Umbrella fabric has been used as the lining for an iPhone case!
Umbrella fabric from Makita Shoten has been combined with Yamanashi Prefecture's traditional crafts, Koshu Inden and jewelry processing techniques, to create a notebook-style case for the iPhone.
Please take a look at it.
Below is the press release from the distributor, Fonet.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
"TSUNAGU" is a luxury notebook-style case for iPhone that combines the processing techniques of Yamanashi Prefecture's traditional crafts, "Koshu Inden," "jewelry," and "textiles." It will go on sale from December 20, 2016.
Phonet Co., Ltd. (Head office: Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture; CEO: Eiichi Shimizu), which operates a variety of businesses, including mobile phone retail stores, mainly in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, has developed "TSUNAGU," a luxury wallet-style case for iPhone, made with materials and designs that make full use of the advanced processing techniques of traditional Yamanashi crafts such as "Koshu Inden," "jewelry," and "textiles." Nationwide sales will begin on Tuesday, December 20, 2016.
"TSUNAGU" product concept
[Connect]
～TSUNAGU～
Yamanashi has many wonderful local industries that have been passed down through a long history, and the techniques that have been passed down over the years have been passed down from generation to generation.
We have combined and combined the traditional crafts of Koshu Inden, jewelry, and textiles to create a single product.
Furthermore, we named the product "TSUNAGU" based on the concept of promoting Yamanashi's local industrial products overseas and connecting Yamanashi with the rest of the world.
■ A wallet-style case for iPhone that combines traditional craftsmanship passed down in Yamanashi
"TSUNAGU," which Phonet will begin selling nationwide from Tuesday, December 20, 2016, is a notebook-style case for iPhone 7/6/6s that was jointly developed with a local company, bringing together and utilizing the processing techniques of traditional Yamanashi crafts such as "Koshu Inden," "jewelry," and "textiles," which Yamanashi Prefecture is proud of.
Koshu Inden is characterized by deerskin with lacquer patterns applied, and is a traditional craft that has been passed down in Yamanashi Prefecture for many years. Its soft texture is utilized to make bags and other items.
The prefecture is known worldwide for its world-class jewelry production, boasting some of the highest levels of technology, and is also a major jewelry production area. Polishing techniques have been refined and honed, and the prefecture now accounts for one-third of the national share of jewelry shipments.
Yamanashi's textiles have their roots in Kai silk, which has captured people's hearts since the Edo period with its unique luster and texture, and even today the region produces high-quality textiles using pre-dyed, fine-count, and high-density techniques.
In October 2013, Phonet applied the jewelry processing technology of Yamanashi Prefecture's local industry to jointly develop and sell "KOKU," a jewelry case and ring set for iPhones studded with 207 precious stones and engraved with a serial number, in collaboration with Akiyama Seisakusho.
The newly released "TSUNAGU" focuses on traditional crafts that have been passed down for a long time in Yamanashi: Koshu Inden, jewelry, and textiles. By combining advanced processing techniques, we have achieved high quality, design, and ease of use. We hope to promote this luxury "MADE IN JAPAN" item not only to iPhone users in Japan, but also to the world.
■“TSUNAGU” product overview
・Product name: TSUNAGU
・Release date: Tuesday, December 20, 2016
- Size (same size for men and women)
Height 146mm
Width 80mm
Thickness 20mm (including jewelry part)
*Size and total weight when closed Men's model: 60g
Women's model: 61g
・Material table Notebook part: Inden (deerskin)
Jewelry: Men's model: Precious metal: 925 silver, Stone: Onyx, Finish: Smoked finish. Women's model: Precious metal: 925 silver, Stone: Garnet, Finish: Nickel-rhodium plated.
