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A client reported a (superficial) crack to an asnaro tub we shipped earlier this year.
The ofuro was made with well dried ao-hiba and something like this does not happen unless the wood is really very dehydrated.
We asked the client to check the relative humidity in the room and report to us (3 readings at morning – noon – evening)
Before thinking of a way to repair the crack, we should quickly isolate and eliminate the problem otherwise the tub may suffer more damage.

1. Is there a heater or radiant floor in the bathroom? If yes, it should be kept off while the tub is empty.
2. Is there central air conditioning? Often these systems have dehumidifiers in line. Again, the AC should not be used in the bath area while the tub is empty.
3. Is the ofuro seldom used? (should be used 2, 3 or more times a week!)
4. Keeping some water inside may preserve the tub for periods when it is not used. Anyway, it is important to either fill the tub to the top, or keep few inches of water and a cover on the tub so that the humidity can reach also the area close to the edge.
5. If the tub is left unused for extended periods and the AC/heating is very powerful, the option of keeping some water inside and a cover on top may not be sufficient as the dry environment would attack the outside of the tub. In this case I recommend to wrap the tub also on the outside (as much as possible) in a similarly to the way it was delivered.

Wishing that this would never happen again, from now on, we will include with our bathtubs a complimentary hygrometer.
We recommend to keep it in the bathroom and be sure that the humidity is above 55-60%. If the environment is very dry, and the tub is seldom used there is the chance that the wood may crack.

There is often a misunderstanding about what japanese call “hagi-zai” (laminated material)

The english term “laminated wood” includes rotary cut veneer lamination (plywood) and square rods finger joined (glulam).
We have the image of the laminated wood as an engineered material, sturdy but unequivocally man-made and thus not natural.

On the other hand hagi-zai involves joining wide planks side by side with the aid of full penetration dowels. We try to match the vein and if the situation allows it, the joint is almost invisible. (in case of a tub we have to give priority to balancing the warping and thus it is almost inpossible to make an invisible joint in this case)

The lumber is equalized with rotary saw and electric planer

Here is the solid lumber with thru holes ready for joining.

Glue is applied inside the holes

Long dowels are hammered inside to connect all the planks together

Here is the finished “hagi-zai”. At this point it is straightened and prepared for the “shiguchi” = wood joints. (To create a box we use mostly dove tail joints.) Finally the panel are assembled to create the tub and hand planed.

The autumn brought a weak yen both against the dollar and the euro.
This means it is a good timing to purchase japanese goods, especially when they are priced in yen.
This post is not to push the back of our readers and convince them to buy an ofuro.
In particular now, it is a very busy period and we have a 45-60 days lead time for the production.

The reason for this post is that I know that japanese hinoki tubs are expensive, and remain a dream for many. Well, this may be an opportunity to bring home a japanese product with 15% discount compared to 2 months ago: so if you are considering buying and ofuro, I friendly recommend you to do it now.

I am not a financial analyst, but considering that countries like China and Russia are dumping federal bonds, and the saudis do not seem so clung to the petrodollar anymore, I feel that the strength of the dollar may be a flash in the pan…

I welcome all your questions and comments.

All the Best//

iacopo torrini

Our indiegogo campaign just ended.
Thanks your help and efforts, the pocket-onsen was shared on facebook 419 times and retweeted 44 times. It was featured on the Gadget flow, Rocketnews and several local newspapers.
The financial result was a collection of 2,472 US$ (about 8% of the target 30,000 US$)
Anyway, I am developing the product and will deliver the kits around dec. 15.
(If somebody is interested in a “pocket-onsen” as an original Christmas present, it is available for purchase in the shop section of this site.)

What has been really amazing about this campaign is the amount of insight, passionate advice that you gave me. Starting with the naming, the content of the kit, the graphics, the packaging! The pocket-onsen was really “crowd nurtured” and this has been a mind sizzling experience. I am really grateful for it.

140828-new-product-opinion poll – survey page

140828-new-product-opinion poll results page

140831-indiegogo-cover page opinion poll – survey page

140831-indiegogo-cover page opinion poll results page

140907-hinoki-oil-lebels – survey page

140907-hinoki-oil-lebels – results page

I am now in contact with some hotels and hotel chains who are interested in selling it in the spa gift shop or offering it as a novelty in their higher rank rooms. There are several ryokan style hotels and japanese themed hot springs around the world and if you have some connection I would appreciate if you can spread the word about the pocket-onsen.

I am looking forward to the developments of the relation we are building together.
I am always available for chatting about new ideas and projects, please contact me by email at japan@bartokdesign.com

All the Best//

iacopo torrini

Please take a look here for the campaign page: http://www.igg.me/at/pocket-onsen