[ARAMAKI] Bonito Coaster

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"Aramaki" is a brand that sees potential in the wooden boxes used for "Aramaki Salmon," a traditional food culture of the north and a staple of year-end gifts, and proposes new perspectives on manufacturing. This is their "Minkaku Herring Coaster." The Kitamae-bune ships traveled the Sea of Japan, transporting goods and culture. At that time, herring were transported as fertilizer for cotton and indigo fields, as well as a valuable source of protein. "Minkaku-herring," which had the flesh of the belly cut out, dried, and transported in "wooden boxes." This design carries on that history, cutting printed boards that were to become wooden boxes for herring before they were assembled, and then overlapping the front and back to create a unique font that cuts out the place of origin, shop name, and weight, creating a rhythm. These coasters are one-of-a-kind, as they are made by randomly combining boards from several types of wooden boxes, meaning no two are ever exactly alike. They are finished with a glass coating, which makes them water-repellent while allowing you to enjoy the expression of the ink smudges and unevenness of the wooden boxes. These wooden boxes, which once transported gutted herring, have been transformed and now tell the story of Otaru, a city that prospered thanks to the herring fishery.

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84mm (height) x 84mm (width) x 8mm (thickness) Pine wood from Hokkaido * Finish: Glass coating (compliant with food hygiene law) *Material provided by: Sanwa Seibako Co., Ltd. Because several types of wooden box boards are combined randomly, the pattern may differ from that of the product shown in the image. Please note this in advance. This product is made from solid pine wood sourced from Hokkaido. Because it's a natural material, it has the characteristic of expanding and contracting to "breathe" in response to its environment. Excessive dryness or humidity can cause warping or cracking, so please be careful. Direct contact with wet objects may cause stains, so please wipe it off immediately. Please avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. Over time, the lettering may fade and the wood may change color, but we hope you will enjoy the changes, along with the differences in grain and color that make each piece unique. To care for the wood, wipe it dry or polish it with a tightly wrung cloth.

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ARAMAKI began when a carpenter, who had returned to his hometown, recognized the potential of salmon boxes, which were commonplace in Hokkaido. The carpenter's teachings emphasize "valuing wood," "using it completely," and "using the right material in the right place." We are constantly seeking the "right place" for these salmon boxes, reevaluating and utilizing this material for purposes beyond simply containing salmon. Furthermore, we visited wooden box manufacturers, sawmills, seafood processing companies, and salmon fishermen to learn about the current state of the fishing, forestry, and distribution industries, including the situation where wooden boxes are being replaced by styrofoam and the decrease in salmon catches. As a result, we are reviewing our production lines, developing products together with manufacturing companies, and creating opportunities to think about the future of primary industries. From Shinmaki to ARAMAKI. We aim to reflect the food culture surrounding Shinmaki salmon in our products, and to cultivate new richness in daily life, not only through our artwork, but also through everyday items such as household goods and furniture.

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