality about it, brought about by its inspiration from Japanese and Buddhist landscape gardens. The stove’s design is dominated by curved, soft forms that make it appear calming, while also giving you a little extra countertop space, thanks to the rounded edges. The stove’s wavy resting plate is one of its strongest visual features. The wave-inspired plate doesn’t just provide an allure to the stove, it also makes it easier to clean when you’re done, with a cloth and a single swooping action.
The Thanko Electric Bento rice cooker is here to make rice omnipresent – literally. This portable cooker will let you cook a bowl of warm rice wherever you are! It is a perfect gadget for those who want to cook a single-serve in a short time and the LED light will glow when it is ready. It is very optimal for those who travel often or want fresh food at the office instead of takeout. The cooker has the capacity to cook 6 ounces of rice at a time and comes with a measuring cup for convenience. Add water, rice (pro tip: salt the water or use chicken broth to up the flavor!), and depending on the ounces it should be cooked between 14 and 20 minutes.
Mitsubishi’s Bread Oven is in a league of its own with a promise to serve you ‘the perfect toast’. Mimicking a waffle maker, the toaster looks like it’s come straight out of the ’80s with its retro-esque veneer brown look. Built with a sealed thermal-insulated structure, it can toast your bread without releasing any moisture, ensuring the bread is soft, fluffy, and far from being dry. The metal box is equipped with two plates that can go up to temperatures as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit. These plates seal the slice of bread, transferring heat to it, and in turn, make magic. The electric toaster is amped with four cooking settings; Toast, Frozen Toast, Topping, and French Toast.
Seramikku is a perfect balance of archetypal Japanese forms and minimalistic modern details. Its shape and texture are inspired by ‘Uwade kyusu’ which is one of the more traditional Japanese teapots known for their distinctive, almost floating, handles that hover on top of the lid. The designer has envisioned the Seramikku to be made from ceramic and iron with an electric heating base. Sadly, it is not for sale because it is a concept design which a part of a Render Weekly challenge.
This matcha maker is compact and sleek, making it perfect for homes, offices, any space with an outlet because it is portable. This matcha maker stays true to its Japanese roots and lets you enjoy an authentic cup every time by using freshly ground leaves from its ceramic mill for individual uses, just like the masters do. The movements of the traditional bamboo whisk are replicated by the magnetic whisker that mixes cold water with the tea for a frothy matcha-presso!
The Ishiyaki Set tackles a unique problem associated with being under lockdown… missing out on great food. The Ishiyaki Set brings an authentic Japanese dining experience to your home by allowing you to prepare food in the teppanyaki style. Designed as a tabletop stone grill that you can cook your meat on, the Ishiyaki (which literally stands for rock-grill) is a charming little personalized grilling set that lets you experience the fun of dry-searing your food right before you eat it, just like at that Benihana you miss going to.
There’s a certain reverence one feels looking at the S1 Gyuto Knife. It, by no means, is an ordinary kitchen knife but is rather a product of culture, heritage, dedication, and finesse. Crafted by third-generation Osaka master bladesmiths, the S1 Gyuto knife is made from pure black Japanese steel (the same material as Japanese swords) that involves 131 distinct production steps to give you a blade that looks exquisite and is obscenely sharp. Additionally, Hinoki’s techniques ensure that the knife stays sharp for longer periods of time.
The Foldable Gas Stove Cover Tower by Yamazaki Home converts your stove into storage or workspace! You can simply fit it on top of your stove, creating a convenient kitchen station to chop your veggies and carry out your cooking prep! Once you’re ready to actually get cooking, you can remove the cover, and have your good old stove back. It’s a perfect solution for creating extra kitchen space!
Omamori (お守り) are traditional good luck charms in Japanese culture that protect the wearer of the charm. The Japanese word “mamori” (守り) means protection, while prefix “o” gives the word an external movent connotation, transforming it to “your protection” and there are Omamoris for every area of life: love, health, luck, trips, success, protection. The concept of Kenkō is a futuristic take on the traditional Omamori, it does not cure illnesses or ward off evil spirits but it helps you stay healthy by being in sync with the earth’s electromagnetic frequencies. It is ergonomic, travel-friendly and minimal while still being a powerful force.
