Tin accessories from Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, created by NAGAE+.
Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture is home to the copperware industry and craftsmanship with a history of over 400 years.NAGAE+ is a brand derived from NAGAE Corporation, which was born in there.
NAGAE+'s accessory series TIN BREATH is, as the name suggests, made of tin. The name comes from the delicate sound you hear when you gently bend the tin plate to fit your wrist or fingers.
Its modern and sophisticated design and its ability to bend at will have been appreciated by many fashion lovers.
In 2017, it was even chosen as a gift for U.S. first lady Melania Trump during her visit to Japan.
In our blog post, we explore the fashion coordination of TIN BREATH accessories, the characteristics of tin accessories, how TIN BREATH is made, the history of tin in Takaoka City, Toyama, Japan, and how to care for these products.
1. Fashion coordination of TIN BREATH
With T-shirts and other casual outfits
TIN BREATH tin bracelets are simple in design, but their unique texture and luster give them a sense of class when combined with casual T-shirts and denim. Adding a tin accessory to casual styles will further enhance your everyday fashion.
Elegant and fashionable for special occasions
TIN BREATH accessories are elegant and fashionable for special dinners and outings. When worn with formal attire, they add a simple yet elegant sparkle to complete an outfit for special occasions. The luster of tin has an understated but definite presence in any occasion and harmonizes with other accessories.
I'm N, one of the store staff. I often wear simple rings on a daily basis.
I enjoy layering it with the TIN BREATH ring when I go out for a girls' night out.
The shine of the tin is not too flashy and adds a touch of glamour to my hand, making it easy to incorporate into small outings!
When I wear it, I am often asked “Where did you get that?“
Unisex taste for men
Both TIN BREATH bracelets and rings are adjustable in size and feature a unisex, ageless design. The items can be used by both men and women. The simple design fits naturally on both men's wrists and fingers. It also matches with business casual styles. Since it is free size, it is a perfect gift for couples as a pair.
I am store staff D. I used to be a person who does not wear accessories. However, I saw many men purchasing TIN BREATH series jewelry at the store, so I decided to give it a try. I like it because it is a fashion item that fits in with my everyday simple clothes and can be easily incorporated.
2. Characteristics of tin accessories
Soft, bendable, and shape-changing
Tin is soft and can be easily bent and reshaped to adjust its size. The great advantage is that you can adjust it as you like to fit your own wrist or finger. For pierced earrings, for example, you can create your own original design by twisting the metal, adding a special uniqueness to the product.
Less likely to cause metal allergies
Tin is generally known as a material that does not cause metal allergies. The TIN BREATH series bracelets are made of 99.99% pure tin and are free of impurities that can cause allergic reactions to the maximum extent possible. *However, there is no guarantee that all people will not be allergic to this metal.
Unique texture and luster of tin
The unique texture and luster of tin accessories, which are not found in any other metals, make even a simple design stand out.
3. The process of making TIN BREATH
Mixing modern and traditional design
TIN BREATH's modern yet traditional style is the work of designer Akiko Tsurumoto (shokolatt representative), who won the Good Design Award in 2016. The product is recognized for its beauty and functionality in line with modern lifestyles, incorporating cutting-edge technology while adhering to traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Carefully selected high-purity tin
The quality of tin directly affects the beauty and durability of products, and TIN BREATH uses high-purity tin castings (99.99%: four-nine). The use of high-purity tin allows us to maintain the beautiful luster that is characteristic of tin.
99.99% genuine tin casting
Casting tin is a process where craftsmen's skills shine; melting and solidifying 99.99% pure tin into a thin bangle requires extremely high skills. For this product, a new casting method was created through a process of trial and error by craftsmen. Each piece is produced by hand by skilled craftsmen of world-class skills.
Delicate Japanese and Western textures
When pouring and casting the mold, the surface is covered with Echizen Washi, which is made durable and long-lasting by rubbing with Japanese paper, while the other surface is textured with watercolor paper made of 100% cotton, which has been used in Italy for 700 years. Two traditions, Eastern and Western, are combined in the surface of the tin.
Delivered in an original box
You can feel the excitement even before opening this simple yet luxurious, uniquely designed small box. When you open it, the pleasant unexpectedness of the product will add to this excitement. We hope you will experience it for yourself or with someone you love.
4. History of Tin in Japan and Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture
Asuka and Nara Periods
The use of tin in Japan dates back to the Asuka and Nara periods. Since ancient times, tin has been prized for use in sake cups for shrines and temples. It must have been known since ancient times that water in a tin vessel does not spoil and that sake tastes mellow after being drained of its impurities in it, due to the characteristics of tin. Some imported tinware can be seen in Shosoin. Sake tokuri was once called tin, and it seems to have referred to the sake inside as well.
