Summary
Upopoy launched original relief-style magnets featuring motifs from its collection of Makiri knives and Ita wooden trays, expanding its museum shop line-up.
Upopoy launched a new line of original relief-style magnets on July 27, 2026, featuring designs based on two signature objects from the National Ainu Museum’s collection: the Makiri (traditional Ainu knife) and the Ita (wooden tray with distinctive carved patterns).
About the magnets
The magnets are produced in a relief style that translates the carved surface texture of the original objects into a tactile souvenir format. Both the Makiri and Ita are considered classic examples of Ainu craft, and both remain in active production by contemporary artisans in Nibutani and other Ainu communities.
Why it matters
Museum shop merchandise is one of the most reliable ways for casual visitors to remember and later revisit a cultural experience. Sourcing motifs directly from the collection – rather than from generic imagery – keeps the shop line consistent with the institution’s curatorial voice.
For international readers
The Ita is designated as a Traditional Craft Industry item by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry when produced in the Nibutani style. Foreign visitors picking up the magnet effectively take home a distilled reference to that craft tradition.
Source: Upopoy press release, July 27, 2026.
Source Details
| Source | Upopoy - National Ainu Museum and Park |
|---|---|
| Original Title | 収蔵資料「マキリ」「イタ」をモチーフにしたレリーフ状オリジナルマグネットを新発売 |
| Original Published | 2026-07-27 |
| Region | shiraoi |
| Target Reader | general |
| Review Status | reviewed |
| Risk Level | normal |
| Original Source | Upopoy - National Ainu Museum and Park |
Editor Note
Confirm price and available stock at museum shop before publication.