Kokoro Obi: A Yukata Sash Designed for Everyone
Nothing says summer like colorful cotton yukata and vibrant obi — but if you’ve ever tried fastening an obi, you’ll know it’s not an easy feat, particularly if you have difficulties with mobility. When a now-former special needs teacher realized the obi’s complicated nature meant many missed out on this special tradition, she decided to do something about it. The result is Kokoro Obi, a sash that can be secured in just five seconds, regardless of body shape or disability. And it’s not limited to yukata, either — these obi add a splash of fun to everyday clothing, too.
From June 19 to 30, visit Seibu department store in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to find yukata and obi sets, plus Kiko Collaboration tonbodama kanzashi hairpins, neckties crafted from obi, Japanese art and more. Orders and inquiries can be accepted via direct message.
Best for: Anyone who struggles with the complexity of traditional Japanese dress or who wants to introduce someone to yukata culture for the first time.
Learn more here.
Hamamonyo Small-Sized Picture Furoshiki
Add a touch of seasonality to your sanctuary with summer-themed wall hangings from Hamamonyo. Made from high-quality cotton shantung featuring a distinctive texture and luster, these small slices of sunshine come in a wide variety of patterns. Traditional motifs for the year’s hottest months include colorful koi in blue-hued ponds, summer blossoms against vivid backgrounds, fi reworks in a kaleidoscope of colors and tantalizing wedges of refreshing watermelon.
Hamamonyo is known for its extensive library of prismatic, elaborately patterned hand towels stencil-dyed in the Yokohama Nassen style, a technique defined by its intricate and radiant designs. Its multiuse cotton towels of various sizes allow you to enjoy the charms of Japan’s four seasons in myriad ways.
Best for: Design-conscious people, art lovers or anyone furnishing a small space who wants seasonal textiles.
Learn more here.
Sphelar Penguin: A Solar-Powered Curio
These crystal-clear, penguin-shaped curios bring a gentle glow to your home, all while shining a light on global warming and the threat it poses to penguin habitats. The glow, emanating from the penguins’ eyes, is generated by bead-shaped Sphelar cells — the world’s first omnidirectional solar cell, which produces electricity by capturing sunlight from all directions. When exposed to light, the eyes radiate green to a maximum of 2 lumens, providing an idea of how much sunlight the surrounding area receives. This feature makes the pintsized penguins the perfect companions for houseplants.
Thanks to a simple structure in which each penguin’s LED components are directly connected to Sphelar solar cells and sealed in place, these figures are resistant to wear and tear — ensuring a long life of luminosity wherever a light shines.
Best for: Design enthusiasts, the science-curious or anyone with houseplants.
Learn more here.
