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C Photo / KINTO

Bringing Inspirations

to Daily Life

KINTO’S SLOW LIFESTYLE

N amiko Kajitani is a flower designer in “All of our products have a subtle elegance, de-
Japan, who recently worked on styling
signed to blend in harmoniously with the living
for KINTO’s new product launch ex-
In such ways, KINTO’s presence has ‘touched
hibition. If you click open her story space while adding a unique touch.”
page on the Journal section of the company’s up’ many of our life moments.
website, you will be amazed at how beautiful her
works are until you notice: KINTO is in the frame A Balance of Usability and Aesthetics
too. By expanding its designs into lifestyle acces-
sories, such as plant pots, KINTO can be seen in The consistency in design in KINTO flows
more daily scenes nowadays, from homes to cof- across the categories and lines of product. A
fee/tea shops, florists, and even gyms (its colorful balance between usability and aesthetics is em-
WORKOUT BOTTLE). This is a big advance from phasized in all products. “We believe that busi-
its very first days back in 1972 when KINTO was ness and home users appreciate that,” Takemoto
a wholesaler of tableware. pointed out. Many people may wonder, what
Since it set out to design its own products, makes a KINTO mug different from all the other
KINTO’s brand image has been getting stronger mugs? The answer is usability. She explained:
both in Japan and worldwide. “We believe in products that are easy to use
In Tokyo, a dedicated store opened recently daily; human movements such as holding, pour-
to visitors as a bid to “express the comfort and ing, and drinking are carefully considered in the
richness in our daily life that we value,” explained design details.” For example, the functionality of
Laura Takemoto from the Communications De- FARO dripper lies in the single hole at its flat
partment at KINTO. From time to time, the place bottom, which helps to limit the flow rate and brew
is also deployed as a venue for displays and work- a better cup. The matching mug to be placed under
shops. For example, a tea demonstration by Mr the dripper is perfect for 1-serving brew, a best pal
Onishi, owner of tea shop Uf-fu, was held there on a busy morning or simply for a coffee break.
last month. Across the lines, you may notice the changes
Aspiring to enrich daily life and help people of designs and materials. According to Takemoto,
to embrace a thoughtful yet casual lifestyle, KIN- the product development team works on product
TO’s passion to create products that bring comfort concepts, and thinks about the feeling of enrich-
and inspiration has attracted users from all back- ment and comfort they wish to convey through
grounds and from different regions. Takemoto said: different forms, materials, and textures.

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