BRAND JAPAN teases Makabe Stone Zen Light Kickstarter

BRAND JAPAN Co., Ltd. is preparing to launch a Kickstarter for Makabe Stone Zen Light, a 17 cm granite lantern made in Ibaraki, Japan. The campaign aims to sell 50 pieces worldwide, with rewards starting at JPY 47,500 and delivery targeted for the end of 2027.

Why it matters: - BRAND JAPAN is trying to turn a traditional Japanese stonecraft product into a globally sold consumer item. - The planned campaign ties craft sales directly to paid work for artisans in Ibaraki. - Backers will be buying a functional stone object designed for everyday spaces, not just a decorative collectible.

What happened: - BRAND JAPAN Co., Ltd. is preparing to launch a Kickstarter campaign for Makabe Stone Zen Light. - The lantern is made from natural Makabe granite by Iwabuchi Sangyo in Sakuragawa, Ibaraki, Japan. - The project has not launched yet. - A project page is already live on Kickstarter: Explore the upcoming project.

The details: - Zen Light stands 17 cm tall and is designed to bring the form of a Japanese stone lantern into living spaces. - The lantern includes a rounded cap, four openings and natural granite grain. - Each reward includes one stone lantern with a removable cap. - No LED light, other light source or styling accessories are included. - Lighting shown in photos is for illustration only. - The lantern measures 155 x 155 x 170 mm (W x D x H). - Reference weight, including the removable cap, is about 2,567 g. - Individual pieces may vary. - Makabe stone comes from Ibaraki, a region with a stoneworking tradition that dates back about 500 years. - Production includes inspecting the stone for grain and cracks, marking dimensions, cutting, shaping and finishing. - The workshop uses both machinery and hand tools. - Iwabuchi Sangyo typically makes only one or two lanterns per day. - Natural variation in grain, pattern and tone means each lantern will look different. - Stone artisan Hisayuki Iwabuchi was recognized as a Contemporary Master Craftsman in 2021 and received Japan's Medal with Yellow Ribbon in 2022. - Planned reward tiers are set at JPY 47,500 for an Early Reward, limited to 30 units, and JPY 63,300 for a second-tier reward, limited to 20 units. - The campaign plan covers worldwide shipping, customs duties, applicable VAT and sales tax, and customs clearance fees. - BRAND JAPAN plans to cover those costs. - Rewards are planned to ship from Japan. - Delivery to backers is targeted for completion by December 31, 2027. - Production delays, carrier disruptions, customs clearance and weather could affect the schedule. - Kickstarter pledges support a project and do not guarantee delivery.

Between the lines: - The campaign is positioned less like a gadget launch and more like a direct-to-backer craft sale. - The pricing, limited quantities and long delivery window reflect labor-intensive production rather than mass manufacturing. - Including shipping, taxes and customs in the listed price lowers friction for overseas buyers, while also making the final cost easier to understand.

What's next: - BRAND JAPAN says the campaign will go live on Kickstarter soon. - The company is directing launch and media inquiries to store@brand-japan.ne.jp. - More information is available on the company website: BRAND JAPAN.

The bottom line: - BRAND JAPAN is betting that a small, handmade granite lantern can find buyers far beyond Japan, if the brand can translate centuries-old stonecraft into a clear Kickstarter story.