Hidebumi Yamaguchi's MiLLi SECOND reel, an embodiment of extreme precision in craftsmanship and design, has been recognized with five awards, including the prestigious Golden A' Design Award. The design was born out of a desire to communicate the exceptional quality and aesthetic appeal of Yamaguchi's previous works.
The MiLLi SECOND reel's unique properties lie in its body, crafted from aluminum shavings. The design features an edged form that fits perfectly in the user's fingers, a unique attribute of the shaving process. The reel also includes three holes for attaching a neck strap, card case, and other items. The line uses high-strength organic fiber, capable of supporting weights of up to 40 grams.
The realization of the MiLLi SECOND reel involves high-precision milling of an aluminum ingot. The milled aluminum surface is treated with anodizing to enhance its corrosion and abrasion resistance. The body features bowl-shaped depressions on both sides, providing a comfortable grip for the user.
Yamaguchi's design inspiration was not limited to the product's form but extended to how users would wear and use the reel. The body's frame features two oblong holes and one round hole, allowing users to customize their usage and wearing method. For instance, a neck strap can be attached through the round hole.
The MiLLi SECOND brand was established in 2014 in Tsubame, Japan, a hub of metalworking. The first product, a metal tape measure, won five design awards in Japan and Germany. The MiLLi SECOND reel is the brand's third product, showcased in exhibitions in Paris, Germany, Dubai, and Japan in 2015.
In conclusion, Hidebumi Yamaguchi's MiLLi SECOND reel is a testament to precision and craftsmanship, with its unique properties and realization technology. The design's versatility and user-centric approach have earned it recognition and accolades, including the Golden A' Design Award, underscoring Yamaguchi's prowess in the design realm.
Project Designers: Hidebumi Yamaguchi
Image Credits: #1 Photographer : Ryokan Abe
#2 Photographer : Ryokan Abe
#3 Photographer : Ryokan Abe
#4 Photographer : Ryokan Abe
Project Team Members: Product Design : Hidebumi Yamaguchi (Caro inc.)
Plan : TAKEDA DESIGN PROJECT
Manufacture : Takeda inc.
Project Name: MiLLiSECOND
Project Client: Hidebumi Yamaguchi