NEW YORK, NY - Woodworkers, designers, and furniture makers are often characterized by their sophisticated techniques and lofty ambitions. They insist on detail and they will often refuse to represent themselves with anything less than perfection.

In Japanese, this quality of pride in craftsmanship is known as “Takumi.”

Borrowing its name from the phenomenon, The Takumi Project dedicates itself to supporting small Japanese craft companies on an international scale.

On March 6 – 8, at Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall in New York City, Takumi will be showcasing several wood computer products by Yamaguchi Craft Co. Ltd. and Jyogo Butsudan.

Yamaguchi Craft Co. Ltd.

As a traditional woodworking company entering an era of mass production and instant delivery, Yamaguchi has placed much of its focus on finding natural harmony within a digitalized environment. They carry old-world techniques and they also integrate the craft with 3D cutting machines.

Their focus also carries through in their wood products for PC and digital devices. Yamaguchi aims to create a calm, relaxing workspace with the introduction of these products. With wood species such as maple, walnut, cherry, and rosewood, Yamaguchi crafts USB drives, card readers, smartphone cases, and keyboards.

The company has dubbed its keyboard the “Full Ki-Board,” with a play on the Japanese word, “Ki,” which translates to “Tree.” Yamaguchi says “It makes a lovely sound like the voice of the forest when you type.”

Jyogo Butsudan

From the area of Yame City where locals have been crafting family Buddhist altars since the Edo period, Jyogo Butsudan has started to branch out to the digital community by integrating traditional methods into home audio equipment.

Like the altars, the wood speakers are designed for personal healing. Each piece is crafted by hand with walnut and hickory wood, and then finished with natural lacquer.

In addition to finishing the enclosure, Jyogo Butsudan applies a coat of lacquer on the surface of the speakers themselves to reduce unwanted noise and create a clear, sharp sound.

For more on wood computer components, visit “A Look at Wood in Computer Design as Apple's Macintosh Turns 30.”