The Japanese are justifiably famous for their politeness, reserve, and grace…that is, except for rush-hour train etiquette. The last train from Tokyo station to the suburbs leaves after 1 A.M., and unless you want to stay the night in a coffin-like capsule hotel, you’d better hustle. Hordes of people would line up on the platform, and when the empty train opened its doors, they’d run for the nearest seat, musical-chairs style. All their innate elegance would give way to the overwhelming desire to plunk their exhausted, overworked bottoms down and sit for the hour’s commute back home. Sure, there was “priority seating” for pregnant women, the handicapped and the elderly. However, on the last train, unless you’re about to have the baby right there on the train, missing both legs or were born last century, fatigue trumps social manners.

In order to kill time on the train, everyone--and I mean everyone--uses their cell phone to send text messages. Attached to those ubiquitous cell phones are strap-like ornaments called cell-phone charms. The idea originates from ancient times, when an ornamental clasp-like device (netsuke) was attached to fans and other small accessories. They were very popular amongst the Japanese people, so a modern-day interpretation exists as the cell phone charm. One of the most innovative designers of such charms is Accessory Marutaka Co., Ltd. An 83-year old company that originally designed hair sticks and sash clips for kimono, it now produces about 500 kinds of cell-phone charms per year, as well as custom-made charms made to order. Their designs are innovative and quirky, and will inject your daily life with a shot of elegance…even if you just snagged the last train seat from granny.

Unique cell phone straps from Accessory Marutaka are on sale at the Felissimo Design House until Saturday, October 4th.