Kokuyo wall hanging calendar Mio Ueda
String Calendar – embroidered thread calendar by Mio Ueda
The String Calendar is not a typical calendar but a poetic design object that materializes the passage of time. Each month consists of a loose sheet that is folded over a cord for hanging. The numbers are not printed – they are stitched from a single continuous thread. Each day, the thread is gently pulled to make the number fade and disappear, revealing time itself unraveling.
Conceived by Japanese designer Mio Ueda, this piece received the Merit Award at the KOKUYO Design Award 2015. Rooted in the Japanese idea of mono no aware – the beauty of impermanence – it blends craft and concept into a quiet daily ritual. Each month uses a distinct thread color, marking the gentle rhythm of the year.
The sheets are made from delicately textured washi-like paper. Nothing is printed – only the thread forms the ephemeral numerals that vanish day by day. Hang the current month over the provided cord and, each evening, pull the thread a little further. At month’s end, the sheet remains as a tangible artifact of time lived.
Features & Functions
- Days embroidered from a single continuous thread – no print
- Different thread color for each month
- Loose monthly sheets, folded over a hanging cord
- Traditional washi-inspired paper with fine natural texture
- Design by Mio Ueda (KOKUYO Design Award Merit Prize 2015)
- Special loop-stitch technique allows smooth daily unraveling
Usage & Tips
- Hang the current month’s sheet by folding it over the cord
- Pull the thread a little further each evening
- Watch the number slowly dissolve
- At month’s end, the thread can be fully removed
- The sheet remains as a quiet keepsake
- Perfect for minimal interiors, studios, and curated spaces
Why this calendar?
The String Calendar transforms the passing of time into a daily ritual. Instead of passively viewing numbers, you become an active participant – each day is consciously “dissolved.” The combination of traditional Japanese washi paper, colored embroidery threads, and Mio Ueda’s award-winning design concept makes this calendar a unique object between art, design, and mindfulness. Perfect as a gift for design lovers, Japan enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the extraordinary.
Technical Specifications
| Format: | Loose sheets for wall display |
| Structure: | Numbers embroidered from one continuous thread |
| Colors: | Unique thread color per month |
| Paper: | Traditional washi or washi-like paper with soft texture |
| Printing: | None – entirely unprinted |
| Embroidery: | Loop-stitch technique allowing smooth daily unraveling |
| Hanging: | Includes cord for folding and suspension |
| Contents: | 6 bimonthly sheets and one hanging cord |
| Origin: | Japan |
| Note: | Conceptual design object – not intended for writing |
References: KOKUYO Design Award 2015 – A string of beautiful days…, From Contest to Market – KOKUYO