Casio has released a limited edition of 650 lacquer-finished calculators produced in collaboration with artisans from Yamakyu Shikki [1, 2].
This partnership represents a rare fusion of modern industrial electronics and centuries-old traditional craftsmanship. By applying luxury art techniques to a utilitarian tool, Casio is targeting a niche market that values longevity and the evolving aesthetic of handmade goods.
The calculators, model S100X-JC1-U, were released on April 9, 2026 [2]. Each unit is hand-painted at the Yamakyu Shikki workshop in Sabae, Fukui Prefecture [1, 2]. The meticulous process required for a single device takes approximately one month to complete [1].
Casio priced the luxury devices at 99,000 yen [1]. Despite the high cost, the company reported that the initial stock has nearly sold out within Japan [1].
Ryota Iikawa of Casio's Domestic Sales Management Department said the company chose lacquer to provide a sense of specialness in daily life. He said the beauty of lacquer changes over time, which allows users to enjoy a shifting aesthetic [1].
Iikawa said the product has been well received, with customers praising the high quality, the heavy feel, and the glossy texture of the finish [1].
“Each unit is hand-painted at the Yamakyu Shikki workshop in Sabae, Fukui Prefecture.”
The success of the S100X-JC1-U suggests a growing consumer appetite for 'slow tech'—products that combine digital utility with analog, artisanal value. By partnering with a traditional lacquerware maker, Casio is pivoting the calculator from a disposable office commodity into a collectible luxury item, potentially opening a new revenue stream in the high-end lifestyle market.
