Ringo Gamaguchi Primary Function: Mkoba wa Kufunga by Yutaro Kumagai is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award in Usanifu wa Vifaa vya Mitindo na Usafiri Competition Category.
ShabaKifaa Tanzu· 2026
Ringo Gamaguchi Primary Function: Mkoba wa Kufunga
Client: Appcycle
Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award Winner in Kifaa Tanzu Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #180934The Design
About Ringo Gamaguchi Primary Function: Mkoba wa Kufunga
Book Text: Bidhaa hii ina umbo la tofaa kwa sababu imeundwa kutoka Ringo Tex, ngozi bandia inayotokana na taka za tofaa. Vipimo vyake vimezingatia ukubwa wa tofaa halisi dogo, vikisisitiza asili yake. Sifa yake kuu ni wembamba wake, ambao kwa kawaida hauonekani miongoni mwa mikoba ya kufunga. Hili lilifanikiwa kwa kutumia mbinu ya kushona iliyo tofauti na mikoba ya kawaida, ikiruhusu muundo kubaki mwembamba. Lengo lilikuwa kuunda bidhaa inayoweza kuingia kwa urahisi kwenye mifuko au mikoba, ikiruhusu sarafu na vitu vingine vidogo kubebwa kwa umahiri bila kuongeza ukubwa mkubwa.
The Recognition
About the Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award
Ringo Gamaguchi Primary Function: Mkoba wa Kufunga ni mshindi wa Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award, utambuzi wenye heshima kubwa unaotolewa kwa miundo bora inayotofautishwa kwa ubunifu, ustadi na busara. Washindi wa Shaba ni kazi za ufundi mwingi na bunifu ya kushangaza zinazothibitisha uzoefu mpana, mawazo na ustadi wa wabunifu wao. Ringo Gamaguchi Primary Function: Mkoba wa Kufunga inatarajiwa kuwa kitu kinachothaminiwa sana, kupendwa na kuenziwa, ambacho ni cha kitaalamu na bunifu kwa kiasi kikubwa. Muundo huu ulioshinda Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award unajumuisha mbinu bora katika sanaa, sayansi, usanifu na teknolojia, na ni bora kwa umakini wake kwa undani. Ringo Gamaguchi Primary Function: Mkoba wa Kufunga hutosheleza mahitaji kwa uzuri, hugusa hamu, huvutia hisia na kuvutia udadisi.
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
- W 80 mm x D 19 mm x H 90 mm
- 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. It was exhibited and sold at a one month pop up store held at BEAMS JAPAN from January 29th to February 25th of 2026. 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
Sponsored
Explore Beyond Designers.org
Discover products, services and opportunities from our advertising partners.
More to Explore
Related Designs
Explore more award-winning designs from the same category, selected by merit.
