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What is good design? And what is its power? From traditional to cutting edge, we explore Japanese designs that are literally shaping our lives.
2015
Renowned Japanese product designer Naoto Fukasawa believes that the essence of good design is that it blends into our daily lives, existing outside consciousness. Fukasawa's research into the meaning of design has led him to believe that what we need most today is such anonymous design. As our guest this time, Fukasawa takes us into a new world of design, showing the importance of products we may never have heard of.
The first railways in Japan were developed using imported technology, brought in after Japan opened its doors to the West in the latter half of the 19th century. Since then, Japan has developed a world-class railway system that includes Shinkansen bullet trains, and that features a variety of uniquely Japanese designs. Riding the rails is an integral part of daily life for so many Japanese. Designer Eiji Mitooka joins us as we investigate the design of Japan's railways.
Japanese culture is often celebrated for its simple beauty. But it has another, very different side. The glamorous, ornate clothing worn by kabukimono and oiran made them popular icons. This avant-garde fashion asserted a sense of self, rebelling against social norms. Our guest is Noritaka Tatehana, who has updated this tradition for the modern age. He will help us explore Japan's avant-garde design.
The flowers that grace each of Japan's 4 seasons have inspired many floral designs in both high art and everyday items. The Japanese love of flowers is most obvious in kado, the art of flower-arranging. Kado is not just about visual beauty - the flowers are symbols of life, and are used to express feelings like sympathy and spirituality. Our guest is Takashi Kimura, a kado artist who will take us on a journey through Japanese flower design.
Shitsuraeru typically means something like "arrange" or "set up", but in the world of Japanese design, it refers to the custom of placing objects in a harmonious way. Beautiful objects like hanging scrolls, bonsai plants and bamboo sunshades are placed in the home, and then replaced, in ways that highlight the passage of time and the changing seasons. Today's guest is Mai Miyake, an artist with a unique style rooted in traditional Japanese beauty. Join us as we explore this fascinating idea of "harmonizing" spaces.
Even as the Internet and digital media play an ever larger role in our lives, interest in traditional printed media is seeing resurgence. You can't replace the texture or expressiveness of physical printed items. Printing in Japan blossomed during the Edo Period, as ukiyo-e woodblock prints and other printed items found widespread popularity. Even today, technological advances in physical printing continue to be made in Japan. With guest Issei Kitagawa, a graphic designer who is the head of a printing company, we discuss printing and design.
Japanese culture has developed a keen appreciation for "yohaku", which means something like "negative space". In everything from art and entertainment to clothing, food and housing, space is more than just a blank - it is a form of expression that provides room for implication and suggestion. How has the Japanese created beauty in blank spaces? We're joined by graphic designer Shun Kawakami, who is on a quest to bring Japanese aesthetics to the world. Watch and discover the beauty of yohaku!
There is a centuries-old theory in Japan that true beauty lie in the gap between reality and fiction. That aesthetic has had an enormous influence on Japanese culture. Studio guest, Tom Kawada of augmented reality design unit AR 3 Brothers, uses cutting-edge technology to create new, genre-bending forms of expression that have sparked widespread interest. Explore the designs born from this Japanese aesthetic, and discover how it is still inspiring designers today.
Human behavior is sometimes constrained by design - while some designs are carefully calculated to nudge us towards certain behavior. The Japanese word 'furumai' can refer to physical movement as well as to general behavior. Japanese designs have long been shaped to encourage particular behaviors and etiquette in social life. Studio guest and architect Hiroshi Nakamura joins us to explore designs which focus on the relationship between form and human behavior.
For centuries Japan has squeezed every possible use out of limited resources; exceptional skill and understanding created great beauty along the way. The spirit of regeneration is also part of Zen Buddhism in which a new perspective provides unused items with new value. Studio guest Fumikazu Masuda is an industrial designer: we explore with him the world of Japanese regenerative design!
DESIGN TALKS plus has featured a fascinating variety of designs from Japan and explored the artistic qualities that make them uniquely Japanese. Today we bring you highlights from all the episodes since April 2015. What discoveries did our hosts Andy and Shaula make during these first episodes? Join us as we take a second, deeper look at a wide range of Japanese designs.
For centuries Japan has prized a 'floating' aesthetic in architecture and the arts. The elevated floors of homes and pillars that support traditional architecture all create a unique sense of floating. Designer Gwenael Nicolas discovered that sense of floating in urban Tokyo and has made Japan his base for over 20 years. He joins us in the studio to explore the world of Japanese floating designs that express lightness and freedom.
Japanese have valued small things since ancient times. Bonsai is one well-known, and much-loved, example of Japanese miniaturized design: it condenses the entirety of nature. In modern times, tiny sweets are used as giveaways with products, and carefully detailed figurines are all the rage. Miniaturization in Japanese design has inspired all kinds of new products. Architect Naoki Terada, is pursuing a new world in models, and joins us in the studio to discover a whole universe of distinctly Japanese designs born out of miniaturization!
Bento have become so popular worldwide that the word now appears in English and French dictionaries. The limited space of a bento box is lovingly packed with a wide variety of balanced foods. Bento bring many happy memories, from the pleasure of opening a bento made by a family member to the fun of eating bento with friends. Photographer Satoru Abe and writer Naomi Abe have sought out bento all around Japan. We'll talk with them about how the bento is a uniquely Japanese way of expressing love through design.
The word "homage" refers to a new work of art inspired by, and paying respect to, historical pieces or traditional designs. The world of traditional Japanese arts and crafts is filled with examples of older works that have been reinterpreted and adapted by later figures. This time we are joined by celebrated cross-platform artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, also creator of a tranquil, modern take on the traditional Japanese tearoom. Find out what homage means to Sugimoto, and how these convictions are reflected in his work.
The long eaves of Japanese buildings are designed to shut out direct sunlight, allowing only a gentle glow to fill the rooms within. Interior light fittings wreathed in washi paper create beguiling gradations of light and shade. These subtle tones are known as inei, and this beauty has long been a key tool in Japanese aesthetics. Our studio guest is lighting designer Hirohito Totsune, the man responsible for the illumination of the iconic TOKYO SKYTREE. He reveals a world of Japanese design that plays with a sensitivity to light and shadow.
2016
The field of design is focused not only on the visual beauty of color and form, but also on the possibilities offered by texture. There are many words in the Japanese language to express the feel, grain, or character of surfaces and substances. Recently, digital technology has helped to further develop this ancient sensibility, as it puts a new world of textural designs under the spotlight. Studio guest Kinya Tagawa is part of a new genre of design engineering. Explore how evolving technology has reintroduced the theme of touch to contemporary design.
