#Japan #Chiyoda #Makuake #knotLight #aprg

The Launch of knotLight

Recently, Art and Program Inc., located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has successfully achieved its funding goal for the innovative lighting product, knotLight, through the crowdfunding platform, Makuake. This unique product redefines how we interact with light, allowing users to easily shape and manipulate it like string, offering unprecedented flexibility in its applications. From being worn as an accessory, to being tied to bags or used as home decor, knotLight blurs the lines between functionality and creative expression.
The crowdfunding campaign runs from May 25, 2026, to June 22, 2026, during which backers can support this imaginative product. For more details, visit the project page.

Design Journey

The inception of knotLight traces back to the ambition of integrating illumination into fashion, spurred by the hiring of a fashion designer at Art and Program. The goal was to find innovative ways to incorporate light into clothing, but various challenges arose including comfort, weight, washability, maintenance, and everyday usability. After extensive trial and error, the team discovered that a soft, flexible string, acting as a fashion accessory, would naturally integrate with apparel while allowing easy removal when necessary.
This string can be styled in myriad ways—wrapped, tied, draped, or woven—allowing the integration of light to adapt to the wearer's personal style and movement. By transforming light into this string format, knotLight extends its usability beyond the fashion realm, opening avenues for diverse applications: it can be worn, decorated, or even taken outdoors.

From Prototype to Product

Initially showcased at DESIGNART TOKYO 2025, the knotLight garnered attention from numerous attendees and creators. The brand, aprg®, which integrates products with art and technology, aims to foster new discoveries and enrich daily life. The successful crowdfunding campaign marks a pivotal point for knotLight, transitioning from development to production and market distribution. Art and Program Inc. will continue enhancing the product based on user feedback while promoting and selling it through e-commerce and exhibitions.

Product Features

KnotLight is a portable lighting product that operates using a string structure combined with a compact device. It features an integrated battery, making it convenient for both indoor and outdoor use. Users can easily adjust brightness, colors, and lighting patterns with straightforward controls. The string is designed to emit light evenly, promising an eye-catching glow all around, with the patent currently pending (Patent Application No. 2025-179325).
Key Features Include:

• - Soft, flexible format allowing for endless styling possibilities
• - Portable with an internal battery
• - Adjustable brightness, color, and light patterns
• - Can be designed in various shapes paired with specialized accessories
• - Compatible with existing string culture, such as paracord craft and macramé

Specifications:

• - Product Name: knotLight
• - String Length: 90 cm
• - Weight: 49g (including 2g for carabiner)
• - Battery Life: Approximately 2-6 hours
• - Charging Time: 2.5 hours via USB Type-C
• - Brightness Levels: 4
• - Lighting Patterns: 6
• - Light Colors: 15
• - Manufactured in: Japan (some components sourced from China)
• - Water Resistance: Not waterproof

Future Directions

Art and Program Inc. aims to advance the sales and dissemination of knotLight through collaborations with various businesses and creatives, further exploring its creative potential. User feedback will continuously inform product improvements, paving the way for future iterations and promising exhilarating experiences for enthusiasts and everyday users alike.

Related Information

As the crowdfunding campaign for knotLight continues, more details can be found on the Makuake project page and additional insights about the product’s development stage can be explored on the company's note page.
Follow the narrative of how knotLight was born, the creative processes faced, and how it shapes up to be a game-changer in the lighting market.

Contact

For more inquiries, Art and Program Inc. can be reached at their headquarters in Chiyoda, Tokyo. Explore more about their endeavors via their official website, Instagram, and Twitter.