TAKUMI

CRAFTSMANSHIP

SHIMAMOKU ORNAMENTATION

The wood ornamentation that adorns the steering wheel, dashboard and door panels of the Lexus may appear simple, but the manufacturing of these shimamoku pieces is a long and detailed process that requires 38 days and 67 specialized stages.

Agathis wood is first pressed, cured and sliced into wafer-thin sheets before undergoing a complex layering technique that alternates bands of contrasting color. The wood is shaped, sanded, polished and varnished by hand to create a piece that exudes opulence without ostentation.

THE SPINDLE GRILLE

A bold and dashing visual feature that heralds Lexus’s design language of the future, the spindle grille is a Lexus seal of authenticity.

For every grille, hundreds of drawings and clay models are developed to perfect each part such that it is sculpted and positioned by the slimmest of margins. The end result is a grille with a seamless surface, with even half-hidden parts crafted and finished to exacting standards.

DIAMOND-CUT FORGED WHEELS

Our highly sought-after forged wheels, which are stronger and significantly lighter than their cast counterparts, are produced by 300 expert craftspeople in a factory 250 kilometers away from Tokyo.

A round piece of aluminum billet is heated to 480°C and placed into a large hydraulic press, where 9,000 metric tons are dropped from three floors high to form the face of the wheel. Spinning, stretching and cooling are then applied to help the metal retain its strength and lightness.

For the samurai sword-like shape and finish seen on the F series wheels, the spokes and rims are shaved by a specialized cutter with diamond blades, producing a smooth, clean metallic surface with sharp edges.

SASHIKO QUILTING

Sashiko is a traditional form of Japanese embroidery that is over 1,200 years old. With up to 10 stitches per inch, the strong and aesthetically pleasing technique is popularly used in martial arts uniforms.

By combining computational methods that map out the ideal position of the stitches with traditional sashiko techniques, quilted leather is decorated with perforation patterns that form curves and gradations in perfect alignment, resulting in beautiful new designs.

STRUCTURAL BLUE

The inspiration for this all-new shade of blue comes from the wings of the morpho butterfly. Though their wings are colorless, the microscopic details reflect light such that our eyes perceive it to be an iridescent blue.

By creating a similar layer of nanostructures, we produced the first-ever paint that emanates different shades of blue through the manipulation of light. The Structural Blue pigment creates a vibrant color that subtly changes when you view it from different angles, highlighting the car’s dynamic design and unique appearance when in motion.

KIRIKO GLASS ORNAMENTATION

Kiriko glass cutting is a centuries-old technique known for its complexity and unique nature, where the clear colors and delicate lines in the glass are cut by hand, and repeatedly polished to a soft glow.

During the process of glass arrangement in our vehicles, our designers scrutinized the reflection of light when the door is opened and closed to deliver the most pleasing experience for the eyes, with a distinctive artistic quality that exemplifies our attention to detail.

ORIGAMI-INSPIRED PLEATS

By employing a folding technique similar to origami, our pleating transforms a piece of fabric into a work of art. The doors of the LS are layered with these pleats, creating a striking juxtaposition with the kiriko glass ornamentation.

It involves a unique three-dimensional pattern that is carefully designed to be both pleasing to the eye and touch. Each piece of fabric is skilfully folded into beautiful geometric shapes, delivering the finest of Japanese craftsmanship.

WASHI PAPER GRAIN DASHBOARD

The dashboard of the UX is inspired by Japanese paper grain, known as washi. Washi paper is commonly used in shoji, paper sliding doors used in traditional Japanese architecture to create a calm and warm ambience.