2018
We currently live our lives immersed in a digital world. Advances in digital tech have brought about changes not only in our daily lives but also in the way we create, design and manufacture: the evolution of AI, the development of 3D printing technology and more. Moving past an analog-versus-digital dichotomy, we are exploring the designs and new modes of expression that are possible in a landscape where digital has become the norm. Our guest is architect Keisuke Toyoda. Together we consider this new design age and speculate about what the future holds.
As Japanese society makes the transition from growth to maturity, people's desire for material objects is beginning to change. "Compact" has become a key word for those living with fewer, smaller possessions. To enable comfortable living in a country with limited habitable land, compact designs have been produced in Japan for centuries. From stackable boxes and bowls, to sliding screens that change the size of a room, such designs have become part of a traditional aesthetic that finds beauty in simplicity. Explore the thinking behind Japan's compact design with the help of our studio guest, architect Koichi Suzuno.
Down the centuries in Japan, traditional dyeing methods such as kusaki-zome, and shibori-zome have been used to produce a wide variety of designs. More recently, one new product developed by a Japanese team won attention at the Milano Salone with unique dyed plastics, part of the next generation of dyeing techniques. Studio guest, artist Toru Ishii, uses traditional Japanese dyeing to create new works of modern art. Discover the world of Japanese dyeing!
Japan has always prized the concept of en. The word refers to the intangible connections that link people to one another, as well as to the events and objects around them, with every chance encounter seen as holding some significance. For centuries, the en implicit in lucky charms has been thought to bring fortune in business, or to prevent illness, while the engawa verandas of traditional Japanese homes are valued as a place where these fortuitous bonds are forged. Studio guest, design strategist Eisuke Tachikawa is our guide as we explore a new world of designs born from the concept of en.
With more and more foreign tourists coming to Japan, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on the horizon, a pressing issue is creating smooth communication with visitors who speak a variety of different languages. At the same time, Japan's aging population has led to an increase in rates of hearing loss. This time, our guest is Shinichiro Nakaishi, a proponent of "universal sound design", which has applications to both these issues. Explore amazing new designs that promote communication through sound.
March 11, 2016 marks 5 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake, which caused unprecedented damage. Since the disaster, designs related to products, construction, community bonds, and emotional support have all been put forward to help reconstruction. We’ll visit an area that was devastated by the disaster, and talk to Keiji Ashizawa, an architect working in the region. As we look back at “reconstruction designs” featured previously on the show, we’ll also explore the future for design and reconstruction.
One of the signature elements of traditional Japanese culture is cha-no-yu: the way of tea. It is a formal ritual of hospitality in which you make and serve matcha (powdered green tea) for your guests - but it is much more than just that. Over the centuries, cha-no-yu has evolved into nothing less than a philosophy and a lifestyle. Many design ideas birthed from the tea ceremony have exerted a profound influence on today's designers and artists. This time, with tea master Soshin Kimura as our guest, we revisit previous episodes of DESIGN TALKS plus connected to the tea ceremony to explore cha-no-yu design.
On "design hunting" episodes, our presenters head off to discover designs that are deeply rooted in local history and nature. This time Andy and Shaula explore Aomori Prefecture, at the northern tip of the main Japanese island of Honshu. Aomori designs are filled with rich reminders of the area's past and its natural environment, from prehistoric ruins to the famous Nebuta Festival. Our guest is graphic designer Atsuki Kikuchi, who helped design the Aomori Museum of Art. From design traditions related to the snowy climate to the very latest in local craftsmanship, we'll explore the depth of Aomori designs.
After the Great East Japan Earthquake, a variety of designs appeared that re-examined and reshaped the relationship between people and objects. From projects that added new designs to pre-existing products, to schemes where consumers use 3D printers and digital machinery to become creators, a lot of ideas with amazing potential have emerged. Designer Satoshi Yoshiizumi joins us as we explore Japanese designs which offer a shift in creation.
This week we begin a 2-part series on Italy's annual Milano Design Week. Every April, top designers and furniture makers display cutting edge interior designs at the Salone del Mobile.Milano. Andy reports directly from the exhibition on projects and concepts from top Japanese designers and brands. As we look at some amazing Japanese designs, we'll meet their designers, who are making an impact on the international stage.
The 2nd episode in a 2-part series about the annual Milano Design Week, held every April. The Salone del Mobile is the world's biggest exhibition of international furniture and features cutting-edge design from around the world. Exhibits throughout the city are filled with countless designs. Andy explores Milano, showing us the latest products and installations. In our 2nd episode discover designs created by the projects of young designers, and explore the ideas behind them!
From beautiful makeup boxes with gorgeous "maki-e" decorations to simple paulownia boxes that showcase the beauty of wood - box design has a long tradition in Japan. There are also legends of boxes containing mythical substances. Lifestyle coordinator Setsuko Yamada brings together traditional Japanese aesthetics and the latest design in a variety of fields. Explore the aesthetics of the box form!
Today's theme: Yosoou, the art of crafting one's appearance. Kimono are just one example of garments born from Japan's unique aesthetic, while recently fashion inspired by the imaginative world of manga and anime is also attracting attention. Down the centuries, what have successive generations of designers sought to communicate through the garments they create, and what insights can clothing give us on the Japanese mentality? We find out with the aid of studio guest, fashion designer Junya Suzuki.
Our topic this time is book design. We explore every aspect of a book's physical properties: from the cover, to paper, printing and dimensions. The rise of the Internet and e-readers mean fewer books are being sold worldwide. In response many designers are playing with the qualities that make physical books such a pleasure. Book designer Shin Sobue is in the studio as our guide to the world of Japanese book design.
On "design hunting" episodes, our presenters head off to discover designs that are deeply rooted in local history and nature. This time, Andy and Shaula explore Kochi Prefecture, on the island of Shikoku. Over 80% of the prefecture is covered in forest, and this is reflected in the local design, as are the history and climate of this Pacific coastline confluence of mountain and sea. Our guest is graphic designer Makoto Umebara, who heads a Kochi-based project that promotes regional revitalization through design. From traditional crafts to the latest styles, explore the depth of Kochi design!
As Tokyo prepares for the 2020 Olympics, the city stands on the threshold of enormous change. From the skyscrapers of central business hub Marunouchi, to the history and tradition discernible on the streets of Asakusa, the Tokyo cityscape encompasses various distinctive vibes. Studio guest, architect Hiroshi Naito, is directly involved in the ongoing redevelopment project around Shibuya Station. Explore the present and future designs of Tokyo's urban cityscape!