The earth is constantly emitting 7,83 Hz (also known as the earth’s breath, who knew that?!) along its surface which is believed to allow living beings to regulate their physiological functions. Scientific studies show that the earth’s natural magnetic fields have a positive influence on our brains. With the rapid development of electronic communication technologies, our bodies are getting confused between the natural and artificial frequencies which are dwindling our inherent ability to be in sync with nature. This concept device is aimed at increasing focus, coordinated neural activities, improve sleep and circadian rhythms, stabilize blood pressure and stimulate osteoblasts. Kenkō will be created to produce a 7,83Hz signal, reproducing the natural frequency using technology which will help human bodies re-establish their intrinsic relationship with being healthy naturally. It will have an LED light strip that glows when you switch on the device. Electrosmog caused by Wi-Fi and smartphone frequencies can no longer disturb the sync between the natural rhythm and your brain with Kenkō’s 1.5m protection radius around you. It is also designed to be pocket-sized so you can carry it everywhere like the traditional Omamori is meant to be but with a sleek touch of tech!
The Japanese style of design has taken over the world by storm, ever since it was discovered by the rest of us! There’s something surreal and relaxing about Japanese-inspired products and architecture, that just makes us want to introduce some minimalism into our lives. Whether it comes to the architecture of homes, furniture, kitchen appliances or even shoes we’ve got you covered with a collection of innovative Japanese designs!
Product designer Yoh Komiyama collaborated with Tokyo-based Rinn to create the NEKO Cat Tree. Wood sourced from the forests in the Hida region of Japan was used to craft the series of dowels that make up the majority of the column. The ancient Japanese technique Dabo was used to create this piece!
Made from a single board of bamboo plywood, the OO stool is CNC machine-cut in a way that integrates every single aspect of the stool into its design. Everything you need to build the OO Stool sits within that flat-packed jigsaw-puzzle of bamboo pieces, minimizing waste by using as much negative space as possible.
Opening up like a Japanese fan, this chair by Raw-Edges uses angled “blades” to turn the fan into a chair. A zip on the back, and an elegant clasp on the front lock the chair in seating-mode. Once done, you can immediately collapse it back into a closed fan.
Teaming up with the renowned Japanese Architect Kengo Kuma, ASICS unveiled an edition of the Metaride, an all-white running shoe with a pattern inspired by Japanese Yatara bamboo-weaving, on the shoe’s body. Kuma relied on the age-old technique of Yatara to provide aesthetic dynamism as well as a comfortable fit.
The Magemono Tumbler comes made with a Hasamiyaki porcelain inner vessel, and a Magemono Japanese cedar wood sleeve around the outside, in signature fashion. The Magemono Bread Tray, a fir tree crafted thin tray (available in two sizes) is perfect for meals, especially for the breakfast sandwich, paired with a nicely brewed cup of coffee.
Japanese brand INAX created this collection of bathroom fixtures including sinks, showers, toilets, bath taps, and tiles as an ode to Japanese designs, culture, and traditions. This is as minimal and visually pleasing as it gets!
The Low Table IV by Kai Takeshima has a little secret! Once you lift the tabletop, you can easily access a compact storage space, add its wooden Japanese-inspired aesthetics to the mix, and it could be the perfect minimal addition to your living space.
These Japanese bed joiners by Todo Wood are the perfect combination of cool stone and warm wood and will add an ideal touch of minimalism to your bedroom. However, be careful not to stub your toe against them!
This private residence by architecture firm 07BEACH incorporates a double-height living room with an indoor tree growing at its center. Built for a family of five, the house is designed as one big space so that the parents can keep an eye on their three little children as they constantly move around. It’s the perfect integration of the outdoors with the indoors!
The Foldable Gas Stove Cover Tower by Yamazaki Home converts your stove into a storage or work space! You can simply fit it on top of your stove, and carry on with your cooking prep while creating extra kitchen space!
Mitsubishi’s Bread Oven is in a league of its own with a promise to serve you ‘the perfect toast’ in true Japanese style! Mimicking a waffle maker, the toaster looks like it’s come straight out of the ’80s with its retro-esque veneer brown look. Built with a sealed thermal-insulated structure, it can toast your bread without releasing any moisture, ensuring the bread is soft, fluffy and far from being dry.
Check out more such satisfying and minimal Japanese Designs here!
