Looking for a spark of creativity? Take a walk at the beach, look around and suddenly a mole crab becomes that RPG space helmet  you have been trying to design or its color and texture inspire a new cloth pattern. Some of the best come out of the blue. Keep your curiosity on the alert.

Ka Kan means ‘Bold, but never spoken’. Perfect saying for products that are striking with no explanation needed. The calligraphy was created by our Shodo expert, Hiroko N.

We are often inspired by Nature in our design work. This concept was stimulated by the Madagascar cockroach. The scutes resemble ventilation slits and the color and glossiness influenced the finish in its chrome-like gold.

T shirt graphic depicting a Superbike rider with a Samurai adorned helmet. Kanji says ‘warrior/Samurai’. The racing circuit is Laguna Seca Raceway.

We were honored to make this memorial urn for a lover of books and the Pacific northwest. With myrtlewood burl as the spine of the box, Walnut and fletch-cut white oak for the book covers. Finishing with yaki-sugi style western red cedar for the faux pages. Name was engraved on the top for this one but another had a brass engraved plate on spine.

Family crests - from an old photo or forgotten document, by utilizing CAD then laser engraving. We can make a family memory become tangible.

Our Shodo’s (Japanese calligraphy) master’s hanko (traditional Japanese personal seal used in place of a signature to authenticate documents and artwork.

The idea behind this glass vase holder was to create a visual contrast with natural flowers and plants, but not make it so foreign that it looks out of place. Its geometric look can tie in with flower petals and the little tab is a place where the artist’s name or saying about the arrangement cab be etched.

This is one of our first of many collaborative projects we’ve done with Shodo artist, Hiroko N. We utilized her beautiful Tora (Tiger) kanji and made a retro styled poster.

The Ocean always inspires. Inspired by the deep-sea Dumbo octopuses, which live at depths around 4,000 feet. From the scientific family of Opisthoteuthidae (umbrella octopuses) they typically grow to 10-12 inches although can grow larger. Love the bubbles!

Laser cut and etched caddy that carries chopsticks (hashi), small bowls, napkins, and soy sauce (shoyu). Kanji says Natto Kaze (fermented soy bean wind). A sub-brand of Bento Box Studios.

Rescued from a dirt floor garage in DTLA, we are looking forward to partial restoration and cranking it up for some refreshing shaved ice!

Always on the look out for different ideas and techniques. Laser engraved some scrap walnut. By doing it in 2 steps, this allowed use the masking to apply the gold paint. Tatsu calligraphy by HirokoN.

The intersection of Industrial Design and Ikebana. Nothing is more natural and organic than Nature. By combining the natural composition of plants and flowers, with the added touch of an Ikebana artist, we added to the contrast by creating an architectural styled holder for the glass carrier.

Hiroko N. showed us some samples of an upcoming Shodo entry. We thought the various pieces could serve as a cool backdrop and a white version could float above the slightly out of focused background. Her work was deemed the top entry in Japan by the evaluating group. Congratulations!

T shirt graphic depicting 3 Blue Trevally (Omilu in Hawaiian) juveniles (papios). The papio remains as one of the most popular and sought after game fish in Hawaii. Known for its great fighting ability and its deliciousness.

This Omilu (Blue Trevally) contributed greatly to our family meal. Freshly caught fish is so tasty. Top- Poke. Middle - Miso Soup (using the head). Bottom - Sashimi.

The uBu box is meant as a daily reminder of our individuality and to celebrate that. We should all go out into the world with a reminder that each of us is special. Imbue the uBu box with those reminders, hints, talismans whether they are just for the day or forever.

This is one of our collaborative projects for the annual Mochi Pound Off at Tanaka Farms, Irvine, California. We created a wood framed backdrop utilizing washi (rice) paper allowing the morning sun to showcase the art.

A fun photo contrasting solid cast concrete blocks with wind carvings in soft sand. Notice blank transition area in the sand where the wind reflects off the blocks before creating the undulating sand patterns.

A popular heraldic pattern, it was brought to Japan from China in the late part of sixth century. It soon became a favorite decoration for traditional court wear. The “melon” description was a later interpretation of the word mokko. The vintage look is achieved by engraving on sun-bleached driftwood.

T shirt graphic depicting a GP bike and its rider wearing a Samurai adorned helmet and a family clan flag. Raw emotion.

This is one of our collaborative projects for the annual Mochi Pound Off at Tanaka Farms, Irvine, California. This wood backdrop for the kagami mochi has specified dimensional footprint parameters and is designed to go with the scale of the pounded rice.

Forever taking photos of everything. This was either taken early or late in the day, judging from the longer shadow and lighting. It does look like a bird with its two wings outstreched or an Archaeopteryx fossil. The power of imagination!

Cord Heritage Aviation project. Two aircraft companies owned by Errett Lobban (E.L.) Cord in the 1930s. E.L. Cord was an American industrialist and considered a leader in U.S. transportation during the early and middle 20th century.

T shirt graphic inspired by the fugu (pufferfish), Apollo Ohno (World Class speed skater), and sushi chefs’/Samurai hachimakis (traditional Japanese headbands).

This is one of our collaborative projects for the annual Mochi Pound Off at Tanaka Farms, Irvine, California. We created the wood backdrop that has specified dimensional footprint parameters.

Cord Heritage Aviation project. Vultee Aircraft and Lycoming Engines, both owned by Errett Lobban (E.L.) Cord in the 1930s. E.L. Cord was an American industrialist and considered a leader in U.S. transportation during the early and middle 20th century.

Here’s a conceptual rendition of a modern version of one of our favorites, the S2000. We added an exciting cross section through the door area to create visual movement and strength.

The ocean and its inhabitants have profoundly shaped the way we experience life and view the world. Nature remains the greatest designer, inspiring us with its endless palette of color, texture, and beauty.

Compact, lightweight, yet able to carry a two-seat CAN AM UTV in the main garage area. Bunk style full sized beds above the garage and a full height, enclosed shower in the front. Nose storage carries full electrical chassis, LPG tanks, and outdoor storage racks. All in 23 feet!

By utilizing carbon fiber and black chrome accents, the clutch bag takes on a futuristic and modern look. The fanny pack combines modern style with utility.

Modern jacket graphics depicting an origami company based out of Okayama, Japan. Utilizing color coordinated colors and fonts, the combination makes for a crsip presentation, much like origami itself.

Credit card and AirPod cases can be exciting if you craft leather around the utility shapes and function. Shape, color, and composition; all important factors in design.

Childhood memories of summers of a bygone era. Original Toyota Landcruiser, longboard surfing, and the familiar silhouette of a lifeguard tower. All images of spending long days on the warm sand and in the cool water.

Innovative, hi-tech off-road trailer. Lightweight, full bathroom (Shower/toilet) in a pop-up room allowing the trailer to be stored in a typical residential garage. Advanced electrical capacity and lots of freshwater storage for time off the grid.

Combination of recycled denim and a sublimated Ka Kan graphic, this sling bag is perfect for casual, adventurous runabouts around town, or the country side. Carries your essentials…keys, phone, wallet.

The idea behind these commercial graphics was to create a look like acid ate away at the body sheet metal and the the Crater name is revealed under the raw opening.

If you’re a pelagic angler, nothing is more exhilarating than hearing your line being peeled off by a yellowfin tuna. Here’s a graphic that’s captures that experience.

Here’s a view of the bedroom area with the bed flipped up for storage and electrical access. Hi tech inverter system and dual lithium ion battery units allow for extended time off the grid.

Celebrating the first victory of the 24 Hours of Le Mans by a Japanese manufacturer. The race tests the endurance and stamina of both the machine and the drivers and crews.