Casio has taken the plain old calculator and given it a very polite makeover. The company will release the S100X Urushi Edition on April 9. It is based on Casio's flagship S100 model but swaps standard plastic for a hand-applied urushi lacquer finish, a technique that goes back centuries in Japan.

Price, run size, and what you actually get

The S100X Urushi Edition carries a price of ¥99,000, which is roughly $620 or £460. Casio will produce just 650 units worldwide. So yes, it is a calculator for people who like numbers and enjoy owning rare objects for reasons that include aesthetics.

What urushi is and why Casio used it

Urushi is a traditional lacquer made from refined tree sap. It is prized for a deep gloss, strong durability, and an ability to withstand exposure to the elements. Historically, craftsmen used it on temples, shrines, and fine tableware. On the S100X it creates a rich black finish that is intended to develop character over time while remaining tough.

The making process

Casio says the full process for each calculator takes about a month, including drying and inspection. The lacquer is applied by hand by artisans at Yamakyu Shikko, a lacquerware maker with nearly 95 years of history. After application, each unit is polished at a workshop to achieve an almost mirror-like sheen. The manual technique produces slight variations, so no two calculators are exactly the same.

Packaging and presentation

The calculator features a black body designed to age gracefully. It ships in a premium presentation box with gold detailing and a gold foil Casio logo. If you wanted any doubt removed about how premium this is, consider that the box does the announcing for you.

Words from the artisan

Lacquer artisan Ryuji Umeda said: "When I first saw the finished calculator, I was deeply moved. My philosophy is to respect the material and give it everything I have, aiming to create something beautiful that will be loved for years. This became a truly special project, one that embodies both the skill and pride of a craftsman."

Context

This is not an isolated example of traditional craft meeting modern merchandise. Other long-established Japanese workshops have produced limited-run, high-priced items tied to pop culture and premium markets, showing that combining age-old techniques with contemporary products is an ongoing trend.