Recently, an ecological approach to design has found its way into the global spotlight, with design elements and people interacting in harmony with their surroundings just as in a natural ecosystem. This is the goal of ecological design, which is a perfect fit for a traditional Japanese aesthetic that sees humanity as just one small part of the broader natural world. Alongside our guest, architect Akihisa Hirata, we explore the potential of new designs that transcend the framework of the artificial and the natural.
The Japanese verb "kumu" refers to the process of crossing and interlacing materials. From the traditional Japanese architecture most often seen in shrines and temples; and the artistry of "kumiko-zaiku" decorative latticework; to the braided "kumihimo" cords used to tie kimono sashes, and more, Japan is host to numerous designs based in this approach. This time on DESIGN TALKS plus, we discuss interlaced design with architect Kengo Kuma, whose complex wooden structures incorporating traditional techniques have brought him global acclaim.
The use of mirrors dates back almost as far as human history. As well as offering the practical benefits of reflection, these polished surfaces also hold a longstanding mystique. And today the reflective properties of mirrors are used to create optical illusions in fields such as architecture, product - and book - design. Join expert guest Hisanori Ban, an architect known for his use of mirrors, as we reflect on the world of mirror design.
Today's theme is icons. From brand logos, to pictograms and emoji, our everyday lives are full of icon designs that condense key thematic or figurative elements into single images. Known for his work on corporate logos, designs and branding, creative director Kashiwa Sato is our expert guest on a tour of Japan's icon designs.
On "design hunting" episodes, our presenters head off to discover designs that are deeply rooted in local history and nature. This time Andy and Shaula explore Okinawa Prefecture, far to the south of mainland Japan. The unique culture of these islands, including a range of traditional crafts that still thrive today, is influenced by historic ties with China and Southeast Asia. From distinctive pottery known in the local dialect as "yachimun", to Ryukyu glass, which turns discarded bottles into gorgeous works of art, we explore the depth of Okinawan designs shaped by the area's stunning nature and wonderful lifestyle.
Japan has lots of fascinating, traditional face designs, from the masks of noh theater to the makeup of kabuki. More recently, Japanese makeup styles have made a splash in global pop culture. This time our guest is Nobumichi Asai, a creative director known for artwork that uses face projection mapping technology. With him, we will explore designs related to faces.
Children see the world unfettered by preconceptions, and this is the gift that underlies their ability to make leaps of imagination that defy adult logic. Down the years, some designers have managed to access this mindset and create works of breathtaking originality by taking a fresh look at the world, as if through the eyes of a child. Together with architect Makoto Tanijiri, we explore the design potential in adopting a child's perspective.
Our Tokyo Cityscapes series examines the unique architecture and look of Tokyo. This time our topic is renovation. Recent renovations of old wooden homes and unused buildings are giving structures a new lease of life while preserving their historic atmosphere. The key lies in urban design that goes beyond architecture. This style of renovation takes into account the lifestyles of residents, and how to build community bonds. We'll explore some newly renovated Tokyo cityscapes in the studio with guest Masataka Baba.
The kimono is known around the world as Japan's traditional form of dress. Its design incorporates many important facets of Japanese beauty. The layers of cloth at the neck and hem allow wearers to demonstrate their individual taste, while the kimono textiles themselves feature dyeing techniques and weaving that express a sense of the season. Studio guest Takeshi Wakabayashi is a designer who makes modern kimonos that capture traditional beauty. We'll also meet other designers and artists creating fresh kimono designs for today!
Design Hunting in Gifu. Andy and Shaula visit the historic manufacturing hub of Gifu prefecture in central Japan. Explore the creative spirit and local industries of Gifu prefecture!
Ease the stress of a long day with a long soak in the bath. Japanese have been fans of baths for centuries; the custom arrived with Buddhism in the 6th century. Ever since bathing has been a way to cleanse body and spirit, and also a form of pleasure. Sento, or public baths, were a gathering place and social space for working people during the Edo period. Studio guest Kundo Koyama, a scriptwriter, explores the designs associated with Japan's bathing customs.
Long ago people made homes from wood and clay, and huddled around fires in the dark. Designs and artwork that use these primitive shapes and techniques are currently in the spotlight. Explore designs that speak to our emotions and instincts: from earthenware that brings millennia-old Jomon pottery into the modern age, to artwork that examines the captivating beauty of fire. Explore the world of primitive design with architect and architectural Historian Terunobu Fujimori.
Today's theme: Stories. In Japan, where anime likenesses roam the streets, the power of design is bringing fictional narratives to life. Event director Takao Kato helps us explore these worlds.
As ideas like work-life balance and work-style reform take hold of the Japanese public consciousness, the cold, sterile office -- with rows of desks and workers packed together -- is undergoing a makeover. For the many who will spend the majority of their adult lives at work, interior design considerations make all the difference when it comes to the comfort and coziness of their office environment. Our guest is interior designer Taiju Yamashita, who helps us explore how workspaces are being reshaped.
Today's theme: Osaka Cityscapes. Overlapping neon signs: this bustling city's packed with unique designs. Prof. Shinya Hashizume explores how its cityscapes combine trade, tourism, and town planning.
Automobile makers in Japan and overseas are currently designing and developing the future of mobility. From autonomous vehicles to car sharing, next-generation technology and services continue to evolve, and the automobile industry is on the cusp of big change. Our guest is designer Kota Nezu, who helps us explore the design ideas that will reshape how we move around.
Modern society leaves many of us short of time and under all kinds of stress. People are searching for diverse healing spaces that provide a mental and physical release. Explore designs that focus on calm: from medical facilities with dimmed lighting and warm timber finishes to wristwatches that incorporate the gentle sound of wind chimes. Lighting designer Hiroyasu Shoji joins us to look at how design can create spaces that soothe.
They're on roads, restrooms and a range of buildings. Every city is home to a myriad of signs and designs. The key to all is that people can understand them at a single glance. Signs inevitably evolve over time, and signage that foreigners find easy to recognize is high on the agenda as Japan prepares for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. Join graphic designer Masaaki Hiromura as we explore the world of signage design.
On Design Hunting episodes, our presenters head off to discover designs that are deeply rooted in local history and customs. This time Andy and Shaula explore Shizuoka Prefecture, home to Japan's highest peak, Mt. Fuji. A wide region, Shizuoka brings together diverse cultures and industries, which have given rise to deeply individual designs. From dyeing designs that use Shizuoka's famous tea to the everyday items born from Minami-izu's natural environment and lifestyle. The industrial city of Hamamatsu has created an astonishing design for a musical instrument. Explore Shizuoka's designs and discover its readiness to tackle a challenge, and its free, creative spirit!
