One&Co has collaborated with OMOTENASHI Selection, an organization that has foreigners living in Japan judge products and identify the best of Japanese crafts, to launch an exhibition of 10 award-winning products. One&Co visitors will be able to experience the history, culture, technology and beauty of Japan in Singapore. In the coworking space, which is an everyday space for business people, visitors will be able to see and touch a variety of Japanese crafts. Furthermore, our Japanese community conductors can introduce visitors to the functionality, design and background of the crafters.
We also hope that the stories of how traditional Japanese crafts have been reinvented to suit modern times will inspire new innovations. One&Co hopes to create a new platform to connect Singapore with Japan and its craftsmen through the medium of traditional Japanese crafts. We look forward to seeing you at the exhibition.
<Exhibits>
①CONCERTO (Social Design Co., Ltd.)
Urushi lacquer art in the neck steals the spotlight
The urushi-lacquered CONCERTO was born as a formal wear bow tie series with the aim of conveying Japanese urushi culture to the world. A simple yet artistic form was achieved by combining three parts, each made with a different technique, which make up the wooden base. In addition, each product features different urushi lacquer techniques such as Maki-e, Raden and Byakudan to convey urushi culture in an easy-to-understand way. The straps are made of Nishijin textiles.
https://omotenashinippon.jp/prize/selection/2021/2100-01-057/?la=en
②WABISABI+ (HONSHU CO.LTD)
Elegant fashion items with Japan’s unique sense of beauty
WABISABI+ dress room sandals can be worn both indoors and outdoors. They got an inspiration from “zori” Japanese traditional footwear and designed for ease of use so that everyone can easily wear it. The sole is company’s unique “platform sole” which the front and back have been raised for maintaining a comfortable and natural balance while walking. The WABISABI+ dress turban is a headdress that employs the same designs used for the thongs of WABISABI+ sandals. Those two items express Japan’s unique sense of beauty and help you enjoy an elegant lifestyle in everyday scenes.
https://omotenashinippon.jp/prize/selection/2021/2100-01-075/?la=en
③Pansy Premium Style Standard (PANSY CORPORATION)
Handmade durable slippers adapting to the New Normal
Pansy Premium Style Standard is a series of antibacterial slippers hand-knitted by skilled craftspeople in Japan. Developed using wooden molds in the same way shoes are made, and the slippers come available in various sizes. The material used is Japan-made durable antibacterial properties which certified by the Society of International sustaining growth for Antimicrobial Articles (SIAA). As applying two types of anti-slip materials that are compatible with various flooring materials, users’ safety and comfort are ensured even on slippery floor, while the sound volume of footsteps is reduced.
https://omotenashinippon.jp/prize/selection/2021/2100-01-067/?la=en
④Nioitori (TAIYO CO., LTD.)
Birds are here for you to solve odor and mold problems
These antibacterial and antifungal sheets inhibit the growth of fungus and bacteria while preventing mold and unpleasant odors by simply hanging them in places where mold is likely to occur. Replace the sheet when the sheet’s color starts fading. The sheet can be cut out in the shape of the bird to adjust the amount to be used according to the location. Both the bird-shaped part and the remaining part can be used. People who have problems of bad odors and molds in their homes can feel the effect and get impressed with their products.
https://omotenashinippon.jp/prize/selection/2021/2100-01-011/?la=en
⑤Napure® FOLDING MIRROR (HORIUCHI MIRROR INDUSTRY CO., LTD.)
Professional-use mirrors reflecting the true color of your skin
Employed with company’s patented NAPURE® mirror, the foldable stand makeup mirror is compact and slim which is convenient for carrying around. The frameless mirror that lets you adjust the angle freely is favored by professional makeup artists. There are four sizes (S to LL) and several color variations to choose from depending on the use. The fabric used has a smooth and comfortable texture. HORIUCHI MIRROR INDUSTRY manufactures provide various professional-use mirrors that can reflect the natural color of your skin as seen by others using high-quality and superior Japan-made mirror.
https://omotenashinippon.jp/prize/selection/2021/2100-01-073/?la=en
⑥Smartphone case made of TATAMI (amtsumg)
Smartphone cases made of Japanese materials from ancient wisdom.
