Ringo Gamaguchi Lub Hnab Nyiaj Clasp by Yutaro Kumagai

Ringo Gamaguchi Lub Hnab Nyiaj Clasp by Yutaro Kumagai is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Tooj in Tsim Khoom Ruaj Khov, Hauj Lwm thiab Kev Tsim Ntsuab Competition Category.

ToojKhoom Ruaj Khov· 2026

Ringo Gamaguchi Lub Hnab Nyiaj Clasp

by Yutaro Kumagai

Client: Appcycle

A' Design Award Tooj Winner in Khoom Ruaj Khov Category

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Verified Award Winner

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Ringo Gamaguchi Lub Hnab Nyiaj Clasp

Cov khoom no muaj duab zoo li ib lub txiv apple vim nws raug ua los ntawm Ringo Tex, yog ib hom tawv ntawv synthetic uas raug ua los ntawm cov khib nyiab txiv apple. Nws qhov ntev dav raug npaj raws li lub txiv apple me tiag tiag, txhawm rau qhia txog nws qhov chaw tuaj. Nws qhov tseem ceeb yog nws qhov nyias, uas feem ntau tsis pom hauv cov hnab nyiaj clasp. Qhov no raug ua tiav los ntawm kev siv ib txoj kev xaws txawv ntawm cov hnab nyiaj ib txwm, tso cai rau cov qauv kom tseem nyias. Lub hom phiaj yog los tsim ib yam khoom uas yooj yim haum rau hauv lub hnab los yog hnab tsho, tso cai rau cov npib thiab lwm yam khoom me me nqa coj tau zoo nkauj yam tsis ntxiv ntau qhov loj.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Tooj

Ringo Gamaguchi Lub Hnab Nyiaj Clasp yog tus yeej ntawm A' Design Award Tooj, ib qho kev lees paub muaj meej mom heev uas muab rau cov qauv tsim tshwj xeeb uas txawv los ntawm kev tsim tshiab, kev txawj tsim thiab kev ntse. Cov neeg yeej Tooj yog cov khoom muaj txuj ci heev thiab tsim tshiab heev uas ua pov thawj txog kev paub ntau, kev xav thiab kev txawj ua ntawm cov kws tsim qauv. Ringo Gamaguchi Lub Hnab Nyiaj Clasp xav tias yuav yog ib qho khoom uas neeg hwm, qhuas thiab hlub, uas tshaj lij heev thiab tsim tshiab. Cov qauv tsim yeej A' Design Award Tooj no siv cov kev coj ua zoo tshaj plaws ntawm kev kos duab, kev tshawb fawb, kev tsim qauv thiab thev naus laus zis thiab zoo heev vim nws saib xyuas cov ntsiab lus. Ringo Gamaguchi Lub Hnab Nyiaj Clasp ua tau raws li cov kev xav tau zoo kawg, kov cov kev xav, ntxias cov kev xav thiab txhawb kev xav paub.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This clasp purse utilizes "Ringo-Tex" a bio-based leather developed by appcycle Inc. in Aomori, Japan's largest apple producing region. Around 20,000 tons of apple residue is produced each year, much of it discarded or incinerated, contributing to CO2 emissions. Ringo-Tex upcycles this waste into synthetic leather through a low-carbon stabilization process. Molded into a 3D apple form expressing it's origin uniting symbolism and craftsmanship while inviting participation in a sustainable society.
Dimensions & Packaging: W80mm x D19mm x H90mm
Tags: Apple, Apples, Aomori, Japan, Nippon, Bio-leather, Synthetic leather, coin case, purse, clasp purse, kiss-lock, push-lock, accessory, sustainability, vegan leather, appcycle, upcycle, ethical, multifunctional bag, circulation
Production Technology: The product is built from four key materials: a clasp frame, Ringo-Tex bio-based leather, an electroformed nameplate, and lining. While the clasp is standard, molding Ringo-Tex is far more demanding than working with genuine leather and required six months of research. Stitching along the complex contours demonstrates Japanese craftsmanship. The gold seed motif, mass-produced by molding, defines the brand’s elegant identity.
Design Challenge: The greatest challenge in developing this product was achieving the bumpy texture and stitching applied to complement it. While embossing genuine leather is relatively easy due to it’s elasticity, plant-based synthetic leather is difficult to shape and sew because it lacks these properties. After six months of collaboration with multiple companies and testing we succeeded in creating the texture using a proprietary welder process. It is the product’s most charming yet challenging feature.
Research: Ringo-Tex is created by processing apple residue into power and using it as a raw material, reducing petroleum-based inputs in manufacturing by 72 - 74%. This approach lowers the dependence on finite fossil resources and decreases environmental impact. It maintains the durability and water resistance comparable to existing synthetic leather, offering a upcycled next-generation bio-based material that balances sustainability with practical performance.
Inspiration: This product is the first release of "Golden Seed" a brand created to embody appcycle's philosophy of "circulation". With the concept of "sowing regenerative seeds and facing a golden future" it expresses Aomori's identity it's apples in a cute, friendly, and accessible way. With refined construction intricate and meticulous stitching reflect the depth of Japanese craftsmanship.
Project Duration: The Project was started in 2025 Aomori and was unveiled in Tokyo in January 2026 as the debut product of the Golden Seed brand. For the next phase the team plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign followed by expansion into online platforms and retail stores both in Japan and internationally.
Operation Flow: A clasp purse with a push lock to store and carry small items such as coins, AirTags and SD cards.
Patents: Currently in the process of submitting a application for a patent.
Team Members: CEO : Kei Fujimaki
Vice President : Shohei Hatakeyama
Designer : Yutaro Kumagai
Craftsman : Fumio Sudo
Photographer : Ryokan Abe