Good Design
Allex Matte Black Stainless Steel Scissors
$ 28.00 USD
Lightweight and sharp, the Allex Matte Black Stainless Steel Scissors are designed to cut through reams of paper, plastic, and even sticky surfaces like duct tape. Its blades are coated with Teflon for optimal wear resistance, while its grips are cushioned with soft rubber rings for maximum comfort. With its sleek matte black finish, this office essential will look as good sitting on your desk as it does tackling your toughest projects.
About Allex Scissors
Allex Stainless Steel Scissors were first introduced to the world in 1974 and immediately won the Japanese Good Design Award for their ergonomic shape and outstanding blade quality. Since that day, their classic design has remained unchanged and is now a familiar sight in offices all over Japan.
Materials: Stainless steel, rubber
Dimensions: 5 ½" L
Gifu, Japan
Allex Stainless Steel Letter Opener
$ 15.00 USD
This award-winning letter opener from Japanese company Allex has been in production since 1975 and will look quite familiar to fans of the company's stainless steel scissors. Its handle and blade are cut from a single sheet of stainless steel, making it extremely durable, and the inside of the handle is lined with a rubber ring for maximum comfort and ease of use.
About Allex Scissors
Allex Stainless Steel Scissors were first introduced to the world in 1974 and immediately won the Japanese Good Design Award for their ergonomic shape and outstanding blade quality. Since that day, their classic design has remained unchanged and is now a familiar sight in offices all over Japan.
Materials: Stainless steel, rubber
Dimensions: 6 ½" L
Gifu, Japan
Allex Stainless Steel Scissors
$ 25.00 USD
These award-winning office scissors from Japanese company Allex have been in production for decades, and for good reason. Their handles and blades are each cut from a single sheet of stainless steel, making them extremely durable, and the inside of each handle is lined with a rubber ring for maximum comfort and ease of use.
About Allex Scissors
Allex Stainless Steel Scissors were first introduced to the world in 1974 and immediately won the Japanese Good Design Award for their ergonomic shape and outstanding blade quality. Since that day, their classic design has remained unchanged and is now a familiar sight in offices all over Japan.
Materials: Stainless steel, rubber
Dimensions: 6 ½" L
Gifu, Japan
CALM Light
$ 82.00 USD
Fearlessly embrace the night with the CALM Light. This simple lighting solution can be easily installed without any need for an outlet and automatically lights up your space when the sun has set, while during the day it acts as an inconspicuous piece of home decor in your choice of walnut, maple, or cherry. The LED light source creates no heat and is powered by two AA batteries that can be recharged with a micro-USB cable. Winner of the 2015 Good Design Award.
About Twodo
Lighting brand Twodo was created by the Shindo Electric Design company to bring to life the designs of engineers Masahiko Shindo and Kozo Ando. With the goal of creating new lighting concepts that focus heavily on simplicity and functionality, they fabricate unique lights that exude style and warmth.
Materials: Oil-finished natural wood, ABS, acrylic
Dimensions: L: 2.56” x W: 2.56” x H: .79”
Light source: LED (warm white, 2700K)
Power supply: Two built-in rechargeable AA batteries (can be replaced with commercially available AA batteries)
Battery life: More than 1 month per charge (when lighting for 12 hours a day), with up to 2100 charges per set of built-in batteries
Katagami, Japan
Chikuno House Cube - Natural Air Purifier
$ 202.00 USD
The Chikuno Cube is a natural air purifier made from activated charcoal and clay minerals. The micro-honeycomb structure of the cubes is engineered to optimize the total surface area of the charcoal and amplify its effectiveness, allowing this four-cube set to absorb odors, moisture, and impurities in enclosed spaces of up to 68 sq. ft. Each set also comes with a wooden base, available in one of two colors.
Winner of the 2008 Good Design Award. Available for a limited time.
About Binchotan Charcoal
Revered in Japan since the Edo Period, binchotan is a premium activated charcoal that serves as a natural air and water purifier. Its innate detoxifying properties make it a potent addition to many beauty and wellness goods, where it helps to cleanse on a microscopic level. See our full line of binchotan products here, and learn more in the rikumo journal.
Materials: Activated bamboo charcoal, clay, wood
Dimensions: 5" L x 1 ½" W x 6" H
Care Instructions: Refresh cubes by exposing them to direct sunlight for at least six hours each month. This helps to release trapped odors and extends the cubes' lifespans.
