Add another entry to the Japanese stylish mobile phone sweepstakes, but this time with a twist. Introduced last November during Tokyo Design Week (with an installation at the Cibone select shop), the WILLCOM SIM STYLE "Multi-Functional Communication Series" takes a different approach to the world of PHS-based devices by revolving around one SD-like data card. Modules are then added, currently in the form of the Tiny Talk (a mobile phone) and Data Driver (a USB drive interface). Featuring a beautiful form by industrial designer Shunji Yamanaka, with the Tiny Talk available in three colors (green, red, and blue), it can be ordered directly from the WILLCOM STORE.

+ WILLCOM SIM STYLE
+ WILLCOM
+ SIM STYLE at WILLCOM STORE

The latest addition to Tokyo's recent string of successful partnering of renowned architects and luxury brands arrives in the shape of the Mikimoto Ginza 2 store, designed by Toyo Ito (Tod's Omotesando). The pink building offers up some irregularly shaped (and placed) windows, which certainly stands out (but in a good way). Oh, and you might actually be interested by the jewelry on sale within.

+ Mikimoto

Up until know we haven't really featured many toys (if any) here at MoCo Tokyo. It's now time to break this trend, and we do so with the Snapazoo. An old product from the eighties designed by a university professor (Ross Miller), it was re-discovered last year through eBay by vinyl-figure maker Roughtoyz, who then decided to use it as a lead-off release for their new line of kid-friendly toys, Laughtoys. Although aimed at children, it doesn't take long to realize that pretty much anyone can get addicted to this shape-making wonder, and you'll soon find yourself not only trying to create the suggested animals, but also putting your own spin on some new shapes. On top of the three regular color combinations (orange/purple, pink/brown, blue/green), a special blue/yellow version was created for last year's edition of Swedish Style (part of Tokyo Design Week). Snapazoos can be purchased at Cafe Pause in Ikebukuro, as well as the Laughtoys site. Sweden-based design unit Next Century Modern will also be selling it on their soon-to-be-launched online store (you can already contact them for purchases though).

Full disclosure: this editor participated in the design (with Next Century Modern) of the packaging for the product, and also in its inclusion as mascot of the 2005 edition of Swedish Style. The Swedish Style edition can also be purchased from this editor's personal site.

+ Laughtoys
+ Roughtoyz
+ Next Century Modern