End of 16th century to early 17th century
In the 16th century, development led to the mining of large amounts of tin and lead ores. In 1609, Maeda Toshinaga, the second lord of the Kaga Domain, built Takaoka Castle in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, and the city prospered as its castle town. The Kaga clan also owned several mines in Etchu (present-day Toyama Prefecture). Toshinaga invited foundry workers, built and equipped factories, and developed their skills. In this way, the foundation was laid for Takaoka City to become the foundry town it is today. From this time, tin gradually began to meet the demands of the general public as well as the privileged few.
Edo Period
In the Edo period (1603-1867), society became more stable and the apprentice system produced many excellent craftsmen. Tinware manufacturing flourished in the Kansai region rather than the Kanto region, and the tin shops that existed until the 1990s, such as the long-established tin shop in Shinsaibashi, developed mainly in Osaka. Tea and sake cups made of tin became widely popular, and tin crafts became even more common.
Meiji Era to Showa Era
In the Meiji period (1868-1912), the diversification of tin as a craft continued with the development of mechanization and joining techniques. Although tin reached its peak in the early Showa perio(1926-1989), it later fell on hard times due to the outbreak of World War II, which resulted in the drafting of craftsmen and difficulties in obtaining raw materials. However, in the late Showa period, Osaka craftsmen overcame the hardships of the postwar period and gathered together. As a result of their efforts, their skills and wisdom were passed on to the next generation, including being designated as traditional crafts by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Modern age
Recently, tin products have continued being produced in Takaoka City, attracting attention from all over the world. This is thanks to their technical skills, cultivated through long tradition and innovative ideas that break the mold for conventional tin products. More than 400 years have passed since industrial promotion by Toshinaga Maeda, and Takaoka City still boasts the top share in the nation's tin crafts. It has become a center of craftsmanship, preserving traditional techniques while continuing to take on the challenge of designing innovative future technologies that meet today's needs.
5. How to care for TIN BREATH
Wipe with a soft cloth
After use, wipe gently with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or fingerprints. A microfiber cloth is effective for this purpose.
Dry well after washing with water
Wash the product lightly with water if necessary, and then wipe it dry with a soft cloth immediately afterwards. If detergent is used, be sure to use a neutral detergent. After washing, wipe thoroughly and dry completely in a well-ventilated place. Thorough drying is necessary because residual moisture can cause discoloration and rust.
Avoid abrasives
Tin is a soft metal, so avoid polishing with cleansers, metal scrubbers, or steel wool. Scratches may degrade the tin's unique texture. A non-abrasive cleaning cloth is recommended for cleaning.
Avoid acidic and alkaline substances
Tin is sensitive to acidic and alkaline substances. Sweat, perfume, cosmetics, etc. adhering to tin can cause discoloration and corrosion. It is always recommended to wipe them off carefully after use.
Storage
Ideally, tin should be stored away from moisture and direct sunlight. Prevent scratches by placing the jewelry in a jewelry box or cloth pouch to prevent it from coming into contact with other hard objects. Also, place a desiccant next to it to protect it from moisture.
What to do if the luster becomes dull
If the luster has become dull, dissolve baking soda in water to make a paste and polish gently with a soft cloth. Afterwards, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and dry completely.
For long use
Tin jewelry will last longer if it is maintained regularly. About once a month, wipe with a soft cloth, rinse with water and dry. If you begin to notice discoloration or stains, take care of it immediately to keep the item looking beautiful at all times.
6. Q＆A
Q. Can TIN BREATH products be shipped overseas?
A. Yes, we do offer international shipping. Please note, however, that we do not offer the replacement service for orders from overseas.
Q. My product broke during use.
A. Tin is a soft metal and may break due to metal fatigue, depending on the environment of use. If the product breaks, we will replace it for a fee, so please contact us from the Contact Us page. However, please note that we do not offer replacement services for orders from overseas.
Q. How is tin different from other metals?
A. Compared to other metals, tin is very soft, does not oxidize easily, does not rust easily, does not cause metal allergies, and has a unique luster.
Q. Is the TIN BREATH series only for accessories?
A. Yes, the TIN BREATH series that we carry are only bracelets (40mm and 20mm), rings, and earrings. There is another series of accessories by the same manufacturer, Ordi bibelot, but instead of tin, it is made of surgical stainless steel, which is a less allergenic material. There are also sake cups, plates, cutlery rests, and other items in the same Ordi series made of 99.99% tin.
7. Summary
The TIN BREATH series comprises accessories for any season, any place, any gender, and any age. It is recommended as a birthday gift for that special person in your life, or, as a pair, for a wedding or anniversary gift for a couple. It is available in gold and silver. We carry the bracelet (40mm and 20mm), ring, and earrings.
I'm T, one of the store staff. I usually wear casual fashion such as denim, etc.
The TIN BREATH 40mm bracelet is useful because it has a surprisingly good accent when worn and blends in with my everyday fashion.