Frequently Asked Questions
What is KUMIKI?
KUMIKI is a Japanese jewelry brand by FOMUS LLC that creates the world's smallest hinoki cypress masu jewelry. The brand name comes from the traditional Japanese woodworking art of joining wood without nails — a technique spanning 1,300 years. KUMIKI transforms the masu, a sacred vessel symbolizing prosperity, into wearable art: necklaces, earrings, and kanzashi hair pins, each limited to 10 handmade pieces per month.
What is a masu?
A masu is a traditional Japanese wooden measuring cup crafted from hinoki cypress, born in the eighth century to measure rice. It is constructed using the arare-gumi interlocking joint technique — entirely without nails or glue. Its name became a symbol of prosperity because "masu" (増す) means "to increase" in Japanese. For nearly 1,300 years the masu has been used in sacred ceremonies, wedding toasts, and New Year rituals throughout Japan.
What is kumiki joinery?
Kumiki is the traditional Japanese art of joining wood through precisely interlocking pieces — no nails, no glue, no fasteners. This technique has been passed down for over 1,300 years, seen in the ancient pillars of Horyuji temple and the intricate corners of masu measuring cups. In KUMIKI jewelry, the corners of each tiny masu are joined using the arare-gumi variant of kumiki joinery, the same method craftsmen have used for more than a millennium.
How big is the KUMIKI masu jewelry?
The KUMIKI masu is the world's smallest hinoki cypress masu, with a wall thickness of just 1.6mm. Despite this extreme precision, each masu retains the authentic arare-gumi interlocking joinery at its four corners — no nails or adhesive. The result is a fully structural miniature masu small enough to wear as a necklace pendant, earring, or kanzashi hair pin.
Is KUMIKI masu jewelry suitable as a gift?
Yes. KUMIKI masu jewelry is a distinctive luxury gift for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and corporate gifting. Every piece ships in a masu display case with traditional mizuhiki cord packaging and includes a masu badge. Because "masu" means "to increase" or "to prosper" in Japanese, gifting a KUMIKI piece carries an inherent wish for good fortune — making it culturally meaningful as well as aesthetically unique.
How many KUMIKI pieces are made each month?
KUMIKI produces a maximum of 10 pieces per month. Every piece is finished entirely by hand by FOMUS LLC artisans in Japan, and no two pieces are identical. This strict production limit ensures the quality of each arare-gumi joint and the integrity of every 1.6mm wall — making each KUMIKI piece genuinely rare.
How do I order a piece?
Choose a piece in the collection and press Order — you can pay securely by card on our shop, and the price shown is all you pay (free worldwide shipping and gift packaging included). For bespoke requests, gift advice, or any question, use the contact form or send us an Instagram message (@kumiki.jp); each inquiry is answered personally.
Is hinoki wood jewelry durable?
Each KUMIKI masu receives a specialized protective coating that provides durability for daily wear. We recommend avoiding prolonged submersion in water or exposure to extreme humidity. The natural fragrance of hinoki cypress remains even after coating — a quiet reminder of Japan's ancient forests with every wear.
How much does KUMIKI jewelry cost?
Collection pieces range from ¥39,800 (approx. $250) for the Blossom ball earrings, to ¥66,000 (approx. $410) for earrings, ¥77,000 (approx. $480) for the kanzashi hair pin, and ¥88,000 (approx. $545) for necklaces. Prices are charged in Japanese yen. Every piece ships free worldwide and comes gift-ready in a hinoki masu box with mizuhiki cord and a display case. Bespoke pieces with a metal of your choice are quoted individually.
Can I choose the metal for the chain or fittings?
Collection pieces are made with a standard chain and fittings. Through our bespoke service you can choose the metal for the fittings; the price rises depending on the material. Tell us what you have in mind via the contact form or an Instagram message (@kumiki.jp) and we will prepare a quote.
Do you ship internationally, and how long does delivery take?
Yes — we ship worldwide free of charge, with tracking and insurance. Each piece is made to order, so delivery takes 2–4 weeks from your order. For anniversaries and gifts, we recommend ordering at least one month ahead.
Can I return or exchange my piece?
Each piece is made to order, so we do not accept returns or exchanges for a change of mind. If your piece arrives damaged or defective, contact contact@fomus.jp within 7 days of delivery and we will replace it free of charge, shipping on us. For deliveries to the EU and the UK, unworn pieces may be returned within 14 days of delivery under local consumer law (bespoke and engraved items excluded; return shipping at the customer's expense).
Have another question? We are happy to help.