Kengo Kuma is one of Japan's top architects, handling many projects around the world. In 2018 a new exhibition looks back on the last 30 years of his career, taking "materials" as a key theme. We revisit his previous appearances on the show and explore his use of materials such as wood, stone, paper and clay. Discover the versatility and beauty of Kengo Kuma's designs.
Kimonos were once everyday items yet today people wear Western clothing, saving kimonos for weddings and other special occasions. Designs change with the times, and so do our ideas about the ordinary and extraordinary. Designer Kunihiko Morinaga explores how the clothes we wear can offer insight into what lies beyond the ordinary.
As computers and smartphones become ubiquitous, digital technology is now part of our everyday lives. Yet some yearn for the analog appeal of records, camera films and handwriting. A major home-appliance manufacturer is collaborating with traditional artisans to create new products with an analog twist. Join graphic designer Yui Takada as he explores the new designs that draw on old, analog techniques.
Stone has played a role in human history for millennia. Japan has many traditional stone designs. From kare-sansui gardens which replicate natural scenes through rocks and no water, to ancient techniques for drystone walls that combine strength with beauty. Explore a world of new stone designs with art gardener Takeshi Nagasaki.
On Design Hunting episodes, our presenters head off to discover designs that are deeply rooted in local history and customs. This time Andy and Shaula explore Tokushima Prefecture in the east of Shikoku island. Many traditional industries flourished here because of the region's rich natural resources. It has especially deep ties to an indigo dye also known as "Japan blue". A group of young people are now growing the plant, making dyes, dyeing, designing and producing new products! Another project is using cedar forest thinnings to regenerate water resources. And a washi manufacturer is exploring new potential by collaborating with artists. Discover how Tokushima is using its local resources to create unique designs that are adapting traditions for a new generation!
Time is a universal constant that never ceases. What exactly is time? The desire to find an answer to this question has been a source of inspiration throughout the ages. The Japanese custom of seeking beauty in the passage of time and the changing seasons continues to thrive as designers and artists look to give physical form to this invisible concept. This week, we explore new frontiers of design with our guests Hokuto Ando and Toshiya Hayashi of the contemporary design studio we+.
International art group teamLab uses cutting-edge digital art to create new worlds. In June 2018, they opened a new museum showcasing their extraordinary work. Andy and Shaula pay the museum a visit, where they are joined by teamLab's Toshiyuki Inoko. Together, they discover art that explores the relationships between humans and nature, finding new connections between individuals and the larger world.
Pairing completely different ideas can create new value, and designs that do just that are currently in the spotlight. Examples range from an office space that houses a public eatery, to products that combine functionality with art, to a graphic design that combines Braille with fonts. Architect Ai Yoshida explores the extraordinary world of fusion design.
Gifts are an indispensable part of life all over the world. They are used to say "thank you" or "congratulations", or given to people that we care about. A range of emotions can be held inside a gift. Traditional Japanese designs convey some of these special feelings. Wrapping gifts in a particular way or adding a special knot can increase their value. Context designer Kotaro Watanabe explores how gifting designs have evolved over the centuries.
For millennia people have spun thread from plant fibers, then woven these threads into textiles for clothing and protection. Over the centuries this has given rise to a culture of beautiful designs and a wide variety of fashions. 12th-generation Nishijin-ori weaver and textile producer Masataka Hosoo explores the extraordinary world of weaving designs.
Human beings are born with instinct, a reflection of our most fundamental desires. As digital technology becomes ubiquitous through smartphones and digital tools, our instinctive perceptions are also beginning to change. So which designs truly appeal to our human instincts? Art director Hirotaka Tako explores the instincts that lie within us, and the designs which stimulate them.
Personal memories, the collective memories of a nation or people, and the memories that live in a physical region or in objects. Despite its lack of a physical form, memory has inspired designers and creators in a wide variety of ways. Our guest is young architect Tsuyoshi Tane who uses memory to design new buildings. At a 2018 Tokyo exhibition, visitors can view the Estonian National Museum, and other projects Tane has worked on. Andy and Shaula visit the exhibition to discuss this world of new designs.
Personal memories, collective memories shared by nations and ethnic groups, even the memories that reside in a region or in objects: These intangible ideas inspire designers and creators from a variety of different fields. Andy and Shaula contemplate the concept of memory with architect Tsuyoshi Tane at his exhibition in Tokyo. Learn about kintsugi, the art of repairing broken pottery with decorative lacquer and gold dust, and examine the work of Miyako Ishiuchi, photographs of items left behind by victims of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima. Explore a world of designs that use memory to connect us to the future.
2017
For centuries Japan has been home to the clean, simple aesthetics exemplified by Zen Buddhism, but also the glamorous extravagance of kabuki. The stone gardens of Zen temples recreate the natural flow of water using stone, encapsulating movement and stillness. Designs that express this kind of contrast are still being made today. Studio guest Sou Fujimoto is the architect behind several cutting-edge buildings, and he'll explore the topic of harmony and contrast in Japanese design.
Washi paper has been part of Japanese life for centuries. More than just a surface for writing on, this versatile material is used in numerous fields, from furnishings to tableware and even toys. And, combining functionality with absorbent and translucent properties, the unique texture and appearance of washi have even become a font of inspiration to modern designers. Explore the world of washi designs with our studio guest, washi designer Yukari Sato.
On Design Hunting episodes, our presenters head off to discover designs that are deeply rooted in local history and climates. This time Andy and Shaula explore Kanagawa Prefecture, which neighbors Tokyo and lies on the Pacific Ocean. Its position has made it a hub for domestic and foreign cultures. From Yokohama designs in historic and modern buildings, to a traditional Hakone craft that creates modern patterns by combining different colors of wood. Kanagawa designs blend East and West, tradition and modernity, with beautiful results. Discover the depths of Kanagawa designs.
The Japanese phrase "ichigo-ichie" is a reminder that everything we encounter in life is an utterly unique, unrepeatable event that should be treasured. Originating from the tea ceremony, it's become part of Japan's spiritual culture. It lies at the root of many designs. Architect Hiroshi Nakamura explores how this approach has evolved through history, along with the designs it has inspired.
A wealth of physical products and online services means that many people are no longer satisfied by functionality and beauty alone. Designs that bring together spaces, items, and services into a rich and cohesive experience are in the spotlight. Creative director Naoki Ito worked on the design for Narita Airport's new 3rd terminal. He joins us in the studio to explore how new designs are shaping our experiences.
