Story
In our “Story” section, we share compelling articles about the designers’ thoughts and the behind-the-scenes stories of product development, offering insights rarely seen elsewhere. By highlighting the creative process from the perspectives of both designers and developers, we provide a deeper understanding of Lemnos’ various initiatives. Discover our commitment to uncompromising craftsmanship and challenges we embrace in design. We invite you to explore these fascinating stories.
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Story Vol.25Memories of Q Designers and the Birth of the Marine Clock
A quietly dignified appearance. This clock exudes a presence that quietly resonates with Riki Watanabe’s admiration for the sea.
Watanabe’s fondness for distinctive nautical marine clocks led him to collect several of them. We spoke with Akira Yamamoto, who worked closely with Riki at Q Designers, to hear his memories and learn more about how the Marine Clock came to life. -
Story Vol.24The Appeal and Story Behind “essent”: A Focus on Function and Material
Designed by Daisuke Kitagawa, the “essent” wall clock emerged from a deep reconsideration of function and material. Known for his multidisciplinary design work and creative direction, Kitagawa pursues what he calls “comfortable innovation.” Since its release, essent has been featured widely in media and has been selected by buyers for design shops. We spoke with Kitagawa about the charm of this exceptional clock.
Photography by Isao Hashinoki -
Story Vol.23The Story Behind “Herstory”: A Clock That Brings a Girl Closer to Her Dreams Every Hour
A girl chases her dreams with an outstretched hand as if to catch a balloon or butterfly. Her story comes to life in the “Herstory” clock.
Within this dreamy world lies a powerful message and genuine passion.
We spoke with designer Ufufu Maiko to learn more about the development behind this timepiece. -
Story Vol.22The Story Behind the Plywood Products
The long-selling plywood series features the Plywood Clock (winner of the 2013 Long Life Design Award) and the STOCK tissue box cover (winner of the 2004 Good Design Award). Designer Toyoshi Mori, who created both products, shares the story of how the plywood series came to life.
[ Text: Toyoshi Mori ] -
Story Vol.21The “basin” Development Story by PINTO
The “basin” series, designed by us at PINTO, was released in February 2023. In this article, we’d like to share its story, including its connection to the ｢Day To Day Clock｣ from 10 years ago, the path that led to its creation, and the thoughts behind its design.
[ Text: PINTO ] -
Story Vol.20STORY OF PANECO CLOCK
The global issue of clothing waste is becoming increasingly serious, with 1,300 tons of garments discarded every day in Japan alone. To address this problem, a circular fiber-recycling material called ｢PANECO®｣ was developed. In this article, Hisae Igarashi shares her vision for the PANECO CLOCK, a design that combines beauty with meaning to convey a thoughtful message.
This clock was developed to highlight the material’s full potential, while raising awareness of environmental issues.
[ Text: Hisae Igarashi ] -
Story Vol.19RELIEF: Crafted in Collaboration with Ceramic Japan and Lemnos
Ceramic Japan and Lemnos create beautiful products that enhance everyday life through their dedication to design-driven craftsmanship. Designer Ryosuke Fukusada reflects on his collaboration with these two companies, through which he achieved an exceptional level of design quality.
[ Text: Ryosuke Fukusada ] -
Story Vol.18Noto’s Earth: Diatomaceous Earth
Yuichi Nara, who engages in his creative work on Noto Island, came across a local material: diatomaceous earth.
Nara is dedicated to exploring regional materials and traditional techniques, and he seeks to create designs that enrich everyday life. In this article, he shares his reflections on this distinctive material and his approach to clockmaking.
[ Text: Yuichi Nara ] -
Story Vol.17A Work from the Final Phase of Exploring the Diverse Possibilities of Modern Clock Design
This is a reissue of the RING CLOCK by Riki Watanabe, originally released in 1981. Watanabe pioneered the field of personal clocks with designs that were simple, unpretentious, and highly original, yet faithful to the fundamentals of clockmaking, with legibility as the foremost priority. From the late 1960s to the early 1980s, he played a leading role in shaping the dawn of Japan’s modern clock era.
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Story Vol.16How the Perch clock was born
Mr. Kikuchi from Studio Surume shared his thoughts on the journey from the clock’s birth to its launch.
This is a heartwarming episode that demonstrates their personalities, including their passion for their work and their encounter with Lemnos. -
Story Vol.15Clocks by Yota Kakuda
Designer Yota Tsunoda's pursuit and challenge to create an "easy-to-read watch." This book chronicles his meticulous pursuit and passion.
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Story Vol.14A universal clock that achieves both lightness and presence
The RIKI CLOCK is now Lemnos' signature clock. Its creation began with a chance meeting between Takata Lemnos founder Hiroshi Takada and Riki Watanabe.
We spoke to Akira Yamamoto, who supported Riki Watanabe, about this piece, which is filled with the passion of both men. -
Story Vol.13fun pun clock Development Story 03
The opportunity to design “a clock which is developed by a mom-designer” with famous clock company Lemnos arose from a short talk with company president Takata. Although I didn’t yet know what direction to take, I promised him I would visit a Montessori nursery school to seek advice. However, there was a big hurdle in my mind.
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Story Vol.12fun pun clock Development Story 02
Though I started looking for clocks based on the sexagesimal system without thinking seriously, I was unable to find such a thing. When I went to a symposium to look for an aluminum processor for another purpose, I had the opportunity to listen to a discussion between Mr. Takata, a president of TAKATA Lemnos, and a designer. After an unexpected turn of events, I ended up going on a business trip to Takaoka for the first time, where the Lemnos headquarters is located. Guess what I saw in a waiting room full of various design clocks?
The second thrilling clock development story. -
Story Vol.11fun pun clock Development Story 01
An analog clock that motivates children who cannot read a clock to tell the time – our “fun pun clock.” This clock, with a design based on the Montessori Method and the addition of a slightly humorous name, went through various episodes in its commodification process. A long story told in six parts by Dobashi Yoko.
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Story Vol.10Tokeidai no Tokei (Clock-Tower Clock) – Part 2
Product designer Kazuya Koike shared insights into the design of the original typeface developed for ｢Tokeidai no Tokei｣.