Kyoto, Japan
Goat's Milk Travel Soap
$ 16.00 USD
– Sold OutA pack of miniature travel soaps to take with you during business trips or family visits. Fragrance-free and especially kind to sensitive skin, these cold process soaps are handmade with milk from grass-fed goats raised on the workshop’s premises. Sweet almond and jojoba oils produce a soft, gentle lather to massage your face, body, and even hair up to three times. Individually wrapped for portability, these artisanal soaps also make wonderful hostess gifts.
Winner of 2013 Good Design Award.
About the Workshop
Nestled in a coastal village in Hyago, the Marubishi workshop has been making artisanal soaps since 1945. Their soaps are made with 100% natural ingredients and no preservatives, with a mission to highlight the traditional botanical resources of Japan.
Ingredients: Goat Milk, Olive Oil, Palm Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Cocoa Butter, Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Water, Sodium hydroxide.
Dimensions: 0.4" x 0.8" (for each piece- set includes 16 pieces)
Hyogo, Japan
Karmi Tea Canister - Kama
$ 202.00 USD
Keep your favorite tea leaves, coffee, and spices fresh and ready for use with this stunning example of Yamanaka lacquerware. Each piece in the Karmi collection is made from solid cherry birch wood expertly sculpted through traditional techniques before being lacquered and dried over the course of nearly a year. Thanks to Gato's precision and level of expertise, the canister has a nearly airtight seal despite being made from wood.
Specifically designed with matcha in mind, this style features a second inner lid to prevent spills. Holds 100g.
About Gato
Hailing from the Yamanaka region of Japan, where lacquering has been practiced since the 16th century, Gato’s collection of beautiful vessels is born from traditional techniques requiring the highest level of skill. Through meticulous cutting, carving, shaving, and lacquering, the artisans at Gato manage to mold wood into works of art that pay homage to their arboreal origins. Each lightweight piece showcases an exquisite wood grain unmarred by the production process and is as functional as it is beautiful.
Read more about Yamanaka lacquerware in the rikumo journal.
Materials: Cherry birch wood
Dimensions: Height: 4½” Diameter: 2½”
Care: Not microwave- or dishwasher-safe. Gently wash by hand and dry immediately.
Yamanaka, Japan
Karmi Tea Canister - So
$ 126.00 USD
– Sold OutKeep your favorite tea leaves, coffee, and spices fresh and ready for use with this stunning example of Yamanaka lacquerware. Each piece in the Karmi collection is made from solid cherry birch wood expertly sculpted through traditional techniques before being lacquered and dried over the course of nearly a year. Thanks to Gato's precision and level of expertise, the canister has a nearly airtight seal despite being made from wood.
This canister is shorter than the others. Holds 50g.
About Gato
Hailing from the Yamanaka region of Japan, where lacquering has been practiced since the 16th century, Gato’s collection of beautiful vessels is born from traditional techniques requiring the highest level of skill. Through meticulous cutting, carving, shaving, and lacquering, the artisans at Gato manage to mold wood into works of art that pay homage to their arboreal origins. Each lightweight piece showcases an exquisite wood grain unmarred by the production process and is as functional as it is beautiful.
Read more about Yamanaka lacquerware in the rikumo journal.
Materials: Cherry birch wood
Dimensions: Height: 1½” Diameter: 3½”
Care: Not microwave- or dishwasher-safe. Gently wash by hand and dry immediately.
Yamanaka, Japan
Karmi Tea Canister - Tawara
$ 202.00 USD
Keep your favorite tea leaves, coffee, and spices fresh and ready for use with this stunning example of Yamanaka lacquerware. Each piece in the Karmi collection is made from solid cherry birch wood expertly sculpted through traditional techniques before being lacquered and dried over the course of nearly a year. Thanks to Gato's precision and level of expertise, the canister has a nearly airtight seal despite being made from wood.
Specifically designed with matcha in mind, this style features a second inner lid to prevent spills. Holds 100g.
About Gato
Hailing from the Yamanaka region of Japan, where lacquering has been practiced since the 16th century, Gato’s collection of beautiful vessels is born from traditional techniques requiring the highest level of skill. Through meticulous cutting, carving, shaving, and lacquering, the artisans at Gato manage to mold wood into works of art that pay homage to their arboreal origins. Each lightweight piece showcases an exquisite wood grain unmarred by the production process and is as functional as it is beautiful.
Read more about Yamanaka lacquerware in the rikumo journal.
Materials: Cherry birch wood
Dimensions: Height: 4½” Diameter: 2½”
Care: Gato woodworks are not microwave or dishwasher safe. Wash by hand and dry immediately.
