Language can be a very beautiful thing.
Compared to kanji, the set of characters originally borrowed from China which represent entire words or concepts, the phonetic Japanese script called hiragana has a simpler, more flowing appearance. Unique to Japan, hiragana are elegant enough that last year they served as the inspiration for a line of jewelry from designer and calligrapher Saori Kunihiro, which took only a single day to meet its goal on crowdfunding site Makuake.
Emboldened by this success, Kunihiro is back again with a crowdfunding campaign for a second round of hiragana accessories with several improvements on the original.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s9msifFdUA&feature=youtu.be …
While the original hiragana accessories were only available as earrings, Kunihiro is now also offering them as necklaces, rings, bracelets, pins, and obidome kimono sash accessories.
▼ Arigatou (thank you)
▼ Kizuna (bond)
▼ Yume (dream)
▼ Utsukushii (beautiful)
▼ Ai shiteiru (I love you)
▼ Tokyo
▼ The working designs for suki (another way to say “I love you”) and kokoro (heart)
Whereas last year’s hiragana were brass, this time they’re available in either 10-karat gold or 925 sterling silver.
Kunihiro also made this year’s models more compact, going from 7.7 centimeters (3 inches) to 3.8 centimeters in length, resulting in designs that are less unwieldy and more versatile.
If this meeting between fashion and linguistics speaks to you, the new hiragana accessory Makuake page can be found here, with reward tiers that include the accessories themselves starting at 8,500 yen (US$71).
Related: Hiragana Accessories Makuake, English Twitter
Source: Japaaan
Images: Hiragana Accessories Makuake (edited by RocketNews24)
How are you supposed to wash a Japanese futon duvet at the laundromat?
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Family Mart’s new Famima flagship in Tokyo has a hidden gem that most visitors miss
Studio Ghibli adds new Ponyo glassware to its anime lineup for summer
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
How are you supposed to wash a Japanese futon duvet at the laundromat?
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Family Mart’s new Famima flagship in Tokyo has a hidden gem that most visitors miss
Studio Ghibli adds new Ponyo glassware to its anime lineup for summer
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Universal Studios Japan requiring consent form for adults-only horror attraction
Pokémon’s cozy city builder game inspires Cozy (Corner) cakes in Japan! [Photos]
Japanese Coo-Che becomes a viral sensation, and everyone wants a taste
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Universal Studios Japan requiring consent form for adults-only horror attraction
Pokémon’s cozy city builder game inspires Cozy (Corner) cakes in Japan! [Photos]
Japanese Coo-Che becomes a viral sensation, and everyone wants a taste
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
A roadside hair salon stall in China made us Norway’s Haaland for US$1, and warmed out hearts too
Why is Taco Bell failing in Japan, even as the country falls in love with tacos?
Pokémon Card Stores requiring facial recognition scans for entry in Japan in latest anti-scalper move
Studio Ghibli Laputa figure looks like it’s really flying thanks to cool visual trick
Starbucks Japan adds a new summer Frappuccino to the menu, but is it as refreshing as it looks?
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier