caseable is working on its internationalization and is even trying to set foot in Japan as soon as possible. Our designer Emily has just returned from Tokyo, and will give you a short report about her first impressions:

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting Japan.  I was awarded a scholarship by the Japan Traffic Culture Association, a group dedicated to the promotion of public art, to which I am extremely grateful!  My benefactors flew me out to Tokyo for a short but exciting visit. (a description of the Japan Traffic Culture Association can be found here: crearejp.com/file/pdf/jtca_en.pdf)

The Tokyo of my expectations was a vision of bright lights, crazy fashions, capsule hotels, and teeny-tiny cell phones.  When I arrived, however, I was driven to a normal-sized hotel in the relatively quiet and calm Iidabashi area.  During my stay I found that, while having certain “futuristic” elements, like all those crazy technology stores that you hear about (with phones that are actually BIGGER than ours!) and speedy public transportation, Tokyo still respects the rituals and traditions of the past.

I found this to be particularly apparent when I visited the Nippori area on a quest for some Japanese fabrics.  This more residential area, while having fairly modern shops and homes, had an unexpected scattering of beautiful old temples and cemeteries.  The upkeep of the cemeteries and temples was incredible.  Every plant was in its place– every blade of grass in order.  I felt like I was walking through a traditional Japanese woodblock print!  If only I’d had more time, I’d have visited more gardens to take in that breathtaking landscaping.

As an industrial designer, I did have time, however, to visit Tokyo Design Week, and several shops to check out what kind of products are being sold in Japan.  I was so excited by what I saw, and very inspired for my own design work.  I was particularly impressed by the ceramics and a particular series of lacquered, reclaimed wood tables at the Cibone pop-up shop.

On my shopping trips, I paid particular attention to cases and ways of carrying technology to see how the products compare to ours at caseable!  I was intrigued by a line of customizable backpacks at Tokyu Hands.  Basically, they sold the back and side piece of the backpack as one unit, in a range of colors, and then a separate, graphic front panel that you could zip on.  Very cool!  (http://www.taggerbags.com/index.php) I also came across a range of little neoprene cases…  The Japanese seem to like having a special place to put every little thing…  Perhaps we’ll see something like these at caseable in the future?