Yamanaka, Japan
Karmi Tea Canister, Toku
$ 202.00 USD
Keep your favorite tea leaves, coffee, and spices fresh and ready for use with this stunning example of Yamanaka lacquerware. Each piece in the Karmi collection is made from solid cherry birch wood expertly sculpted through traditional techniques before being lacquered and dried over the course of nearly a year. Thanks to Gato's precision and level of expertise, the canister has a nearly airtight seal despite being made from wood.
Specifically designed with matcha in mind, this style features a second inner lid to prevent spills. Holds 100g.
About Gato
Hailing from the Yamanaka region of Japan, where lacquering has been practiced since the 16th century, Gato’s collection of beautiful vessels is born from traditional techniques requiring the highest level of skill. Through meticulous cutting, carving, shaving, and lacquering, the artisans at Gato manage to mold wood into works of art that pay homage to their arboreal origins. Each lightweight piece showcases an exquisite wood grain unmarred by the production process and is as functional as it is beautiful.
Read more about Yamanaka lacquerware in the rikumo journal.
Materials: Cherry birch wood
Dimensions: 2 ½" x 4 ½" H
Care: Not microwave- or dishwasher-safe. Gently wash by hand and dry immediately.
Yamanaka, Japan
Sake Travel Soap
$ 16.00 USD
These miniature cold process soaps are made with premium sake from a 260-year old Kobe brewery. It is said that the natural amino acids found in sake have given brewers silky-smooth hands for centuries. Luxurious hinoki and camellia oils lather up to massage your face, body, and even hair up to three times. Individually wrapped for portability, these artisanal soaps are perfect for traveling on a business trip or a family holiday, and also make wonderful hostess gifts.
Winner of 2013 Good Design Award.
About the Workshop:
Nestled in a coastal village in Hyago, the Marubishi workshop has been making artisanal soaps since 1945. Their soaps are made with 100% natural ingredients and no preservatives, with a mission to highlight the traditional botanical resources of Japan.
Ingredients: Rice fermentation liquor (sake), Olive Oil, Sesame Oil, Castor oil, Rice Bran Oil, Camellia Oil, Hinoki Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Palm Oil, Sodium hydroxide.
Dimensions: 0.4" x 0.8" (for each piece- set includes 16 pieces)
Hyogo, Japan
Shinanoki Wooden Tray
$ 50.00 USD
A 2017 Good Design Award winner, this simple rectangular tray is manufactured by artisans in Kagawa Prefecture. An exercise in straightforward design, each tray is almost completely flat with a pleasant curve at the edge to create a comfortable grip and securely hold whatever it is you wish to carry. Effective and long-lasting if properly maintained, they are tested to ensure over 3,000 washes and are entirely food-safe.
Materials: Shinanoki (small-leaved linden) wood
Dimensions:
Small: 12.8" L x 9.4" W x 0.5" H
Large: 15.6" L x 11.2" W x 0.5" H
Care: Handle carefully, as bending or dropping may cause cracks or chips. Please note that due to the nature of the wood, this product may warp if exposed to excessive moisture or improperly maintained. Although it is highly water-resistant, stains may set if left in contact, so be sure to promptly wipe up any spills; hand wash when necessary, drying immediately and thoroughly.
Kagawa, Japan
Sori Yanagi Stainless Steel Kitchen Tool Set
$ 110.00 USD
This collection of essential kitchen tools is made in the Niigata region of Japan, an area renowned for producing metal wares of the highest quality. Each set includes a ladle, spatula, and serving spoon. Winner of the 2008 Good Design Award.
About Sori Yanagi
Legendary designer Sori Yanagi is known as the heir of the Japanese folk art movement. His inventive products - from common cookware to his famed Butterfly Chair - have inspired modernist Japanese designs since the 1950s. Every kitchen tool he designs embodies the values of simplicity and practicality, celebrating organic forms over popular trends, elegance over superficiality, and efficiency over frivolity.
Materials: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 9" L x 3" W
Care: Dishwasher Safe
Niigata, Japan
Sori Yanagi Stainless Steel Tea Kettle
$ 195.00 USD
– Sold OutEvery feature of the Sori Yanagi Stainless Steel Tea Kettle exudes the kind of pragmatism for which the legendary designer's creations are known. With a built-in filter for brewing tea and a wide bottom that facilitates rapid boiling, this elegant kettle aims to anticipate your needs and solve common kitchen inconveniences. Each kettle is made in Niigata, Japan - a region famous for its high-quality stainless steel wares - and since its debut in 1994, this humble kettle has been Sori Yanagi's best-selling product. Winner of the 1998 Good Design Award.