Notebook lining: 100% polyester
Weaving: Gunnai Textiles Pre-dyed Jacquard
Design: Shinya Wakaoka, a graphic designer living in Yamanashi Prefecture
・Suggested retail price: 39,800 yen (excluding tax)
・Sales destinations: All Phonet stores Phonet website (Phonet Mall)
Fuji World Heritage Center and other retailers (we are always looking for retailers)
※For inquiries to stores wishing to sell, please contact 055-223-6622, Person in charge: Ashizawa
■Introduction to the manufacturers and technologies of each part of "TSUNAGU"
[Yamamoto Inden] ( http://www.yamamoto-inden.com/ )
Address: 3-8-4 Asake, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, 400-0862
Phone: 055-233-1942
Product Manager: Yusuke Yamamoto, President and CEO
Yamamoto Inden is a store that sells Koshu Inden, a traditional craft designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
We are the only company in Japan that manufactures and sells the traditional Yamanashi craft of deerskin and lacquer under the direction of a certified Koshu Inden traditional craftsman. At Yamamoto Inden, we pay homage to the work of our predecessors and are constantly exploring what Inden should be like in the new era.
・While the traditional techniques of Koshu Inden have been preserved for the production of this iPhone case, new patterns and shapes have been adopted specifically for this case. We hope you will enjoy the overall atmosphere that has never been seen before in Inden, and the wonderful collaboration between a digital device like the iPhone and a traditional craft like Inden.
Akiyama Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ( http://www.akiyama-pearl.co.jp/ )
Address: 4-4-15 Joto, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, 400-0861
Phone: 055-233-3101
Product manager: Representative Director Yutaro Akiyama
Akiyama Seisakusho Co., Ltd. is a jewelry manufacturer and wholesaler based in Yamanashi. In addition to popular products such as the Magpita and A-1 Clasp, the company is also attracting attention for its "Mount Fuji Brooch" and newly developed "Magrevo" and "Duckman" products.
・For the production of this iPhone case, I was in charge of manufacturing the decorative metal fittings for the case. I struggled with how to combine the jewelry without losing the beauty of Inden, and with adjusting the form and finishing methods to harmonize with the overall design. Since we used large stones, we hope you will enjoy the unique cuts that only large stones can offer. The metal parts are also finished to be just as stylish as the stones, with the men's version being cooler and the women's version being beautiful, and I think they make a statement as a focal point for the entire case.
[Makita Shoten] ( http://www.makita-1866.jp/ )
Address: 1717 Onuma, Nishikatsura-cho, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture, 403-0022
Phone: 0555-25-3111
Product Manager: Managing Director Yoichi Makita
Makita Shoten is located in Nishikatsura Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, the "hometown of Japanese umbrellas." Founded in 1866, we began by dealing in Kai silk, a local specialty at the time, and now utilize that technology to manufacture umbrella fabric, clothing materials, and Western-style umbrellas. We began full-scale umbrella fabric production in 1954, and are now equipped with large-scale electronic jacquard looms that no other company has, and manufacture yarn-dyed fabrics backed by the know-how and reliable technology accumulated over many years of history.
-For the production of this iPhone case, we were responsible for everything from the requested design to creating the fabric pattern data, and weaving and finishing the logo jacquard fabric (including processing to make it water-repellent).
We had a lot of trouble expressing the fine details of the logo we were asked to weave.
The TSUNAGU logo is expressed in satin using grosgrain, a woven fabric often used for the lining of wallets, bags, etc. The fabric is processed in the same way as umbrellas, making it water-repellent and waterproof.
[Shinya Wakaoka, Department Head]
graphic designer
Born in Ishikawa Prefecture in 1982. After graduating from art school, he worked at an advertising agency and a design firm before going independent and currently lives in Yamanashi.
・For the production of this iPhone case, we came up with a design that would bring out the characteristics of the material, based on the concept of connecting various images of Yamanashi with Yamanashi's industry. We hope that you will think about the region of Yamanashi as well as the appeal of the material.
About Phonet Co., Ltd.
Head office: 2-10-6 Shimoishidate, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, 400-0046
Representative: Representative Director Eiichi Shimizu Established: May 1998 Telephone number: 055-237-1622 (main)
URL: http://www.phonet.jp/
Business: Operation of mobile phone sales stores in Yamanashi Prefecture and the Kanto-Koshinetsu region (currently operating a total of 29 stores as of November 2016), reuse business, regional revitalization projects, etc.
[Contact information for those interested in retail sales]
Company name: Fonet Co., Ltd. Person in charge: Sales Representative Takahiro Ashizawa
TEL: 055-223-6622 (direct)
[Contact information for general product inquiries]
Company name: Fonet Person in charge: Product manager Daisuke Takahashi
TEL: 055-237-1622 (main)
Please take a look at it.
