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Amazing goods from wood (photos)

From iPhone cases to base stations, USB keys, and handguns, Tokyo's woodcraft specialty shops astound with their intricate creations.

Tim Hornyak
Crave freelancer Tim Hornyak is the author of "Loving the Machine: The Art and Science of Japanese Robots." He has been writing about Japanese culture and technology for a decade. E-mail Tim.
Tim Hornyak
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Full Ki-Board

Japanese wooden gadget maker Hacoa had lots of tree tech on display at its recently opened Tokyo shop near electronics mecca Akihabara. Its Full Ki-Board connects to your Windows 7, Vista, or XP system via USB. Available in maple or walnut, it's priced at a whopping 89,250 yen (about $1,140).
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Hacoa's Play Mouse

Based in Japan's Fukui Prefecture, Hacoa takes its name from "hako" (box). It has a history of unusual wooden creations, such as jackets for NTT DoCoMo phones, and a full-scale replica of the title robot from the sci-fi series Gundam. Its products were also used at an APEC leaders' summit in 2010.

Hacoa's Play Mouse, available in maple and walnut, has prominent buttons and a scroll wheel.

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iPhone 4/4S case

This 6,825 yen ($87) iPhone 4/4S case from Hacoa can be laser-engraved with your name or a selection of floral designs and other line art. It comes in black walnut, rosewood, and maple varieties.
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Woody base station

Hacoa's woody base station for iPhone 4 can turn your phone into a bedside clock display.
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Hand-lacquered USB keys

These gorgeously hand-lacquered $125 4GB USB keys, decorated with traditional Japanese motifs of cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji, are part of Hacoa's Urushi series.
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Wooden USB keys

Hacoa also sells these 4GB wooden Monaca USB keys for 5,980 yen ($76). Available in maple, rosewood, and teak, they can be laser-engraved with custom text.
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Wooden handgun

Not far from Hacoa's Tokyo shop is Nocra, a newly opened woodcraft specialty store with products from the northern island of Hokkaido. Among its unusual products are these meticulously crafted wooden handguns including a Smith & Wesson Model 29, Dirty Harry's firearm of choice. It may be known as "the most powerful handgun in the world," but this gun only shoots rubber bands (visible just above the barrel). Would Clint approve?
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Wooden rifles

If handguns aren't enough firepower for you, Nocra has full-scale wooden rifles like these Winchester and Colt imitations that also launch rubber bands. They'll set you back about $470 apiece.

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