The smartphone case made of tatami, a traditional Japanese flooring material, was born from the company’s hope to bring this incredible material closer to more people. The soft rush used to make tatami helps to regulate humidity and cleanse the air so that Tatami is perfect for Japan’s hot and humid summer. Ever since the idea occurred, the manufacturer has carefully explored the features of tatami and made many improvements to realize a functional product. The subtle aroma of the tatami has a relaxing effect brings you comfort and peace of mind.
https://omotenashinippon.jp/prize/selection/2021/2100-01-023/?la=en
⑦Mt.case / Mt.case(s) (grasspool)
Unzip the mountains and enjoy beautiful sceneries.
What if mountains have a zipper? Such idea has resulted in creating the Mt. case series. As you unzip the pen case and press the top of the mountain, it lets you open the case wide, making it easy to take things out. The color variations are inspired by such beautiful sceneries that the mountains offer each season. The textile of the pen cases come in two patterns that respectively represent the images of a grassy hill and a snowy mountain. You can also enjoy the color of the inner lining.
https://omotenashinippon.jp/prize/selection/2021/2100-01-048/?la=en
⑧COLLECTION 1899 KYOTO (Hisada Art Industry Co., Ltd.)
Silk, sake, and organic extracts treat your hair for moisture and shine.
The salon with 120 years of history in Kyoto introduces the unique lineup of haircare products defying common assumptions—a shampoo that does not leave the hair tangled and dry even used by itself; a conditioner that is silicone-free; and furthermore, conditioner isn’t even necessary when the hair is healthy. The ingredients are designed to be extremely gentle, limiting the cleanser from damaging the hair and scalp. As moisturizing agents, silk extract and Daiginjo sake extract are used, and the product is formulated with seven types of organic extracts certified by the internationally trusted organic certification Ecocert.
https://omotenashinippon.jp/prize/selection/2021/2100-01-069/?la=en
⑨ Bmboo based tableware for sustainable living (Nakayoshi Shoji Co., Ltd)
Eco-friendly Bamboo based tableware in beautifully flowing shapes.
Made of sustainable natural Moso bamboo, RIVERET’s set of “Bamboo based tableware for sustainable living” has an organic feel and makes a soft impression when they touch the mouth. RIVERET started researching the utilization of bamboo in 1988. Through trial and error, they have succeeded in crafting the material into beautiful and eco-friendly tableware. RIVERET aims to reduce the use of plastics and products of petroleum origin and enables consumers to take small actions to help the environment in everyday life by offering bamboo-based tableware as green alternatives to porcelain or glass.
https://omotenashinippon.jp/prize/selection/2021/2100-01-014/?la=en
⑩Artisan teapot (ARTISAN.LLC)
Exquisite teapot representing metal craftmanship of Tsubame City
Artisan teapot is a high-quality teapot made of carefully selected materials from Tsubame city, Niigata and Takaoka city, Toyama. Tsubame city is world-renowned for its metal products, where many of skilled metalworkers work hard and improve their skills day by day. Together with the coloring and processing techniques used in Takaoka city, where is famous for its refined copper products, this exquisite teapot came to life. Each piece is carefully produced manually by skilled craftsmen.
https://omotenashinippon.jp/prize/selection/2019/1900-01-040/?la=en
⑪HEXa (GRIND ARCHITECTS TAKADA+MAEDA)
Auspicious sake cup with Japanese craftsmanship
HEXa is an upgrade on the traditional wooden square sake cup “masu,” which has 1,300 years of history in Japan. The product uses three Hiroshima-produced lumber: hinoki cypress, stiff-leaved juniper and Japanese bigleaf magnolia which are all valuable for their beautiful wood grain, refreshing aroma, high durability, and water resistance. The round outer edge evokes “forever,” and the parts are joined by a method called “irikumi”. HEXa’s combination of hexagon and circles, results in a beautiful and modern design easy to grip and fits along the mouth. Each process from cutting to polishing is done by hand to create.
https://omotenashinippon.jp/prize/selection/2021/2100-01-047/?la=en
OMOTENASHI Selection – A collection of products and services that reflect the spirit of Japanese hospitality. The awards started in 2015 with the desire to share amazing products around Japan that reflect the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship and hospitality to the world.
The OMOTENASHI Selection Award is given to products and services that are recognized to be “overflowing with the unique charms of Japan that should be shared with the world”.