Below is the press release from the distributor, Fonet.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
"TSUNAGU" is a luxury notebook-style case for iPhone that combines the processing techniques of Yamanashi Prefecture's traditional crafts, "Koshu Inden," "jewelry," and "textiles." It will go on sale from December 20, 2016.
Phonet Co., Ltd. (Head office: Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture; CEO: Eiichi Shimizu), which operates a variety of businesses, including mobile phone retail stores, mainly in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, has developed "TSUNAGU," a luxury wallet-style case for iPhone, made with materials and designs that make full use of the advanced processing techniques of traditional Yamanashi crafts such as "Koshu Inden," "jewelry," and "textiles." Nationwide sales will begin on Tuesday, December 20, 2016.
"TSUNAGU" product concept
[Connect]
～TSUNAGU～
Yamanashi has many wonderful local industries that have been passed down through a long history, and the techniques that have been passed down over the years have been passed down from generation to generation.
We have combined and combined the traditional crafts of Koshu Inden, jewelry, and textiles to create a single product.
Furthermore, we named the product "TSUNAGU" based on the concept of promoting Yamanashi's local industrial products overseas and connecting Yamanashi with the rest of the world.
■ A wallet-style case for iPhone that combines traditional craftsmanship passed down in Yamanashi
"TSUNAGU," which Phonet will begin selling nationwide from Tuesday, December 20, 2016, is a notebook-style case for iPhone 7/6/6s that was jointly developed with a local company, bringing together and utilizing the processing techniques of traditional Yamanashi crafts such as "Koshu Inden," "jewelry," and "textiles," which Yamanashi Prefecture is proud of.
Koshu Inden is characterized by deerskin with lacquer patterns applied, and is a traditional craft that has been passed down in Yamanashi Prefecture for many years. Its soft texture is utilized to make bags and other items.
The prefecture is known worldwide for its world-class jewelry production, boasting some of the highest levels of technology, and is also a major jewelry production area. Polishing techniques have been refined and honed, and the prefecture now accounts for one-third of the national share of jewelry shipments.
Yamanashi's textiles have their roots in Kai silk, which has captured people's hearts since the Edo period with its unique luster and texture, and even today the region produces high-quality textiles using pre-dyed, fine-count, and high-density techniques.
In October 2013, Phonet applied the jewelry processing technology of Yamanashi Prefecture's local industry to jointly develop and sell "KOKU," a jewelry case and ring set for iPhones studded with 207 precious stones and engraved with a serial number, in collaboration with Akiyama Seisakusho.
The newly released "TSUNAGU" focuses on traditional crafts that have been passed down for a long time in Yamanashi: Koshu Inden, jewelry, and textiles. By combining advanced processing techniques, we have achieved high quality, design, and ease of use. We hope to promote this luxury "MADE IN JAPAN" item not only to iPhone users in Japan, but also to the world.
■“TSUNAGU” product overview
・Product name: TSUNAGU
・Release date: Tuesday, December 20, 2016
- Size (same size for men and women)
Height 146mm
Width 80mm
Thickness 20mm (including jewelry part)
*Size and total weight when closed Men's model: 60g
Women's model: 61g
・Material table Notebook part: Inden (deerskin)
Jewelry: Men's model: Precious metal: 925 silver, Stone: Onyx, Finish: Smoked finish. Women's model: Precious metal: 925 silver, Stone: Garnet, Finish: Nickel-rhodium plated.
Notebook lining: 100% polyester
Weaving: Gunnai Textiles Pre-dyed Jacquard
Design: Shinya Wakaoka, a graphic designer living in Yamanashi Prefecture
・Suggested retail price: 39,800 yen (excluding tax)
・Sales destinations: All Phonet stores Phonet website (Phonet Mall)
Fuji World Heritage Center and other retailers (we are always looking for retailers)
※For inquiries to stores wishing to sell, please contact 055-223-6622, Person in charge: Ashizawa
■Introduction to the manufacturers and technologies of each part of "TSUNAGU"
[Yamamoto Inden] ( http://www.yamamoto-inden.com/ )
Address: 3-8-4 Asake, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, 400-0862
Phone: 055-233-1942
Product Manager: Yusuke Yamamoto, President and CEO
Yamamoto Inden is a store that sells Koshu Inden, a traditional craft designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
We are the only company in Japan that manufactures and sells the traditional Yamanashi craft of deerskin and lacquer under the direction of a certified Koshu Inden traditional craftsman. At Yamamoto Inden, we pay homage to the work of our predecessors and are constantly exploring what Inden should be like in the new era.