About Sori Yanagi
Legendary designer Sori Yanagi is known as the heir of the Japanese folk art movement. His inventive products - from common cookware to his famed Butterfly Chair - have inspired modernist Japanese designs since the 1950s. Every kitchen tool he designs embodies the values of simplicity and practicality, celebrating organic forms over popular trends, elegance over superficiality, and efficiency over frivolity.
Materials: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 7 ¾" D x 9" H
Care: Dishwasher safe
Niigata, Japan
Sori Yanagi Stainless Steel Tongs
$ 36.00 USD
Created by renowned product designer Sori Yanagi, this all-purpose kitchen tool is constructed from a single sheet of stainless steel. The elegant, streamlined silhouette is sturdy enough for everyday use and very easy to clean. Winner of the 1998 Good Design Award.
About Sori Yanagi
Legendary designer Sori Yanagi is known as the heir of the Japanese folk art movement. His inventive products - from common cookware to his famed Butterfly Chair - have inspired modernist Japanese designs since the 1950s. Every kitchen tool he designs embodies the values of simplicity and practicality, celebrating organic forms over popular trends, elegance over superficiality, and efficiency over frivolity.
Materials: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 8 ½" L x 2" W
Care: Dishwasher safe
Niigata, Japan
Trusco Tool Box, T-150
$ 24.50 USD
The Trusco Tool Box has developed a cult following among makers and hobbyists for its durability, versatility, and inimitable craftsmanship. Made from pressed steel, these endlessly useful storage boxes combine the industrial look of vintage toolboxes with the precision of modern engineering. The T-150 model was designed for easy storage and features corner dents on the cover and base for stacking. It can even be used as a storage unit in your drawers for art supplies, maintenance tools, your sewing kit, or whatever else you may need. Note: Tools not included.
About Trusco
Trusco was founded in 1959 as a pro tool manufacturer to support Japan’s manufacturing industry. The name Trusco comes from the words “Trust” and “Company” for their commitment to honest business practices. Trusco toolboxes have become staples in garages and tool sheds throughout Japan and have developed a cult following amongst design aficionados for their simple, pared-down design and impeccable quality.
Materials: Painted steel
Dimensions: 7.7" L x 6.1" W x 2.1" H
Care: Use a steel cleaner with a clean rag or cloth
Fukui, Japan
Trusco Tool Box, T-190
$ 26.00 USD
The Trusco Tool Box has developed a cult following among makers and hobbyists for its durability, versatility, and inimitable craftsmanship. Made from pressed steel, these endlessly useful storage boxes combine the industrial look of vintage toolboxes with the precision of modern engineering. The T-190 model was designed for easy storage and features corner dents on the cover and base for stacking. It can even be used as a storage unit in your drawers for art supplies, your sewing kit, school supplies, or whatever else you may need. Note: Tools not included.
About Trusco
Trusco was founded in 1959 as a pro tool manufacturer to support Japan’s manufacturing industry. The name Trusco comes from the words “Trust” and “Company” for their commitment to honest business practices. Trusco toolboxes have become staples in garages and tool sheds throughout Japan, and have developed a cult following amongst design aficionados for their simple, pared-down design and impeccable quality.
Materials: Painted steel
Dimensions: 8.0" L x 4.3" W x 2.2" H
Care: Use a steel cleaner with a clean rag or cloth.
Fukui, Japan
Trusco Tool Box, T-320
$ 40.50 USD
The Trusco Tool Box has developed a cult following among makers and hobbyists for its durability, versatility, and inimitable craftsmanship. Made from pressed steel, these endlessly useful storage boxes combine the industrial look of vintage toolboxes with the precision of modern engineering. The T-320 model is a medium-sized flat box with a collapsible handle and a metal latch with space for a 25mm padlock. Use to store art supplies, tools, your sewing kit, or whatever else you may need. Note: Tools not included.
About Trusco
Trusco was founded in 1959 as a pro tool manufacturer to support Japan’s manufacturing industry. The name Trusco comes from the words “Trust” and “Company” for their commitment to honest business practices. Trusco toolboxes have become staples in garages and tool sheds throughout Japan, and have developed a cult following amongst design aficionados for their simple, pared-down design and impeccable quality.
Materials: Painted steel
Dimensions: 13.4" L x 5.4" W x 3.8" H
Care: Use a steel cleaner with a clean rag or cloth.
