The Innovative Journey of Nichigan: Crafting Unique Wooden Toys for Kids

Founded in 1929 and based in Toshima City, Tokyo, Nichigan Co., Ltd. has a rich history in the production of wooden toys. The company operates with the philosophy of enhancing everyday life through the warmth of wood, providing not just toys, but also wooden goods that resonate with multiple generations.

Recently, Nichigan has ventured into OEM production, utilizing its extensive experience and expertise. This transformation has attracted numerous corporate clients, including major department stores, baby manufacturers, lifestyle goods stores, game companies, design firms, and even food manufacturers, who seek high-quality wooden toys, goods, and stationery.

Among its recent collaborations, Nichigan partnered with Fundament Co., Ltd., located in Taitō City, Tokyo, to create a uniquely designed 5x5 Shogi game known as SHOGGY. This project emphasizes accessibility for young children, with pieces that are easy to grasp and rounded for safety.

What Makes SHOGGY Special?

Traditional Shogi is played on a 9x9 board, often leading to longer game sessions. In contrast, SHOGGY is designed with a 5x5 board, which allows for quicker gameplay and makes it easier for kids to engage with the fun nuances of Shogi earlier on. With vibrant colors inspired by building blocks, the pieces are not only appealing but also educational, helping children familiarize themselves with the game's mechanics quickly and enjoyably.

One of the key features of SHOGGY is the easy-to-hold pieces tailored for small hands, setting it apart from conventional Shogi pieces that can be cumbersome for children. Furthermore, the pieces are designed to embody the movements of traditional Shogi pieces, making learning how to play intuitive and fun.

The Creation Process

The development of SHOGGY draws inspiration from Nichigan's award-winning Daimyoko, which captures the movements of Shogi pieces through graphic design. Although praised for its distinctive style and receiving the 2016 Good Design Award, the initial versions were costly due to their handcrafted nature and the size of the pieces, which were not suitable for younger players.

Recognizing the need for a more child-friendly design, Nichigan aimed to adapt the quality and concept of Daimyoko into a prototype that would be safe and appealing for children, while also meeting the expectations of adults purchasing the items as gifts. As a result, SHOGGY has achieved the CE mark, meeting European toy safety standards, which underscores Nichigan's commitment to quality and safety.

Why Partner with Nichigan?

Fundament Co., Ltd. found that Nichigan stood out due to its ability to manufacture uniquely shaped pentagonal pieces with rounded edges and the capability for custom printing designs on the pieces. After examining Nichigan's high-quality products, Fundament decided to collaborate with them for their OEM needs. The partnership provided invaluable guidance, especially in navigating safety regulations and quality assurance throughout the production process. This collaborative effort led to the successful creation of SHOGGY, which consistently impresses customers with its quality.

A Call to Other Corporations

Nichigan encourages brands and companies seeking to develop wooden products or toys to reach out and collaborate. Whether you have a solid idea or simply want to explore possibilities in the realm of wooden products, Nichigan’s expertise can help bring your vision to life. With a focus on safety and engaging design, Nichigan is committed to ensuring that both children and adults will cherish their products for years to come.

Nichigan remains dedicated to nurturing creativity and imagination in children through its safe wooden toys while continuing to pave the way for future innovations in play and educational goods.

Company Overview

Established in 1929, Nichigan Co., Ltd. has consistently created safe and reliable wooden toys to foster creativity and imagination in children. The company maintains a commitment to enhancing everyday experiences with beautiful wooden products across various generations.
Company Name: Nichigan Co., Ltd.
Representative: Yoko Tsukada
Address: 4-2-33 Komagome, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0003
Business Activity: Manufacture, wholesale, and sale of wooden toys and goods
Corporate Website: Nichigan Official Site
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