This keychain is upcycled from waste materials from a foil stamping factory.
During the printing process, bakelite boards inevitably end up as "trash."
It would be a shame to throw away this material, which is known for its unique texture and lightness! This keychain was born from that idea. We manually cut boards about one meter long, and not only do we perform foil stamping, but also file and finish the fittings in-house.
* OEM manufacturing based on your store's design is also possible. We would appreciate it if you could contact us via chat.
The design was handled by nag, who specializes in translating activism into everyday items.
We have selected wording about the right to art from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
"Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits."
Everyone has the right to freely participate in the cultural activities of the community, to enjoy the arts, and to benefit from scientific progress and its benefits.
[Thoughts Behind the Design]
Until now, our main business has been foil stamping for book covers and packaging. It is just a small part of the printing and binding process. Our names rarely appeared in public, and there were very few opportunities to connect directly with consumers of books and products.
What we truly enjoy about developing our own products and selling them on a small scale is that the reactions of buyers come through directly. Having had the opportunity to sell at international art book fairs and museum museum shops, I have experienced moments of connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and around the world through our products, and I feel an indescribable joy.
Through craftsmanship, we meet people, and from those encounters, stories are born. I wanted to put the heart that cherishes that commitment to that journey into this product itself.
When considering design, we have been facing the question, "What kind of society are we living in now?"
The product designer, NAG, stated, "As the world faces the suffering of war, persecution, exploitation, and poverty right now, this article may feel somewhat carefree or idyllic." Still, the reason for choosing this wording is, "It is precisely because of these times that we want to return to the ideal form of human rights and continue to pursue them. We have the right not only to ensure food, clothing, shelter, and safety, but also to enjoy our own creativity." That's the feeling I have.
[Keychains as Communication Tools]
Keychains are tools that not only make wearing them enjoyable but also create the beginning of conversations with friends and sometimes strangers, sparking communication.
Many people want to talk about environmental issues and human rights, but can't find a way to talk with those around them—that's how society is in today's world. "What's that? It's cute!" From these words, we hope diverse dialogues will emerge. This keychain should be able to help transform human relationships into a little more open and open.
[About Product Names]
The product is called the "UP" keychain.
Not only are these products made from recycled materials "upcycled," but through wording that "uplifts" society, it carries the hope of "uplifting" society and improving it.
[Customer Feedback]
Sales will begin on its own e-commerce starting in early June 2026. Art lovers and those interested in social issues have purchased it.
Comments received
・"It looks cute when worn with other charms."
・"As someone who loves art, I want to never forget these words."
[About the Material]
・Bakelite board
Heat-resistant and adequately absorbs impact. It is an important tool for us foil stamping craftsmen. However, the downside is that its durability isn't that strong. By pressing continuously every day, "Gaschan, Gaschan" (on busy days, nearly 10,000 times!) After a few months, it becomes unusable.
Some pieces have marks of writing or pressing, but those retain their texture and are processed into keychains.
・Foil
We use somewhat rare foils such as hologram foil and pigment foil. At our factory, we purchase foil by the roll and cut it to fit the design size before use, but since it's rare to use up all the rolls perfectly in a single job, the leftover end up sitting in the warehouse. Popular colors (black, gold, silver) can be used immediately for other tasks, so it's not a problem, but rare colors may go unused for over ten years and gradually deteriorate in the warehouse.
If it deteriorates, the adhesive adheres poorly, making product defects more likely and making it impossible to use in our usual work. Until now, I had discarded this kind of foil, but since there are no issues with color and many are compatible with baking plate printing, this product uses these foils.
[About Color Variations]
We have gathered five colors inspired by the sky.
"rainbow" uses one hologram color, while the other four use two colors of pigment foil.
・rainbow
Depending on the angle, holographic foil can even look like chic silver. Depending on the angle of the light, it shines with iridescence. The fittings are gray and stylishly finished.
・Spring Afternoon
A refreshing spring afternoon. With the image of a refreshing breeze carrying the scent of greenery, I layered green and green colors. The metal fittings are yellow, adding a bright accent.
・Summer Evening
At dusk, when summer is still a bit muggy. With the image of a vivid sunset spreading out after a sunset, I layered light purple with a 'crimson' that is slightly closer to pink than red. The metal fittings are brown, and the overall color scheme is vividly contrasting.
・Autumn Night
An autumn night that makes you want to stay outside forever. Inspired by the night sky illuminated by the bright moon, I layered yellow and deep purple. The metal fittings are brown, and the distinct color gives it a striking finish.
・Winter Morning
A winter morning when you want to nap while bathed in gentle sunlight. Inspired by the crisp, chilly air and the soft, clear sky, I layered light blue and deep purple. The metal fittings are light purple, giving a cool color yet a gentle impression.
[About Packaging Materials]
We use leftover paper from the factory and recycled OPP bags (relatively clean items) for packaging. Due to material constraints and other factors, some wrapping specifications may change without prior notice.
If you would like packaging without plastic, we would appreciate it if you could contact us via chat separately.
[About the Product]
・Size: Main body (excluding metal fittings) approx. 10cm× approx. 5cm, including package approx. 16cm × approx. 12cm
・Weight: approx. 6.4g (including fittings)
・Material: Bakelite, [Fittings] Zinc alloy, iron
[About Promotional Materials, etc.]
You can provide product images as data.
[Handling Notes]
*Since recycled materials are used, the condition of the materials and the finish of the foil stamping vary for each piece (some have old markings). I hope you enjoy the differences as a kind of flavor.
* The sides of the keychain are sanded, but please handle with caution just in case.
*Uses old foil or pigment foil. Please be careful as chafing may cause color transfer or the foil may peel off