The iconic image of Mount Fuji has adorned designs from Japan throughout the ages, but we haven’t come across many as playful and unique as those from goodbymarket. The snow peaked symbol of the country the mountain has become the main theme in product designs from designer Tomohiro Ikegaya.
Being born at the foot of Fuji-san in the town of Shimizu it is easy to understand how Ikegaya has been influenced so much by the mountain after waking up to its looming image everyday. With the motif used in playful ways on products including gloves, envelopes and handkerchiefs.
The envelope design is particularly striking, revealing the rising sun over the mountain when opened. With both the rising sun and the mountain being popular new years images the design reflects the season well, especially with the tradition of giving cash presents in Japan at this time of the year.
Ikegaya says on his site that he is, “interested in communications that arise from products, attempting to create and suggest the communication tools”. He has a great eye for turning everyday objects into something a little more fun, like the pocket square for the sartorial gent who wants a bit of Fuji poking out his blazer.
This type of design is again a good example of what could be marketed as a “Cool Japan“, which we have been discussing in our series on the Trendpool. Both popular within Japan as it could be in the West the designs pay attention to detail in the product and the packaging as well, creating something that is more than just a novelty
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Darrell is a native of the U.K. and has been in Japan since 2002. He consults on innovation and strategy at the 
