1. What is MOKULOCK?

MOKULOCK is a wooden block developed by New Tech Shinsei Co., Ltd., a precision equipment manufacturer headquartered in Yonezawa City.

When it comes to block toys, they are designed to expand your imagination by combining shapes.

If plastic blocks stimulate the imagination with their shapes, MOKULOCK are blocks that stimulate the senses.

The feel of the wood on your fingertips and the faint scent of wood.

The gentle sound of wood touching wood when stacked.

Every time you play with it, the presence of the material itself is felt by the person holding it.

The material used is wood from Okitama, and it has a solid wood finish without any paint.

It has been designed to be safe for small children to pick up and play with.

MOKULOCK is a building block toy that develops not only imagination but also the senses themselves.

2. Why a precision equipment manufacturer decided to take on the challenge of making toys

New Tech Shinsei has been involved in the contract manufacturing of information and communications equipment and precision instruments.

This is a field that requires precision and does not tolerate even the slightest error.

Precision machinery and wooden toys may seem like completely different genres at first glance.

However, Kuwahara told us that “the way of thinking and process of manufacturing were the same.”

“I wanted to create something that children would enjoy, something that could only be done in Yonezawa.”

We aim to create something meaningful that will allow us to continue our business in Okitama, Yamagata, while making use of the technology that New Tech Shinsei has cultivated.

This idea led to the creation of blocks made from local wood.

It seems that this was a challenge that could only have been born in Yamagata and Okitama.

MOKULOCK has been highly praised both in Japan and overseas, winning numerous awards, including the Maison & Objet Green Itinerary Award in France, the JAPAN WOOD DESIGN AWARD, and first place in the toy category at the ECO-EXCELLENCE AWARDS in the United States.

It is now attracting attention as a product made in Yonezawa that can be delivered all over the world.

3. MOKULOCK manufacturing site, where products are made to the nearest hundredth of a millimeter

The most attractive thing about MOKULOCK is its precision construction.

We had the opportunity to visit the actual manufacturing site.

First, they dry the wood in this room.

Humidity and temperature are carefully controlled to prevent the wood from warping or cracking.

The wood dries out from both ends, leaving the center more humid.

Therefore, they first dry the wood and then moisten both ends of the wood to evenly adjust the moisture content throughout.

This extra step is apparently an important step in preventing the wood from warping or cracking during subsequent processing.

Different types of wood have different weights and drying times.

I actually had the chance to hold it, and was surprised at how different the weight felt!

Therefore, rather than proceeding with the same process all at once, they carefully adjust the timing of drying and processing while assessing the characteristics of each tree species.

Next came the actual machining process of cutting out the block.

Here, wood that has been dried and adjusted is precisely carved to within 1/100th of a millimeter.

Before entering the room, I imagined that many employees would be watching intently as the carving was being carried out.

However, there was only one person in the room!

The program for the cutting process is pre-loaded for each type of wood, and the machine then performs the subsequent processing automatically.

It is because New Tech Shinsei handles everything from the development to the processing of this machine in-house that it is able to achieve such precision and efficiency.

In this way, approximately 2,000 pieces of MOKULOCK are produced in one day.

Next, we were shown a number of sample products and the machines used to make them.

In order to give shape to various ideas, they program each prototype and make repeated fine adjustments.

Some of the ice-shaped blocks were actually made at the request of customers.

The design makes full use of the warmth of wood, and I couldn’t help but exclaim, “So cute!”

I felt that MOKULOCK’s worldview was born from such flexible ideas and technical capabilities.

4. Expanding usage scenarios: From children to life's turning points

MOKULOCK was born as a wooden toy for children.

However, as we continued our research, we discovered that its uses go beyond just “play.”

MOKULOCK is chosen for a variety of occasions, such as birthday and baby shower gifts, childcare facilities, and even as an item to celebrate milestones in an adult’s life.

(From the official website of Japanese wooden block company “MOKUROKU”)

What was particularly impressive was its use at weddings.

A special MOKULOCK was made to order from the bride and groom.

Apparently, the name of each attendee was engraved on a piece, and the piece was completed by stacking it at the reception, making it a “marriage certificate.”

On display inside the company were blocks and boards that had been used at previous events.

There, the children’s imagination and freedom of thought were left untouched.

The marks left by children as they play and combine the blocks in any way they like are all unique.

Seeing how adults could use and assemble it in ways they never imagined, we realized that MOKULOCK is more than just a toy.

5. Message

Finally, Mr. Kuwahara, CEO of New Tech Shinsei Co., Ltd., gave a message to everyone reading VISIT YAMAGATA.

“I hope that MOKULOCK will lead to an increase in the number of wooden toys in Japan.

I would like to provide toys that make children wonder, ‘Where are these toys made?’ and that give them a sense of the warmth of local craftsmanship.”

Every time you pick it up, you can feel the warmth of the wood and sense the maker’s passion and love for the abundant trees of their hometown, Yamagata.

MOKULOCK brings fun and peace of mind to all generations, from children to adults.

Toys made from wood from Okitama, Yamagata will continue to bring smiles to many people’s faces.