Hayato Sumino, an accomplished pianist who’s performed in Japan and around the world, travels with a charming miniature piano that wouldn’t be out of place in a child’s room. To brings something extra to his performances, he commissioned a special case that allows him to play while keeping the piano securely boxed. Globe-Trotter rose to the challenge with a bespoke design.
'I want to play the toy piano without taking it out of the case.' When it comes to unique orders, Globe-Trotter offers the ultimate bespoke service.
At Globe-Trotter Ginza, our bespoke service empowers you to design travel cases tailored to your specifications. You can personalise not only the exterior—body, corners and hardware—but also the interior lining and stitching colours. With a wide range of samples at your fingertips, you can create one-of-a-kind cases from endless combinations. The experienced staff at our Ginza flagship will guide you through the entire process, ensuring your luggage is just as you envision.
Pianist Hayato Sumino wanted a custom case for his toy piano. 'I like its sound. It takes me back to my childhood. It's romantic. I often carry it around with me. My old suitcase was getting very tired, so I wanted something new.’
Mr Sumino with his toy piano.
Testing out the piano in its new case.
When it came to customising the case, Mr Sumino had two main requests. ‘The piano has removable legs, but it's a hassle to detach and reattach them every time, so I’d love it if it could be stored with the legs still attached. I also want to be able to play without having to take the piano out of the case. For example, it’d be really fun to play it casually in a restaurant.’ We took careful note of the piano’s dimensions to ensure the case's height wouldn't obstruct his hands while playing and removed any metal fittings that could hinder access to the keys.
A selection of bespoke luggage on display in our dedicated Bespoke area. Bespoke Specialist Mr Fumitoshi Sano is on hand to dispense useful advice.
Mr Sumino's colourful exterior suggestions. Staff show samples so that the client can get a feel for the multi-coloured look.
Choosing from an extensive range of swatches.
'I like this “mini” sort of aesthetic, like something you'd find in a child's room,' he says, and adds that he’d prefer a colourful exterior. It’s decided that the front of the case will feature Mr Sumino's logo. Hand-painted by a Globe-Trotter craftsman, the position, size and font can be freely decided. Mr Sano, Globe-Trotter’s Bespoke Specialist at the Ginza shop suggests this. Since the piano is likely to move around inside the case during transit, he also suggests filling the cavity with foam to stabilise the legs to ensure it doesn’t move. It is possible to make a completely bespoke case that matches the shape of the toy piano. From the external size to the internal specifications, the full design of the case gradually is revealed.
The day ended with Mr Sumino sharing the logo data which he would like on the exterior of the case.
A playful custom case for the toy piano comes to life.
Preparing for a performance at the Kyoto Concert Hall.
A year after placing his order, Mr Sumino is finally presented with the completed case. ‘It's a nice colour,’ he says. ‘It reminds me of a child's room and it’s very cute.’ Though the presentation took place right before a concert, he was all smiles. A closer inspection of the hand-painted logo reveals intricate brush strokes, showcasing our artisans’ attention to detail.
Hand-painted logo on the case’s exterior.
A pre-performance test run. The case is embossed with the Globe-Trotter logo.
The Globe-Trotter logo on the inside of the case.
He opens the case and begins to play. The melody of the Turkish March fills the air. 'This is the first time I've played it while it’s still encased,’ he laughs. ‘I had the height adjusted, and with no metal fittings on the sides, my hands have plenty of room. Now I just have to get used to it.’ The interior foam designed to hold the piano in place fits perfectly, preventing any movement during transit.
Bold rectangular design. Like all other Globe-Trotter luggage, the case is crafted from lightweight and robust Vulcanised Fibreboard.
'Toy pianos are so much fun—they’re a way to enjoy music effortlessly. The case is designed to enhance that joyful experience. Globe-Trotter's bespoke work can even create original cases that complement piano performances.’
Opening the case and enjoying a session on the piano.
PROFILE
Hayato Sumino. Born in 1995 in Chiba, Hayato Sumino, aka Cateen, is a talented pianist. After completing his postgraduate programme at the University of Tokyo, he studied music information processing in France. He performs with various orchestras in Japan and abroad and runs his own YouTube channel.
Sumino plans to release his debut album globally in autumn 2024, followed by a 15-show national tour in 2025.
[Bespoke service inquiries]
Globe-Trotter Ginza
TEL 03-6161-1897
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