Ringo Gamaguchi Primary Function: Kitapom-bola misy fanidiana by Yutaro Kumagai

Ringo Gamaguchi Primary Function: Kitapom-bola misy fanidiana by Yutaro Kumagai is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Varahina in Vokatra Maharitra, Tetikasa ary Famolavolana Maitso Competition Category.

VarahinaVokatra Maharitra· 2026

Ringo Gamaguchi Primary Function: Kitapom-bola misy fanidiana

by Yutaro Kumagai

Client: Appcycle

A' Design Award Varahina Winner in Vokatra Maharitra Category

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Colors

The Design

About Ringo Gamaguchi Primary Function: Kitapom-bola misy fanidiana

Book Text: Ity vokatra ity dia maka ny endriky ny paoma satria vita amin'ny Ringo Tex, hoditra artifisialy avy amin'ny fako paoma. Ny refiny dia mifototra amin'ny haben'ny paoma kely tena izy, manantitra ny niaviany. Ny endri-javatra lehibe ananany dia ny fahafisahany, izay tsy fahita matetika amin'ny kitapom-bola misy fanidiana. Tonga tamin'izany izy tamin'ny fampiasana fomba zairana hafa noho ny kitapom-bola mahazatra, mamela ny firafitra hijanona ho fisaka. Ny tanjona dia ny hamorona vokatra azo apetraka mora ao anaty kitapo na paosy, mamela ny vola madinika sy ny zavatra kely hafa hoentina amim-pahaizana nefa tsy manampy habe loatra.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Varahina

Nandresy ny A' Design Award Varahina ny famolavolana Ringo Gamaguchi Primary Function: Kitapom-bola misy fanidiana, fankasitrahana malaza be omena ny famolavolana miavaka izay mampiavaka ny fahaiza-mamorona, ny fahazotoana ary ny fahamaotinan-tsaina. Ny mpandresy Varahina dia zavatra vita tanana mahay dia mahay ary mamorona mivantana izay manamafy ny traikefa be dia be, ny sarintsaina ary ny fahaizan-kafoy an'ny mpamolavola azy. Andrasana ho zavatra ankasitrahana be, ankafizina ary tiana, mahay amin'ny asa sady vaovao ny famolavolana Ringo Gamaguchi Primary Function: Kitapom-bola misy fanidiana. Ity famolavolana nandresy ny A' Design Award Varahina ity dia mitahiry ny fomba fanao tsara indrindra amin'ny zavakanto, ny siansa, ny famolavolana ary ny teknolojia, ary tsara indrindra amin'ny fitandremana ny antsipirihany. Ny famolavolana Ringo Gamaguchi Primary Function: Kitapom-bola misy fanidiana dia mahafa-po ny filana tsara, mikasika ny faniriana, mahasarika ny fihetseham-po ary misarika ny fahalianana.

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