Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on June 2010

The humble nail clipper gets an ultra modern and thoroughly practical makeover from Tripod designer Satoshi Nakagawa. Easy to grip and clip, this simple clamshell number won a well-deserved place in the most recent JIDA Design Museum Selection, an annual round-up curated by the Japan Industrial Designers’ Association. Those afraid of losing their grip can rest the clippers on a table while they trim their nails, and once finished, the clamshell opens up to reveal a circular nail file inside. The clippers come in white, sky blue, mint green and chocolate colored versions—stylish home manicures nailed, in other words.

Harac “Nail” nail clippers, ¥2,625. Available from branches of Tokyu Hands and other department stores.