facebook Traditional Crafts for Gifts and Celebrations, "mas/masu" Acrylic Masu by Tomonari Kougei

Acrylic sake box "mas/mas"

TOMONARI KOGEI inc.

Acrylic sake box "mas/mas"
Acrylic sake box "mas/mas"
"mas/mas" is a square sake box, traditionally used for measuring in Japan, arranged using acrylic resin in a modern style.
Acrylic resin is more transparent than glass. Without color or smell, this material does not disturb the color or scent of any object being put in "mas/mas."

The molding technique, a regional industrial resource of Ota Ward, is used to mold and make luxurious acrylic sake boxes with special attention to thickness.
With patterns like Kiriko (glass cutting patterns) engraved on their sides using Tomonari Kogei's machine engraving technology, sake boxes have evolved to be used not only as containers but also as vases and accessory cases.

Approved by the Food Sanitation Act, the company frequently opens "mas/mas" pop-up stores in famous department stores nationwide to promote this product as a dish.
It has also been designated a ward's selected souvenir and a return gift under the Furusato Nozei tax donation system by Setagaya Ward.

Since custom design orders are available, "mas/mas" is perfect for an anniversary or celebration gift.
It is hoped that acrylic sake boxes full of ideas and fun will be chosen as standard gifts for special occasions.

Philosophy & Vision

Creating new value through careful work and distinctive product-making

Creating new value through careful work and distinctive product-making
With 70 years of history, Tomonari Kogei had been a subcontractor making acrylic rulers for professional use until 25 years ago.
Using its technology of engraving scales on rulers, Tomonari Kogei made "mas/mas" as a transition to design engraving to feature designability.

Aiming to pass down the handicraft techniques of a local factory to the next generations, the company focuses on processing acrylic resin based on many years of experience and know-how while responding to customers' demands.
The company also teaches this technique to students at a national vocational school in Cambodia with the same passion.

Designing and manufacturing used to be one vocation and conducted by a single person.
As time went on, it separated into two vocations, which are now commonly conducted by different persons.
However, considering that performing both designing and manufacturing allows the creation of beautiful items with quality and design, the company offers a consistent service from design proposal to manufacturing and sales while communicating with customers.

Creator's Commitment

Commitment to graving technology and thickness of 3 mm

Commitment to graving technology and thickness of 3 mm
The modern and traditional Japanese designs are machine-engraved using techniques that have supported the Japanese craftsmanship industry since the Taisho period (1912–1926).
The intonations of the lines created by artisanal technicians add depth to "mas/mas" products.
While the thickness of a conventional wooden sake box is about 10 mm, that of "mas/mas" is 3 mm, which is easy even for women to drink out of.
Please experience the greatness of "mas/mas," which cannot be achieved through bulk production.