Story Series – Featuring the NIGHTBOOK
In a quiet corner of downtown Tokyo, a team of just six people created lighting that captured global attention. YSM Co. Ltd., originally a sheet metal workshop, transformed into a design-forward manufacturer, blending precision metalwork with innovative lighting technology. Under the leadership of Hiroshi Yashima, the company has launched its own brand—YSM PRODUCTS—developing award-winning designs and is currently being sold and displayed at the Louis Vuitton Foundation museum in France. Each piece they create isn’t just about light—it’s about atmosphere, emotion, and craftsmanship.
Some objects hold a quiet kind of magic—the kind you don’t notice at first, until they gently reveal themselves. At a glance, the Night Book is simply a beautiful hardcover book, sitting quietly on your shelf or desk. But pull it out, and it becomes something entirely different: a soft, diffused LED light that instantly changes the atmosphere of a room. Designed to disappear when you don’t need it, and to glow gently when you do, it’s a rare kind of design—simple at first, then quietly brilliant.
The Night Book was created by the Japanese design duo akii—Naoaki Iwamatsu and Takaaki Maeda—whose work envisioned a light that wouldn’t add visual noise to your space. Their approach earned the Night Book the iF Design Award in 2019 and the title of Product of the Year from the Japan Commercial Environmental Design Association (JCD) in 2021.
Available in White and Navy, the Night Book is easy to carry and perfect for travel. Powered by a YME USB cable, it’s compatible with plug heads worldwide—no batteries required. It’s a lovely, low-energy option for those who want to leave a light on for pets while away, and ideal for those looking to add atmosphere without clutter. It takes up almost no space, yet makes its presence felt the moment it's lit.
Imagine a calm Sunday morning, the room still dim. You reach for your journal and a warm cup of tea. Instead of flicking on an overhead light, you gently slide out the Night Book, bathing the page in soft light. Later that night, it becomes a gentle glow in the hallway, guiding footsteps without waking anyone. And when you’re away, its soft presence is a quiet comfort left on for a warm greeting when you and your family return home.
Styling it is effortless. The navy edition pairs beautifully with cool-toned shelves and a minimalist interior, while the white version softens a neutral bedside corner or light wooden bookcase. It complements ceramic vases, stacked paperbacks, or even a framed photo—bringing gentle illumination and subtle interest to any arrangement. Even when it is tucked among your novels or displayed as a design piece, it adapts to your space without asking for attention.
Whether you're winding down with a book in the evening, journalling by your bedside, or adding a soft glow to your hallway, the Night Book fits effortlessly into any corner of your home. With no batteries to worry about and a design that blends in when not in use, the Night Book is a timeless piece—one that brings both beauty and comfort to your everyday rituals. It’s the kind of object that becomes part of the way you live, effortlessly.