From the short-lived cherry blossom to the quiet desolation of winter and even the slowly-fading face of the moon, Japan has always celebrated the transient. The passing of the season is not a time for mourning: rather, the subtle changes in the air are a sign that transience is a universal constant, and that permanence does not exist. Transience is celebrated in traditional Japanese culture in arts like the tea ceremony and is even reflected in designs today. Explore the Japanese love of transience with garden designer Shunmyo Masuno.
Andy and Shaula visit Kumamoto Prefecture in central Kyushu. Kumamoto Castle is a beloved symbol of the prefecture. The region is also home to traditional crafts and designs influenced by samurai culture and the elegance of Kyoto. A year after the April 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, the area is working towards recovery--explore what lies at the root of Kumamoto design.
Basic designs are all around us, in everyday items and fashion. But what is basic design? New products aspire to become our future basics. The forms of long-used and beloved basics come from careful calculations and rigorous testing. Product designer Keita Suzuki is in the studio to explore basic design.
Japan has produced all kinds of designs based on cutting-edge technology. The latest idea in the spotlight is the profession of "design engineering". Combining the disparate fields of design and engineering has produced new, revolutionary products. Design engineer Kinya Tagawa looks back with us at previously featured innovative designs, and explores the present and future of Japanese design as it grows through technology.
Today's theme is Tokyo Workshops. Designer Masuko Unayama explores the top craftsmanship of Tokyo's urban workshops, which make everything from everyday items to rocket parts.
Ultra-realistic models that could be mistaken for the real thing. Many designs such as models and dioramas take enormous time, energy, and a diverse skillset to complete. The 19th-century japonisme trend was inspired by the meticulous detail of artisans crafting super-realistic recreations. Art Director Takanori Aiba is in the studio to explore the meticulous detail and jaw-dropping realism in designs ranging from traditional crafts to contemporary spaces.
Every nation's sense of humor is unique, and when used in design these quirks offer interesting perspectives and insight. This approach can also elicit an emotional response that brings us closer to the objects around us. Quirky design provides the human warmth that's vital to modern life -- a warmth that can be lost in the single-minded pursuit of functionality. Artist Yasuhiro Suzuki explores the potential of quirky designs and their playful, humorous elements.
The sensation of walking on a sandy beach with bare feet. The bright light as you emerge from a tunnel in a car. The sudden scent of flowers during a stroll through the city. Our bodies experience a huge variety of sensations, yet we often don't notice them in our everyday lives. New designs are being created to help us recognize this wealth of sensations. Explore the potential of physical sensations and design with landscape designer Eiki Danzuka.
Japanese design is known for its simplicity and minimalism. Yet history reveals lavish designs with gorgeous and ornate decorations, from the carvings at Nikko's Tosho-gu, to the portable shrines of many festivals, to the richly ornamental beauty of yuzen dyeing. This aesthetic still exists today, and the decorative designs of Japanese pop culture are a global phenomenon. Explore unique decorative designs with designer Yasumichi Morita.
On Design Hunting episodes, our presenters travel to discover designs that are deeply rooted in local history and customs. This time, Andy and Shaula explore Nagano Prefecture, at the heart of Japan's main island of Honshu. Nagano is surrounded by tall mountains and full of beautiful nature, and its local design traditions reflect that landscape. We explore the richness and history of Nagano crafts and manufacturing, and visit the inaugural Japan Alps Art Festival. Discover how art can uncover the beauty of a region.
Today's theme: Manga. Japanese comics are popular around the world, and they feature unique layouts, art styles, and ways of using onomatopoeia. We explore manga design with artist Tatsuya Egawa.
The samurai are one of the most iconic symbols of Japan. Their distinctive armor -- helmets, body plates -- was meant not just to protect their lives, but also to express the way of the warrior. Our guest this time is Tetsuya Noguchi, an up-and-coming artist who is known for paintings and models with a samurai theme. Together with him, we'll explore how the samurai have become icons that transcend time and place.
Designs with "flexibility" have always played an important role in Japanese culture. Think of origami, where a single sheet of paper can take on a seemingly infinite number of forms. Flexible designs inspire the imagination of the user, and lend themselves to creative applications. Nowadays, design practices that use digital data to create flexibility are on the rise. This time, with architect Yusuke Oono, we explore the concept of flexibility in the world of design.
People have always looked to the skies, whether to see clouds shaped by winds or glittering stars at night. The sky gives humanity a sense of the vastness of the universe. From weather patterns that affect crops to the mysteries of outer space, the skies have had an enormous effect on our culture, science and technology. This time, our studio guest is cultural anthropologist Shinichi Takemura. With him, we'll explore our "celestial connections" through designs inspired by weather patterns, constellations and much more.
From teabowls to traditional architecture, asymmetrical design has a long history in Japan. Rather than a lack of balance, asymmetry is used to create a harmonious beauty. That aesthetic is still alive in many designs today. Our studio guest, ikebana master Ryuho Sasaoka, explores the world of asymmetrical design with us.
It is said that every year over 1,000 new stationery items are developed in Japan. From erasable ballpoint pens being wildly popular among students in France, to colorful masking tape made of washi becoming a big hit in Germany, Japanese stationery has a global reputation for combining functionality with design flair. How are these writing implements evolving in the digital age? We explore the world of stationery design along with our guest, stationery designer and collector Masayuki Takabatake.
For an athlete, choosing the right high-performance gear can make all the difference in their pursuit of glory. The designers and developers behind this equipment make millimeter adjustments to individualize their gear and help them go faster, farther, higher and stronger. At the same time, sports uniforms are indispensable when it comes to uniting a team and its supporters under one banner, and are constantly being updated in terms of design and function. Our guest is Mitsuhiro Kawano, who develops shoes and other equipment for track and field. Together we look at the ever-evolving designs of the latest athletic gear.
Today's theme: Sharing. We live in the age of sharing: shared living spaces, carsharing, sharing via social media. How does design bring us together? Our guests are architects Takaharu and Yui Tezuka.
2021
Translation: the act of communicating words of one language to those who do not know it. On this episode, Dominique Chen guides Andy and Shaula through an exhibition exploring this very theme through a variety of designs that offer new perspectives on the world from different linguistic and non-linguistic layers. Explore new avenues of communication in an increasingly fragmented world through "Translations."
As the world grapples with a global pandemic and environmental crises, many are reexamining their relationships with the objects around them. Guest Nagaoka Kenmei's belief in long-life design offers a way forward. He reevaluates the items that have been made for decades, and become an inextricable part of our everyday lives. Explore the beloved designs which have transcended generations.
The d47 MUSEUM in Shibuya, Tokyo showcases Japan's 47 prefectures, exploring their unique beauty and culture through regional designs. Guest Nagaoka Kenmei curated its Reverent Design exhibition. Today, he shows us around, explaining how the concept could shape our lives and craftsmanship going forward.
