In Japan presentation is everything, especially when it comes to gift-giving and packaging. In fact, sometimes packaging can be a selling point all on its own, like with these mix-and-match Gogo no Kocha (“Afternoon Tea”) bottles by Kirin.
One designer has recently discovered a recipe for success by combining minimalistic art with stationery, another thing Japan tends to do extremely well. The design, featuring rubber bands with tiny bows on them, hit the market earlier this month and is being praised for adding some creative flair to an otherwise boring, everyday object.
The series of rubber bands in question, called the mizuhiki band, is based on the traditional art of using mizuhiki, or rice paper cord, to make decorative knots on gift envelopes, among other uses.
The idea for mizuhiki band was first thought up by Japanese designer Yu Aso two years ago for the Kokuyo Design Award in 2013, sponsored by the brand Kokuyo, a leader in stationery products.
After some re-tooling to get it just right for the overseas market, the bands are due to hit retailers soon, in your choice of red, pink, blue, or green. Each pack will contain seven rubber bands.
Overall the product has received praise from stationery lovers around the world for its simplistic nod to Japanese culture not only in design, but on the label itself.
In Japanese, rubber bands are called wagomu with “wa” meaning “band” and written with the kanji character 輪. On the package for mizuhiki band, though, the kanji 輪 is replaced with 和, also pronounced “wa” but meaning “Japanese” or “harmony”. We certainly have to agree that receiving a present wrapped with one of them is sure to leave you feeling pleased.
Next time you need to add a little effortless flair to a card, present, or freebie, how about using one of these cute little ties?
For those interested, Spoon & Tamago is currently taking pre-orders for the mizuhiki band, scheduled to ship out sometime in November.
Source: Colossal
Images: Spoon & Tamago
War in Iran threatening Japan’s pudding production
Tokyo store makes you to pass a quiz in order to buy Pokémon cards as part of anti-scalper policy
What are the worst things about living in the Japanese countryside?[Survey]
Finnish design brand Iittala partners with Pokémon for a golden first collaborative tableware set
Make-them-yourself Pokémon frappes arrive at Japanese convenience stores, can be mixed at home too
War in Iran threatening Japan’s pudding production
Tokyo store makes you to pass a quiz in order to buy Pokémon cards as part of anti-scalper policy
What are the worst things about living in the Japanese countryside?[Survey]
Finnish design brand Iittala partners with Pokémon for a golden first collaborative tableware set
Make-them-yourself Pokémon frappes arrive at Japanese convenience stores, can be mixed at home too
Final Fantasy VII’s Sephiroth finds happiness in a canned cocktail[Video]
Sanrio amusement park in Tokyo to host Psycho Game horror event this summer[Video]
Dorayaki from 89-year-old Japanese confectionery shop is one of the best sweets hidden in Tokyo
Nagasaki high school students collab with sweets veteran to release carrot nama dorayaki
Japan’s new ID photo booths give you a virtual boyfriend/girlfriend, tsundere included
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Brand-new Square Enix Cafe to open in Tokyo…and in Los Angeles too!
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
Japan is so hungry for workers it used up its five-year visa quota in record time
Tsujihan sushi bowl restaurant goes viral with foreign tourists, but is it worth the hype?
Hello Kitty is now a transforming truck robot[Photos]
7-Eleven Japan’s cooked-in-store takoyaki is here! How does it fare against the street food king?
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Final Fantasy VII’s Sephiroth finds happiness in a canned cocktail[Video]
Sanrio amusement park in Tokyo to host Psycho Game horror event this summer[Video]
Dorayaki from 89-year-old Japanese confectionery shop is one of the best sweets hidden in Tokyo
Nagasaki high school students collab with sweets veteran to release carrot nama dorayaki
Japan’s new ID photo booths give you a virtual boyfriend/girlfriend, tsundere included
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Burger King Japan’s Great King Yeti is the latest evolution of One Pounders
McDonald’s Japan adds new Hello Kitty and Pompompurin drinks to the menu for a limited time
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
The Almost All Lettuce Burger from Dom Dom Burger really lives up to its name
Brand-new Square Enix Cafe to open in Tokyo…and in Los Angeles too!