[ Text: Yoko Dobashi ]

The new school term is just around the corner! Many parents want to make sure that their children get ready for school on time.

The analog “funpunclock” has been well-received for its ability to make telling time seem magical. Designed for children who naturally start asking the time, it took two years to develop and was launched 10 years ago. With advice from Ms. Misa Sakurai, Chief Researcher at the Montessori Institute of Japan’s “Children’s House”*1, and Lemnos’ expertise, we created a clock that seamlessly blends with interiors while being easy for children to read.

The “funpunclock” series is broadly divided into two types. The standard “funpunclock” features 60 dots for precise time reading, while the “funpunclock with color!” uses a pie-chart design divided into four sections to provide a broader sense of time. Each type includes wall clocks, table clocks, and wristwatches (the latter of which are available through TiCTAC).

Natural Wooden Frames and Thoughtfully Curated Color Palette

Last year, we introduced a new addition to our lineup with sustainability in mind. The newly released “funpunclock with color!” uses a plywood frame*2. While retaining its original function of helping children develop time awareness through color, the refined and calming hues make it a stylish choice for adults as well. Alongside neutral tones like beige and ice gray, we’ve also introduced a beautiful, gender-inclusive lilac shade.

An Item Inspired by Users’ Voices

The lilac color originated from a social media survey.

I conducted the survey via @funpunclock.

While I had personally wanted to adopt lavender—a popular color for school bags—I struggled to select the right shade because lavender can vary significantly depending on the balance of red and blue or the level of brightness.

We tested several colors and conducted surveys, but the results were mixed. Many liked all the colors, yet none stood out decisively. What started as a casual idea to make the decision process fun with users took an unexpected turn when a direct message reminded me of a child’s perspective.

One message read: “My 5-year-old son loves beautiful colors. Could you create a blue-toned purple shade that anyone, regardless of gender, could pick up?”

It reminded me of a boy at my children’s kindergarten who freely experimented with his style—sometimes growing his hair long and wearing skirts, and other times shaving his head. Gendered stereotypes, such as boys with short hair or blue items and girls with long hair or pink items, are often imposed by adults.

Since Lemnos is a manufacturer, I felt it was essential to explain to them the intentional adoption of the lilac color within the framework of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

SDG Goal 5: Achieve Gender Equality

The “funpunclock” is an analog clock designed for children. It is our responsibility as adults to step in, offering inclusive choices that respect children’s preferences, even when they can’t fully express themselves. When I shared this idea with Lemnos, the director personally visited children’s product stores. Seeing the increasing number of gender-neutral options for toys and school bags, he agreed that lilac would be a fitting addition.

Children love beautiful colors. If they choose a color they love, they are more likely to check the time themselves. Why not decide together with your child on the color that suits your home best?

We are grateful for the joyful moments parents have shared with us via social media and direct messages. Thank you so much for your continued support. We look forward to hearing more from you.

*1 Montessori Institute of Japan:
https://sainou.or.jp/montessori/index.html
*2 Plywood: A laminated wood material. For funpunclock, we use parts similar to those found in drum instruments.