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It’s a modern-day sheath made in honour of the samurai known as the “Crimson Demon of War”.

A group of craftsmen in Wakayama Prefecture have come together for a very special project that combines woodwork, calligraphy, lacquerware, leather work, and tatami techniques. And it’s all to create a wonderfully unique product: a smartphone case in honour of one of Japan’s best-known samurai warriors, Sanada Yukimura.

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Born with the name Sanada Nobushige, the samurai was first referred to as Yukimura in a military novel from the Edo period (1603-1868) and it’s a name which has stuck ever since. He’s also known as the “Once-in-a-Hundred-Years Hero” and the “Crimson Demon of War”, the latter referring to his distinctive suit of armour.

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As the leading general on the defending side of the Siege of Osaka, Yukimura’s legend is well-known throughout Japan. This year, the nation will be given a reminder of his life and achievements when he’s put in the spotlight as the leading character in the 2016 NHK year-long TV drama Sanada Maru. In conjunction with the series’ broadcast, the team creating the smartphone covers will be offering bundles of specially licensed products as part of a limited number of supporter packages on the crowdfunding site Mukuake.

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Since the project opened on the site on January 12, the group achieved its target goal of 500,000 yen (US$4,258) in less than four hours. With 38 days remaining, the total stands at 1,004,000 yen, with 69 supporters backing the project.

▼ The team bringing out the covers designed them with a traditional scabbard in mind. Now they’ve adjusted the dimensions to create a sheath for a modern-day smartphone.

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Only the best quality materials have been used in the production of these limited edition items, including suede from Wakayama Prefecture, which is renowned for its high-grade leather products. A variety of craftsmen brought their years of experience to the project, creating a stunning package which includes a beautifully carved wooden box and tatami woven straw mat insert.

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▼ A set of six Kan’ei Tsuho, copper coins which were once used for currency, are also included in the set. The six coins make up the symbol of the Sanada clan.

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▼ The cardboard packaging for the wooden box also shows great attention to detail.

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▼ Limited to 666 items, the covers are available in these gorgeous four-piece packs for 27,000 yen each.

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▼ A skilled calligrapher lends his hand to the project.

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Deluxe editions featuring a lacquered box, serial number, and calligraphy are available for 60,000 yen.

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The rokumonsen (six coin) motif is beautifully embossed on the red suede smartphone covers. This is the emblem of the Sanada clan, as seen on Yukimura’s distinctive helmet.

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All purchases come with a free entry ticket to the Kudoyama Sanada Museum, which is due to open on March 13 and will feature exhibits related to Yukimura and the taiga drama he stars in.

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To see the attention to detail and the amount of work that goes into making each of the beautiful smartphone sheaths, take a look at the video below. Watching traditional craftsmen at work is always a wonderfully relaxing experience!

Source: @Press
Images: Makuake