December, 2007 "The end of the year ? Shiwasu"

Time flies so quickly, and we have only a few days left in this year. We may hear a "ting-a-ling" when Santa Claus is coming, or a night watch-bell on Dec. 31.
Here in Toyama, we had a little snow at the end of November for the first time this season. When November ends, there is a violent gust and thunder. It is called "wakening yellowtail" and it's a sign to start fishing for yellowtail in winter. A television commercial has been run, saying that a man is having sliced yellowtail boiled with vegetables over a glass of beer, hasn’t it? In my case, I choose distilled spirits (shochu) with water and sliced yellow tail boiled. Water for diluting is ready, in a GAIO series pitcher. I had a "Sliced yellowtail" house party. The pitcher can pour water with crushed ice so my guests prefer it!
An extensive launch for MH WAY, which Mr. Hasuike has produced, was executed in Japanese stores. Cucciolo in GEDY, designed by Mr. Hasuike, became a big hit through magazines and newspaper. For DESUS, we make greater efforts in over-the-counter sales to introduce our products to whomever we receive inquiries from. Meanwhile, we are now arranging the "system" to support those who cannot purchase at our stores. Look forward to it!
I flew from Fukuoka, where a winter coat is not necessary even in December, to Sapporo, where an outfit for cold weather is required. I had good food from many places to build up my stamina for next year. I'll try to act positively next year, too. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. (Written by Hiro, Sales)

November, 2007 "Design Wave 2007 in Toyama"

I visited "Design Wave 2007 in Toyama" held in Takaoka City, Toyama on Nov. 8. Design Wave was held in Toyama City last year. It was my second time to visit the exhibition.
I dropped into “Retrospective of Kuroda Yasuo’s oeuvre" held near the exhibition hall before visiting it. Mr. Kuroki had been the director at Design Center of Toyama till recently. When he worked for Sony Corporation, he set out many projects one after another, like designing of the SONY Logo and developing the "Walkman”, so he was called "Mr. Walkman." In the retrospective, there are many projects working at SONY Corporation and starting the private office. I myself audited his lecture "Universal Design" when he used to be the director and interviewed about "Design in Milan" when setting up DESUS project. At that time, I was overwhelmed by his passionate and aggressive attitude which never felt his age. I once again recognized how great he was through his exhibition.
"Product Design Competition 2007 in Toyama" has an open review in 10 designers’ products as well as last year. The theme is "Life with Family." I supposed this theme might give broad meaning and generate products from various categories. As expected, various products were proposed. We all enjoyed watching the open review, but contest judges engaged in a heated discussion. The product which won the grand prize last year was finally launched recently. Each prize winner this year may be commercialized next year.
After the competition, there was a design seminar: "Design based on sensitivity from life." Mr. Kazuya Shimokawa, Ms. Kanae Tsukamoto and Mr. Koji Hatakeyama developed discussion. Sometimes their discussion was over my head, but I learned a lot.
At the exchange, I developed relationships with designers across the nation. Whenever introducing each other, I was surprised to hear "He/She designed the hot seller!!" Hearing untold stories behind product development or product branding from them, it was time to say good bye. Time flew quickly. I hope we will develop a product with them some day. (Written by Hiro, Sales)

October, 2007 "The coming autumn outing season"

It has been cooler and the weather is getting a little more bearable after the boiling hot summer.
In this season we have lots of delicious food, like vegetables and fruits. It is the best season to visit some resort places on weekends.
If you make a bento, TENGA series should help make the best lunch box! In particular, the "H-5" is a great match for sandwiches. When you have an open-air party in the park, the Tumbler & Plate, in GAIO series, is well-suited. You can choose the plates for food size or amount. Plates are durable, light, and made of plastic. Kids can use them safely during a party.

Talking about open-air parties, I understand why garbage receptacles are scarcely placed at resort locations; notices like “Bring your garbage back home with you” appear everywhere. I myself have not tried to use “disposable products” at such places. The kitchenware must be for both daily and outdoor use. The GAIO selection is based on our customers’ requests. You will never regret choosing it!

GAIO series' Pitcher is on 144 page of “ELLE atable No. 34 Nov. 2007,” issued by Hachette Fujingaho. We hope you take a look at it.

September, 2007 "Report of Business trip in Paris and Milan"

I visited two exhibitions during the week of September 7 to 14: “MAISON & OBJET,” held in Paris, France and “Machef” in Milan, Italy.
As it was my first time to visit “MAISON & OBJET” and “Machef,” as well as my first trip to Europe by myself, I felt nervous all the time. What if I missed the connecting flight, or my baggage got lost at the airport…? Luckily, my anxiety was proved unfounded.

The purpose of my trip: Exhibitions. “MAISON & OBJET,” especially, blew my mind with fabulous proposals as well as the products themselves. I reviewed the same product at “Machef” the next day, but to be honest, the display at “MAISON & OBJET” was much more impressive than that at “Machef”; there was a world of difference. Talking with Mr. Makio Hasuike, a designer, “Machef” was stagnant this time, and the number of booths was smaller than usual due to strife between organizers and presenters. The exhibition hall is really gorgeous though…Good Luck, “Machef”!

In Milan, I had a good look at the showroom in the Hasuike Makio office after report of DESUS series and discussion for its future. The products designed by Mr. Hasuike were all gathered and that reminded me how wide the product range is and how long Mr. Hasuike’s design history is. I made a decision again that we'll try to make our DESUS series everyone’s favorite. Finally, thank you for everything, people in Paris and Milan!

p.s. Typhoon No. 10 arrived at Kanto area the day before I left from Japan. Because it shook all rain off there, I enjoyed fine weather in both Paris and Milan. When I came back to Japan, many people pointed out, “You got suntanned, especially your nose!” I'll bear in mind that sunscreen is must-have wherever I go. (Written by Sumitani, Project Manager)

August, 2007 "From northern climes"

It was extremely hot this summer, wasn’t it? After my summer vacation, I went on a business trip northward and further northward to seek summer resorts.
I was in Sendai and Morioka August 21st to 23rd, and in Sapporo August 30th to 31st. It was much hotter than I expected in Sendai, but cool in Morioka and Sapporo, as expected. I encountered my friend who lives in Sapporo during my trip and he said “It’s Hot!!” though.

My pleasure on business trips is to have tasty local food while enjoying the local climate and view. I heard a beautiful singing cricket’s song; I recognized it was Autumn. I ate my fill of ox tongue in Sendai and sushi in both Morioka and Sapporo. While coming back from my business trip, I had a mutton barbecue party with mutton I bought as souvenir. DESUS items once again were fully used!

GAIO series has finally been released. The exhibition will be from October 3rd to 9th at “Sogawa FERIO” which opens September 21st in my hometown, Toyama. The theme is “Two Maestros.” DESUS series, designed by Mr. Makio Hasuike, and ALESSI products, designed by Mr. Stefano Giovannoni, will be presented and sold. We are looking forward to your visit.

Watanabe and Sumitani report a tour of Paris and Milan next time. They will tell us about the most attention grabbing trade show, MISON & OBJET (International Trade Show in Paris)
(Written by Hiro, Sales)

Many consumers visited TABLEWARE FESTIVAL 2007, although it was a weekday morning. They stared intently at the table coordination presented in “Theme: Family Anniversary.”

“Ambiente” was held in approx. 10 buildings. Each hall was big enough, but it was also hard to move to between buildings. I wanted to save time by using the local bus running though the site.