Fukui, Japan
Trusco Tool Box, Y-350
$ 54.50 USD
The Trusco Tool Box has developed a cult following among makers and hobbyists for its durability, versatility, and inimitable craftsmanship. Made from pressed steel, these endlessly useful storage boxes combine the industrial look of vintage toolboxes with the precision of modern engineering. The Y-350 model features a peaked roof to store bulky tools, a collapsible handle for easy storage, and a metal latch with space for a 25mm padlock. Use to store art supplies, tools, your sewing kit, or whatever else you may need. Note: Tools not included.
About Trusco
Trusco was founded in 1959 as a pro tool manufacturer to support Japan’s manufacturing industry. The name Trusco comes from the words “Trust” and “Company” for their commitment to honest business practices. Trusco toolboxes have become staples in garages and tool sheds throughout Japan, and have developed a cult following amongst design aficionados for their simple, pared-down design and impeccable quality.
Materials: Painted steel
Dimensions: 14.7" L x 6.5" W x 4.9" H
Care: Use a steel cleaner with a clean rag or cloth.
Fukui, Japan
Walnut Wooden Tray
$ 50.00 USD
A 2017 Good Design Award winner, this simple rectangular tray is manufactured by artisans in Kagawa Prefecture. An exercise in straightforward design, each tray is almost completely flat with a pleasant curve at the edge to create a comfortable grip and securely hold whatever it is you wish to carry. Effective and long-lasting if properly maintained, they are tested to ensure over 3,000 washes and are entirely food-safe.
Materials: Walnut wood
Dimensions:
Small: 12.8" L x 9.4" W x 0.5" H
Large: 15.6" L x 11.2" W x 0.5" H
Care: Handle carefully, as bending or dropping may cause cracks or chips. Please note that due to the nature of the wood, this product may warp if exposed to excessive moisture or improperly maintained. Although it is highly water-resistant, stains may set if left in contact, so be sure to promptly wipe up any spills; hand wash when necessary, drying immediately and thoroughly.
Kagawa, Japan
Zebra Blen Pen 0.5 Bk Brl
$ 3.25 USD
This pen is the result of a collaboration between stationery brand Zebra and design studio nendo. This project was intended to be like a compact car: practical and comfortable with great handling. Design features include a low center of gravity to increase comfort, internal springs to reduce pen noise, a satisfying clicker action, and a rubberized grip. This black-barreled variety writes in black 0.5 mm Zebra emulsion gel.
About nendo
nendo is a design studio created in 2002 by acclaimed designer Oki Sato. From their offices in Tokyo, Milan, and Singapore, the nendo team designs furniture, home interiors, household products, and objets d'art that are simple yet ingenious. The group's name means "free-form clay" in Japanese and conveys their approach to creativity and design.
Materials: Plastic, metal, rubber, ink
Dimensions: Length: 5.7" Diameter: 0.36"
Tokyo, Japan
Zebra Blen Pen 0.5 Gy Brl
$ 3.25 USD
This pen is the result of a collaboration between stationery brand Zebra and design studio nendo. This project was intended to be like a compact car: practical and comfortable with great handling. Design features include a low center of gravity to increase comfort, internal springs to reduce pen noise, a satisfying clicker action, and a rubberized grip. This grey-barreled variety writes in black 0.5 mm Zebra emulsion gel.
About nendo
nendo is a design studio created in 2002 by acclaimed designer Oki Sato. From their offices in Tokyo, Milan, and Singapore, the nendo team designs furniture, home interiors, household products, and objets d'art that are simple yet ingenious. The group's name means "free-form clay" in Japanese and conveys their approach to creativity and design.
Materials: Plastic, metal, rubber, ink
Dimensions: Length: 5.7" Diameter: 0.36"
Tokyo, Japan
Zebra Blen Pen 0.5 Wh Brl
$ 3.25 USD
This pen is the result of a collaboration between stationery brand Zebra and design studio nendo. This project was intended to be like a compact car: practical and comfortable with great handling. Design features include a low center of gravity to increase comfort, internal springs to reduce pen noise, a satisfying clicker action, and a rubberized grip. This white-barreled variety writes in either red or blue 0.5 mm Zebra emulsion gel.
About nendo
nendo is a design studio created in 2002 by acclaimed designer Oki Sato. From their offices in Tokyo, Milan, and Singapore, the nendo team designs furniture, home interiors, household products, and objets d'art that are simple yet ingenious. The group's name means "free-form clay" in Japanese and conveys their approach to creativity and design.
Materials: Plastic, metal, rubber, ink
Dimensions: Length: 5.7" Diameter: 0.36"
Tokyo, Japan