The rise in remote work and workations have led to massive changes in the relationship between our jobs and lives at home. Some have been inspired to reexamine their lifestyles and move from the city to the countryside. Designer Kobayashi Shinya connects craftsmanship and everyday life by reinvigorating local industry. Art director Hirose Kiyoharu works on social design projects that conserve local natural environments. They explore future possibilities for connecting work and home life.
Exhaustion and stress are taking their toll as the coronavirus pandemic continues. Supportive, relaxing designs are beginning to attract notice. Meet a pet-style robot designed to have no practical purpose, discover humorous gifts, and charming signs. Product designer Nezu Kota explores the world of compassionate design.
The Mingei movement began in 1926 but still has an enormous impact on Japanese product design today. As we all re-evaluate our lifestyles in the midst of a pandemic, explore how Mingei helped shape the design of ordinary items around Japan. Guest Takaki Takao runs a craftwork shop in Fukuoka and explores what lies ahead for our everyday lives.
Our topic this time is Part of the Whole. Our guests are up-and-coming architectural duo Masuda Shingo and Otsubo Katsuhisa. By focusing on which elements really need to change, they examine windows, walls and foundations. Their work creates new relationships between architecture and the surrounding environment. As we stand at a turning point for new lifestyles, explore potential futures.
Today's theme is Visualize. Japan's top creative director Kashiwa Sato guides our presenters around his exhibition at The National Art Center. From the design of corporate logos we see every day to kindergartens, hospitals and regional industries - Sato has won acclaim for his work on brand strategy in a truly diverse array of fields. Explore the exhibition and the role design can play in the future.
Today's theme is Designing Experiences. Japan's top creative director Kashiwa Sato guides our presenters around his exhibition at The National Art Center. From the design of corporate logos we see every day to kindergartens, hospitals and regional industries - Sato has won acclaim for his work on brand strategy in a truly diverse array of fields. Explore the exhibition and the links between communication and creativity.
Design is playing an increasingly important role in the way we pass on the culture, climate and memories of each region and city. It's an endeavor far larger than maintaining heritage sites. How do we ensure ordinary buildings survive? That memorials to past disasters do not vanish? And that the vitality and output of an artisans' quarter continues to breathe centuries into the future? Architect Masashi Sogabe explores designs that can capture the memories of cities.
As lockdown keeps more of us at home, people have become drawn to minimalist living, enriching their homes and lives by paring down their belongings to the essentials. From Nagaya homes to tiny Tsubo-niwa and tokonoma alcoves, Japan has a long history of creating space in difficult circumstances. Its traditions maximize the potential of small homes. Architect Koichi Suzuno explores designs that make a minimalist lifestyle a pleasure.
As interest in organized living increases, there's also been a rise in designs that focus on creating neat, clean spaces that help us live in comfort. Hiroshi Yoneya, Ken Kimizuka and Yumi Masuko of design studio TONERICO explore everything from the clean simplicity of tea rooms to cityscapes. Join us on an exploration of the philosophy of Japanese organization through spatial design.
The coronavirus pandemic has led to massive upheaval in the hotel industry. The era of city hotels designed around the needs of global business workers has faded. New hotels focused on concepts and systems that suit the demands of today have come to the fore. Creative director Iwasa Toru explores the shift in hotel design from "places to sleep" to "places to learn and think." Join us to discover inspiration for lifestyle changes.
Upcycling is when new designs and ideas are applied to unwanted or damaged items that would otherwise be thrown out. They're upgraded into entirely new products and given new value. With sustainability a key issue for our planet today, upcycling has become an important new approach. Architect Jo Nagasaka explores a world of new designs, all inspired by upcycling!
Everything around us has been designed to be convenient. But some are now approaching design with the opposite approach. Professor Kawakami Hiroshi is promoting what he calls the "benefits of inconvenience," and questioning our overly convenient lifestyles. So what does "inconvenient" design really mean? Explore this contrary approach and the new potential for design it reveals.
The constant and conflicting information surrounding the pandemic has led to stress and anxiety for many. More than ever, people are seeking wellness and calm. Product designer Sumikawa Shinichi explores physical and spiritual positive designs which promote well-being.
As the pandemic leads us to avoid physical interaction as a health risk, social divides are widening everywhere. So how can architecture, art and design connect people from different backgrounds and positions? Architect Konno Chie removes the physical and mental barriers that separate people and spaces, creating designs that bring a new vitality to everyday life.
Enchanting and expressive faces, rounded yet flexible bodies. Freedom-loving cats have captivated humanity for millennia, and inspired creators for just as long. They're the most common animal in Japan's ukiyo-e art, and a perfect design motif. Design engineers Ogata Hisato and Sakurai Minoru explore new designs from an animal perspective, focusing on our longtime feline companions.
teamLab are global leaders of digital art, in the spotlight for a series of new works that were announced during the pandemic. Yet the group are all dedicated to the key concept of physicality. As the world becomes increasingly digital their focus on physical limits has become even sharper. teamLab leader Inoko Toshiyuki explores the necessity and potential of physicality in art and design.
Today's theme: Design Hunting in Saitama. Rich soil and plentiful rivers mean Saitama has many jobs focused on trees and bonsai. Explore beautifully balanced aesthetics and designs next-door to Tokyo!
On Design Hunts, Andy and Shaula search for designs rooted in regional history and climates. This time they visit Miyagi Prefecture where residents who survived the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 are shaping their memories and recovery through their own efforts. Ishinomaki Laboratory was designed to support residents and their creative endeavors. The remains of Nakahama Elementary School have been transformed into a monument to the damage caused by the tsunami. Explore Miyagi today as it shapes a new future through design.
On Design Hunts, Andy and Shaula search for designs rooted in regional history and climates. This time they visit Iwate Prefecture whose harsh yet rich natural environment has shaped a unique worldview and given rise to refined designs in ironware and Urushi lacquerware. The region was deeply scarred by the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. Explore how Iwate's designs cultivate centuries-old techniques while looking toward the future.
The kimono is famous around the world as Japan's most famous item of traditional clothing. It offers far more than fashionable beauty; its history has deep roots in Japanese aesthetics and playfulness. New approaches to this item have thrown a spotlight on 21st-century values. Artist Takahashi Hiroko explores the potential of kimono design through the lenses of gender, diversity and sustainability.
