Tokyo craftsmanship on show

MENTION Tokyo, and its more famous wards, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya and Shinagawa, come to mind.

Adachi Ward, located in the north-eastern part of Tokyo may not be a tourist hot spot, as it is an industrial hub, but it does house a number of artisans. Their works are now on display at Supermama The Museum Store for a limited time.

The ward was first developed as a rest station area during the Edo period.

During the Meiji period, it started transforming into a light and heavy manufacturing area, and is now a well-known industrial hub.

Adachi Tide features 11 manufacturers and brands who usually produce car and machinery parts, but are using their tools and equipment to produce more lifestyle products.

Edwin Low, co-founder of Supermama, says these makers are branching out as "part of their R&D to see what other items they can make using their machinery, and also as a way to create a new genre of products".

Adachi Tide is part of an ongoing series of exhibitions, titled Case Study, by Supermama showcasing works of designers and artists.

As Case Study is shown on the shop floor, items are also available for sale, but in limited quantities.

"Retail is no longer what it used to be, just selling. A retail space is essentially a gallery/stage for products to shine. Or for artists to tell stories," says Low.

Amazing Mount Fuji by Shiina Factory

Metalwork maker, Shiina Factory, has been producing accessories such as charms, for the past 70 years. Their attention to detail make them a popular choice among jewellery brands in Japan.

For Adachi Tide, the workshop has produced a gold plated brass sakazuki or sake cup with an image of Mount Fuji in the centre.

Chako by Japan Filter

Japan Filter, which started in 1974, is well-known locally for producing wire mesh filters for car injection pumps, construction and medical equipment.

Using their many years of wire mesh expertise, they are expanding their products to include those for everyday use.

One such item is Chako, a stainless steel tea trainer that comes in a checkered pattern.

Totebags and pouches by Manyside

Founded in 2001, Manyside specialises in leather bags, and backpacks. It has, however, branched out into producing its own textile, called sifu, which is made from washi and cotton.

Visitors to Adachi Tide can pick up a selection of items, including tote and drawstring bags and pouches made using sifu, which is durable and water-resistant.

btrail by Ohemu

Since 1929, Ohemu has been producing machines that can cut plastic and resin with great precision. Consumers can now admire this precision in a btrail, a collection of clear and coloured acrylic blocks that serve as a table top decor.

Kami no Hako by Adachi Doug-ten

Need a box to store watches or stationery? How about the Kami no Hako, or paper box by Adachi Doug-ten, a group in Adachi that works with various craftsmen to create different lifestyle products.

The Kami no Hako is made using vulcanised fibre, a type of plastic that is lighter than aluminium and stronger than leather. Each part of the box has been cut using precision resin-cutting technology. This is why when the lid is attached to the box, the edges seamlessly meld together. From afar, the boxes look like a solid block.

Truss Air Bind, A stands and S-shaped hook by Adachi Doug-ten

It is hard to tell but the Truss Air Bind is a stainless steel mirror albeit an unconventional looking one. It is designed as a hand mirror or simply as an item to dress up a side console.

The A stands are made by a local Adachi factory that specialised in metal sheet processing, and can be used as card holders.

The S-shaped hook will never lose its shape, and is made in a factory that specialises in bending wire rods.

• Adachi Tide is on till Nov 25 at Supermama The Museum Store, National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road.