Hacoa

We are drawn to wood. I suppose this has its origins from eons ago when humans depended on trees for food, medicine, shelter, and protection from wild animals and the elements. Wood, fashioned into things we use everyday, retains its own scent and warmth. Though wood can be processed and have a polished finish, it maintains its unique grain, curves and grooves -- lifelines if you will -- reminding us that it was once part of a living breathing structure.

The professional craftspeople at Hacoa understand this. From the designing to the manufacturing of wood products, Hacoa intuitively approach their work in this spirit, bringing out the best from their raw materials to produce things that are exquisitely beautiful but also functional. And because wood is one of those materials that acquire a lovely patina as it ages, these products are meant to be used for a long, long time.

Hacoa is derived from the Japanese word "hako," which means "box." A box is both the material itself but also the comfortable space within. The "A" is meant to convey the first-rate quality of its products (Class A). Hacoa uses traditional Echizen lacquer (urushi) techniques from Fukui Prefecture, techniques that have been handed down generations for more than 1,500 years. Young creators at Hacoa use these techniques to make modern, covetable, daily use items.

My absolutely favorite product which I would love to get for myself is the wood keyboard. I do a lot of work on my computer and resting my palms on a wood keyboard would be lovelier than on a plastic and metal one.

The Tokyu Plaza Shibuya branch of Hacoa has an in-store laser engraving machine. You can personalize any of your purchases with names, dates, or any other message you would like.