2020
On Design Hunting, Andy and Shaula search for designs rooted in regional history and climates. This time they visit Hyogo Prefecture, bounded to the north by the Sea of Japan, and with Awaji Island and the Pacific Ocean to the south. That diverse climate has led to a wide range of traditions. Hyogo's development has long been supported by locally-manufactured products, which are exported worldwide via the international trading port of Kobe. Since enduring the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995, many new designs have utilized limited resources and traditional technologies to preserve the prefecture's cultural heritage for a new generation. Join us on a design hunt in Hyogo!
The musical instruments we're familiar with have often had the same design for centuries. The beautiful tones of a violin come from an elegant yet functional form that hasn't changed for 500 years. But some people are reexamining these apparently perfect designs and rebuilding them from scratch. Explore this extraordinary world with instrument designer Manabu Kawada.
Many Japanese designs are now creating harmony in everyday lives across the world. And international designs have been welcomed in Japan. Explore some of the designs that have transcended borders to make daily life simpler and happier. Studio guest and designer Teruhiro Yanagihara discusses Japanese design and its relationship with shaping a more mindful lifestyle.
Photographer Miyako Ishiuchi is our special guest. She captures the scars on a woman's body, the cracks in an apartment wall and the clothes worn by those who have died. Her work creates visual images for the concept of time and memories. Visit her hometown of Kiryu in Gunma Prefecture and explore the extraordinary world of her photography!
Since the beginning of time itself, humans have been captivated by the future, visualizing the different ways it could play out. Meanwhile, designers and artists have provided their own interpretations of the future through the creation of products and artwork. On this episode, we welcome Ochiai Yoichi, a media artist who envisions a new world that combines nature with digital technology. What kind of future can we build for ourselves in this age of uncertainty?
How do we as individuals and as a society consider, learn and adapt to the coronavirus? What changes do we need to make? Designers and creators talk the issues out, including guests Shumyo Masuno, a monk and garden designer, and Eisuke Tachikawa, a design strategist. Explore new lifestyles and approaches for surviving a pandemic.
The coronavirus pandemic has led to massive changes around the world as many of us have been told to stay home. Yet these long, enforced stays are also an opportunity to discover new aspects of our lives. Our topic of Everyday Beauty explores the richness of our daily experiences, and reveals the secret to discovering small joys through design.
Cities have always been places for people to gather, for new cultures to be born and for economies to thrive. But the novel coronavirus has thrust an entirely new lifestyle upon city dwellers. On this episode, we explore futuristic urban spaces and discuss ideas on how to design for this new urban life with Naito Hiroshi, one of the architects behind the regeneration of Tokyo's iconic Shibuya neighborhood.
The coronavirus pandemic has left us all very aware of our distance from others. As restrictions ease we're slowly returning to shared public spaces. How do we communicate and foster a new sense of emotional and physical distance in this new normal? Architects Takaharu and Yui Tezuka explore the topic further through the medium of architecture!
The current pandemic has led many of us to reevaluate the economic and social aspects of locality: the places where we live. Lockdowns and restrictions mean that neighborhood communities are more important than ever. Fermentation designer Hiraku Ogura and context designer Kotaro Watanabe discuss the significance and qualitative changes in locality during this pandemic.
The lifelong foundation stones of our personalities are laid during our earliest years. New and astonishingly varied designs for those childhood years are being created. The current pandemic has spurred a new appraisal of the relationships between children, families and society. The head of Fuji Kindergarten, Kato Sekiichi, guides us through a world of new designs for the children who will shape our future.
The coronavirus has led to a reevaluation of global capitalism and the way people and products move around the planet. Fermentation and gifts have become new lenses through which to examine our society. Fermentation designer Hiraku Ogura and context designer Kotaro Watanabe explore the ways design might shape our future.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, we're all more aware of the uncontrollable power of nature. Designer Haruka Misawa visits an exhibition by modern artist Tomoko Konoike. Both women create work inspired by their perspectives on the natural world. Explore a world of new designs, unique creations and the primal sensations they provoke.
On Design Hunts Andy and Shaula search for designs rooted in regional history and climates. This time they visit Gunma Prefecture, which has been making silk for 1,300 years. It's home to countless historic buildings connected to a culture of silk, including the Tomioka Silk Mill, a World Heritage Site. Gunma still has Japan's highest number of silkworm farms, and is its biggest producer of cocoons and raw silk. Today cutting-edge technology and traditional techniques have merged to create new textiles of extraordinary beauty. Discover how meticulous handiwork and artistic sensibilities have influenced the prefecture's designs. Join us on a design hunt in Gunma!
A special two-part series of discussions between leading Japanese product designer Naoto Fukasawa and top interface designer Yugo Nakamura. In part 1, Nakamura dives into the extraordinary forms and simple beauty of Fukasawa's designs. 2 cutting-edge designers outline their thoughts on the future of creativity.
A special two-part series of discussions between leading Japanese product designer Naoto Fukasawa and top interface designer Yugo Nakamura. In part 2, Fukasawa explores Nakamura's intriguing interfaces which connect the virtual and physical worlds. 2 cutting-edge designers outline their thoughts on the future of creativity.
On Design Hunts Andy and Shaula search for designs rooted in regional history and climates. This time they visit Ishikawa Prefecture. In the first episode, they explore the historic city of Kanazawa and its many traditions. A castle town and stronghold of the Kaga domain, it flourished under the Maeda family as the home of traditional arts, crafts and foods. Today structures such as the glass dome and Noh drum gate of Kanazawa station, and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art have also put it on the map for cutting-edge design. Discover how the city is still creating arts and crafts while shaping a future for regional culture. Join us on a design hunt in Kanazawa!
On Design Hunts Andy and Shaula search for designs rooted in regional history and climates. This time they visit Ishikawa Prefecture. In the second episode, they explore the Noto peninsula and its stunning vistas of land and sea. Its isolated location led to unbroken traditions such as Wajima-nuri and other handicrafts and natural materials. New designs showcase the beauty of Noto, its unique time scale, and the sustainable creativity that comes from living alongside nature. Join us on a design hunt in Noto!
Humanity has always dreamed of the future and the many forms it might take. Designers and artists have been inspired by its possibilities and used their imaginations to create artworks and products. What kind of future can we create during the coronavirus pandemic? Architect Toyoda Keisuke explores a world of new designs.
On Design Hunts Andy and Shaula search for designs rooted in regional history and climates. This time they visit Chiba Prefecture. Surrounded by the sea on 3 sides, warm currents keep the local climate mild enough for spring flowers to bloom in December, drawing visitors from all over Japan. As Tokyo's neighbor Chiba is also popular among people looking for a new home, and those establishing a second base. Chiba is also a hub for new design projects. Join us on a design hunt for creative and imaginative designs shaped by this region's welcoming and laidback atmosphere!