・While the traditional techniques of Koshu Inden have been preserved for the production of this iPhone case, new patterns and shapes have been adopted specifically for this case. We hope you will enjoy the overall atmosphere that has never been seen before in Inden, and the wonderful collaboration between a digital device like the iPhone and a traditional craft like Inden.
Akiyama Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ( http://www.akiyama-pearl.co.jp/ )
Address: 4-4-15 Joto, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, 400-0861
Phone: 055-233-3101
Product manager: Representative Director Yutaro Akiyama
Akiyama Seisakusho Co., Ltd. is a jewelry manufacturer and wholesaler based in Yamanashi. In addition to popular products such as the Magpita and A-1 Clasp, the company is also attracting attention for its "Mount Fuji Brooch" and newly developed "Magrevo" and "Duckman" products.
・For the production of this iPhone case, I was in charge of manufacturing the decorative metal fittings for the case. I struggled with how to combine the jewelry without losing the beauty of Inden, and with adjusting the form and finishing methods to harmonize with the overall design. Since we used large stones, we hope you will enjoy the unique cuts that only large stones can offer. The metal parts are also finished to be just as stylish as the stones, with the men's version being cooler and the women's version being beautiful, and I think they make a statement as a focal point for the entire case.
[Makita Shoten] ( http://www.makita-1866.jp/ )
Address: 1717 Onuma, Nishikatsura-cho, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture, 403-0022
Phone: 0555-25-3111
Product Manager: Managing Director Yoichi Makita
Makita Shoten is located in Nishikatsura Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, the "hometown of Japanese umbrellas." Founded in 1866, we began by dealing in Kai silk, a local specialty at the time, and now utilize that technology to manufacture umbrella fabric, clothing materials, and Western-style umbrellas. We began full-scale umbrella fabric production in 1954, and are now equipped with large-scale electronic jacquard looms that no other company has, and manufacture yarn-dyed fabrics backed by the know-how and reliable technology accumulated over many years of history.
-For the production of this iPhone case, we were responsible for everything from the requested design to creating the fabric pattern data, and weaving and finishing the logo jacquard fabric (including processing to make it water-repellent).
We had a lot of trouble expressing the fine details of the logo we were asked to weave.
The TSUNAGU logo is expressed in satin using grosgrain, a woven fabric often used for the lining of wallets, bags, etc. The fabric is processed in the same way as umbrellas, making it water-repellent and waterproof.
[Shinya Wakaoka, Department Head]
graphic designer
Born in Ishikawa Prefecture in 1982. After graduating from art school, he worked at an advertising agency and a design firm before going independent and currently lives in Yamanashi.
・For the production of this iPhone case, we came up with a design that would bring out the characteristics of the material, based on the concept of connecting various images of Yamanashi with Yamanashi's industry. We hope that you will think about the region of Yamanashi as well as the appeal of the material.
About Phonet Co., Ltd.
Head office: 2-10-6 Shimoishidate, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, 400-0046
Representative: Representative Director Eiichi Shimizu Established: May 1998 Telephone number: 055-237-1622 (main)
URL: http://www.phonet.jp/
Business: Operation of mobile phone sales stores in Yamanashi Prefecture and the Kanto-Koshinetsu region (currently operating a total of 29 stores as of November 2016), reuse business, regional revitalization projects, etc.
[Contact information for those interested in retail sales]
Company name: Fonet Co., Ltd. Person in charge: Sales Representative Takahiro Ashizawa
TEL: 055-223-6622 (direct)
[Contact information for general product inquiries]
Company name: Fonet Person in charge: Product manager Daisuke Takahashi
TEL: 055-237-1622 (main)
