The eco-conscious lifestyle brand 'hide k 1896' (Founder & Owner: Hideki Kasuga) announces a special limited-edition artwork, 'ULTRAMAN × TRANSWOOD | CHUKOU - 宙光 -', to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Ultraman series.
This unique artwork is born from the shared mission of ULTRAMAN and hide k 1896 to 'protect the Earth,' combining TRANSWOOD, Japan's advanced 3D printing technology, and the traditional Japanese craft of kintsugi.
The artwork will be available for limited pre-order starting July 29, 2026, at Hankyu Men's Osaka, and from August 12, 2026, at Hankyu Men's Tokyo, during the 'hide k 1896 POP UP' events.
CONCEPT STORY
From the nature of Nagano, nurtured over long periods of time,
the 100-year circulating material TRANSWOOD was born.
Interwoven with light from the cosmos,
the layered form of TRANSWOOD, built up
layer by layer through Japan's cutting-edge technology,
quietly yet powerfully reveals its contours.
This is more than mere product creation—
it is a message of resource regeneration for the future.
And upon the Ultraman, clad in the deep, rich hues derived from TRANSWOOD,
the traditional Japanese technique of 'kintsugi' is applied.
'Kintsugi' is not mere decoration.
It is a symbol of Japan's rich craft culture,
reconnecting what has been broken
and imbuing it with new value.
The golden traces drawn across the body
become beams of hope, solidifying bonds
and carrying forward emotions across generations.
Japan, calling for a new breath of life,
and Earth, standing at a crossroads toward a sustainable future.
Here lies our resolve for 'restart (renewal)'—
to face the challenges before us with sincerity
and move forward into the next era.
A texture that is nostalgic yet new. A quiet strength. A dignified presence.
The cycle of nature, the elevation of culture, and the inheritance of bonds.
Where tradition and innovation converge,
the desire to protect Earth
takes form and illuminates the future.
Artwork Specifications
Title: 'ULTRAMAN × TRANSWOOD | CHUKOU - 宙光 -'
Materials: ・Main body: TRANSWOOD (wood-based material, biomass PP) ・Base: Wood
Dimensions (main body): W 15cm, D 5.5cm, H 33cm (including base: 35.5cm)
Wooden box dimensions: W 20cm, D 20cm, H 40cm
Price: ¥1,430,000 (tax included)
Edition: 10 units
Included items: Base, paulownia box, product certificate (with serial number), brand card, caution card,
Profile card of lacquer restoration artist Hiroki Suezaki
Finish: Japanese natural urushi lacquer, Japanese pure gold powder
Kintsugi: Hiroki Suezaki
Country of origin: Japan
Manufacturer & distributor: hide k 1896 Co., Ltd.
Copyright: ©TSUBURAYA PROD.
Notes: This artwork incorporates the traditional Japanese technique of 'kintsugi' and is hand-finished individually.
Concept video: https://youtu.be/ZjKzVtTDTMU
Pre-order Sales
● Hankyu Men's Osaka: hide k 1896 POP UP 'ULTRAMAN×TRANSWOOD | CHUKOU ~宙光~'
Dates: July 29 (Wed) – August 4 (Tue), 2026
Venue: 1F PROMOTION SPACE11, Hankyu Men's Osaka (7-10 Kado-machi, Kita-ku, Osaka)
● Hankyu Men's Tokyo: hide k 1896 POP UP 'ULTRAMAN×TRANSWOOD | CHUKOU ~宙光~'
Dates: August 12 (Wed) – August 17 (Mon), 2026
Venue: 1F MAIN BASE, Hankyu Men's Tokyo (2-5-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
The artwork will be available for limited pre-order at the above POP UP events.
Eco-Friendly Material Brand 'TRANSWOOD®'
A 100-Year Circulating All-Bio Material
TRANSWOOD® is an eco-friendly composite material brand developed by Dr. Hideki Kasuga, with the concept of a '100-year circulating material.' It combines 'wood-based materials' with 'biomass resin' derived from waste cooking oil, creating an all-bio, environmentally harmonious composite. In addition to being lightweight and strong, it offers high recyclability. hide k 1896 is advancing the development of a TRANSWOOD® platform that enables circulation into tableware, furniture, home appliances, automotive interiors, and structural materials.
Moreover, the diverse textures created through various molding methods and its unique sensory value are major characteristics of TRANSWOOD®. It simultaneously achieves CO₂ reduction and plastic usage reduction, contributing to the social implementation of a circular economy.
Ultraman Series 60th Anniversary Project
On July 10, 1966, Ultraman made his first appearance on television. Since then, continuously evolving with the times and touching hearts, the Ultraman series has delivered 'courage,' 'hope,' and 'compassion' to audiences. In 2026, the series will celebrate the 60th anniversary of its broadcast debut.
To commemorate this historic milestone, the 'Ultraman Series 60th Anniversary Project' is underway. Aiming to reach not only long-time fans but also those who have never experienced Ultraman, the project seeks to convey the depth of each series' stories and its universal themes, ensuring Ultraman remains a beloved figure across generations and borders.
Official Website for 'Ultraman Series 60th Anniversary Project'
https://60th.m-78.jp/
Concept Movie
https://youtu.be/-N7AImoFI8w
Lacquer Restoration Artist Hiroki Suezaki Profile
・Has inherited traditional techniques established in the Edo period and has been engaged in lacquer-based restoration for over 50 years.
・Handles restoration of a wide range of cultural assets, including temples, shrines, Buddhist statues, ceramics, lacquerware, and antique artworks.
・Practices kintsugi and lacquer restoration using only natural materials.
・Has led kintsugi workshops in Kyoto and Tokyo since 2015.
・Appeared on BBC in 2020 and NHK WORLD in 2023.
・In 2022, by invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered lectures at museums and educational institutions worldwide, including the Hall of Benedict XVI in Vatican City, Rome, Faenza, Venice, Lugano, London, Oxford, and National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan.
・In 2024, launched a special course on lacquer restoration at the Venice Restoration Training School (IVBC).
・Founded Urushi Geisha Co., Ltd. in July 2019 and serves as representative.
・Founded NPO 'ROLE' in June 2021 and serves as representative director.
・From 2025, will write articles for the junior high school Japanese textbook 'Gendai no Kokugo' published by Sanshusha.
・In 2026, will exhibit at the Collect Art Fair in London.
Eco-Conscious Lifestyle Brand 'hide k 1896'
https://hidek1896.com
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: New Product
- Products / services: TRANSWOOD