Ringo Gamaguchi Umsebenzi oyiNtloko: Isipaji eyiClasp by Yutaro Kumagai

Ringo Gamaguchi Umsebenzi oyiNtloko: Isipaji eyiClasp by Yutaro Kumagai is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Ibhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award in Uyilo lweeMveliso eziNzileyo, iiProjekthi kunye noYilo oluLuhlaza Competition Category.

IbhronziImveliso eNzileyo· 2026

Ringo Gamaguchi Umsebenzi oyiNtloko: Isipaji eyiClasp

by Yutaro Kumagai

Client: Appcycle

Ibhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award Winner in Imveliso eNzileyo Category

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Colors

The Design

About Ringo Gamaguchi Umsebenzi oyiNtloko: Isipaji eyiClasp

Le mveliso ithatha imo yeapile kuba yenziwe ngeRingo Tex, isikhumba esiyilweyo esivela kwinkunkuma yeapile. Ubukhulu bayo busekelwe kubukhulu beapile elincinci lokwenene, kugxininiswa kwimvelaphi yayo. Uphawu lwayo oluphambili kukubhityila, into engaqhelekanga phakathi kwezipaji ezineclasp. Oku kwafezekiswa ngokuthatha indlela yokuthunga eyahlukileyo kunezipaji eziqhelekileyo, ivumela isakhiwo ukuba sihlale sibhityile. Injongo yayo yayikukwenza imveliso enokungena ngokulula ezikhwameni okanye emapokothweni, ivumela iikoyini nezinye izinto ezincinci ukuba zithwalwe ngobuchule ngaphandle kokongeza ubukhulu obuninzi.

The Recognition

About the Ibhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award

Ringo Gamaguchi Umsebenzi oyiNtloko: Isipaji eyiClasp ngumphumeleli weIbhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award, ukuqatshelwa okuhlonitshwayo kakhulu okunikwa imiyilo ephawulekayo eyahlukaniswa kukuyila, ubukrelekrele nobukrelekrele. Abaphumeleleyo beBhronzi ziimveliso ezinobuchule obukhulu nezidala ngokumangalisayo ezingqina amava aphangaleleyo, ukucinga nokwazi ukuzenzela kwabayili bazo. Ringo Gamaguchi Umsebenzi oyiNtloko: Isipaji eyiClasp iyathenjwa ukuba ibe yimpahla exatyiswa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo enobungcali obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha. Lo myilo uphumeleleyo weIbhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award ubandakanya iindlela ezilungileyo kakhulu kubugcisa, inzululwazi, uyilo kunye nobuchwephesha kwaye ugqwesile ngenxa yokunikela ingqalelo kwiinkcukacha. Ringo Gamaguchi Umsebenzi oyiNtloko: Isipaji eyiClasp iyanelisa iimfuno ngokumangalisayo, ichukumisa iinqwenelo, ikhwebela iimvakalelo kwaye itsala umdla.

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