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2022
Textiles are a ubiquitous material that bring warmth, comfort and color to our everyday lives. As people everywhere reassess their values in the ongoing pandemic, new and playful designs have emerged that draw on the beauty of textiles. Textile designer Himuro Yuri explores designs that are shaping new relationships with fabrics.
On Design Hunts Andy and Shaula search for designs rooted in regional history and climates. This time they're in Kagoshima Prefecture, at the southern tip of the island of Kyushu. Home to untouched landscapes and the active volcano Sakurajima it's easy to feel the awe-inspiring power of nature here. Join us on a hunt for energetic Kagoshima designs that pair the epic majesty of nature with delicate craftsmanship.
Public art eschews specialist spaces such as galleries and museums in favor of all-access squares, parks and gardens. New York-based artist Tomokazu Matsuyama has produced astonishing examples that have put him in a global spotlight. Explore the significance and potential of public art through an examination of his works.
We're surrounded by a hugely diverse array of tools all the time. Creating tools helped humanity overcome limits and evolve. Digital devices such as smartphones have led to massive changes in our relationship with tools. Furniture designer Koizumi Makoto explores the future and potential of tools, as well as our relationship with them.
For millennia, people have repeated patterns to create designs that have a significance far deeper than mere aesthetics. Today, many creators in different fields are shaping new, repeated designs. Artist Tokolo Asao explores the beauty and impact of repetition.
The pandemic has led to online meetings and contactless payments – our lives are now about avoiding face-to-face interactions. But new designs ask us to reexamine the value and significance of touch. Aesthetician Ito Asa researches physical sensations and perspectives through her work with disabled people. Join her on an exploration of touch!
Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and typhoons can strike with no warning and totally upend our lives. New designs tackle our relationship with nature, and help us prepare for disasters. Civil-engineering designer Hoshino Yuji explores the potential of designs that heighten disaster preparedness, and which help build new relationships between people and nature in an effort to prevent the worst.
As online digital communication becomes the norm, many feel we're losing our connections to others. How do we build relationships that retain their human warmth? New designs draw on unique technology and ideas to create a reassuring sense of warmth, and human presence. Married couple Ishikawa Teruyuki and Yuka are the 3DCG creative unit "TELYUKA." Join their exploration of communication designs for the future!
As we reexamine our relationships with the natural world and our cities, landscape design has become of paramount importance. Urban planning once limited this to ornamental plantings for office buildings and landmark parks. Now elements of regional history, cultural background, civil engineering, and eco-conscious sustainability all play a role in landscape designs. Landscape architects Ishii Hideyuki and Noda Akiko explore a new world of landscape design born from our relationship with nature.
As information travels faster than ever our memories are being overwritten at extraordinary speed. This is why some are creating designs that shine a spotlight on memories with deep roots. Entwining the memories of people, nature and cities with designs helps us remember who we are. Architect Horibe Yasushi examines the relationship between memory and design, and explores its potential!
As the world turns towards more sustainable societies, new projects are leveraging the power of design to turn abandoned farmland, forests and buildings into places for people and things to forge new connections. Tools and historic technology considered of low-economic value are being reclassified as regional assets that are attractive and easy to use for everyone. Architect Tsukamoto Yoshiharu explores the world of designs that turn local resources into new lifestyles.
The shift to paperless living is a way to be greener and more sustainable. The pandemic also moved many industries further toward digitalization, decreasing our changes to interact with paper. Yet there are new designs that focus on paper as a material. Artist and washi artisan Hamada Hironao explores the new potential of paper.
Famous for beautiful towns lined with white-plaster buildings and Bizen-ware pottery, Okayama Prefecture has much to offer a design hunter. It has a long history of textile manufacture, as well as some of Japan's most productive cypress forests, and the rich wealth of the Seto Inland Sea. The region prizes its heritage of cultural and natural assets, yet has many successful product designs for modern life that enthrall young consumers and foreigners. Join us on a design hunt in Okayama!
Pale colors and understated themes, dimly lit forms with a gentle glow. "Subtle" designs can take many forms. Product designer Suzuki Gen has made an international career out of exploring the potential of such designs. Explore the wonderful world of subtle designs, and how Suzuki creates products that harmonize perfectly with their surroundings.
It's often said that Japanese believe carving to be an act of prayer. Today this craft is used to create beautiful, textured everyday items as well as new artforms. The diverse philosophies of such artists are reflected in their work. Buddhist sculptor and carver Yoshimizu Kaimon explores the extraordinary world of Japanese carving designs.
Nara Prefecture is home to ancient capitals, history and tradition. Its historic and cultural links with East Asia mean this is where culture came from the continent, and where it developed. It has many historic temples, shrines and burial mounds, and deer once believed to be divine messengers walk its streets. Small wonder that Nara's young creators are shaping regional designs that speak to all 5 senses. Join us on a design hunt in Nara, where Japan's ancient landscape meets modern sensibilities.
Tochigi Prefecture has a rich natural landscape, and a deeply-rooted regional culture. At only 100 kilometers from Tokyo, its artisans have spent centuries creating everyday items for the capital. Discover Mashiko ware which brings a touch of beauty to ordinary life, and Kanuma brooms which combine practicality with beauty. Join us on a design hunt in Tochigi that reveals inherited local memories, exceptional craftsmanship, and new designs for the next generation!
Japan is rich in water, and this vital resource has shaped Japanese culture and everyday life. The flow of water and sparkling refraction of light has always been a source of inspiration, and still sparks creative modern designs. Our guest is designer Tatsuno Shizuka explores fresh, appealing products with a water theme. Water in architecture, and revolutionary water technology. Discover the potential for designs which connect water, people and the environment.
We're all searching for alternatives to the mass-production, mass-consumption model. But even knowing how vital it is to find sustainable, plastic-free options, it can be hard to change our lives unless pleasure is also in the mix. Fun, alternative designs in Japan offer the chance to make or repair products instead of buying new. Guest creator Mukasa Taro explores a world of new and diverse designs!
A two-part series on revitalizing traditional Japanese homes. In our first episode, explore designs for evolving lifestyles. These historic spaces inspire a spirit of DIY, and provide a sustainable, not too convenient way of life. Landscape creator Danzuka Eiki guides us through the designs of traditional Japanese architecture, we talk to creators who live in old homes and showcase their own lifestyle designs!
Traditional homes are a key aspect of Japan's historic cityscapes. But an ageing and falling population combined with difficulties to repairs mean that every region is struggling to keep these homes in use. In our second of a two-part series on revitalizing old homes, we look at projects and experimental designs that are turning such houses into public spaces as a way to preserve these cityscapes. Architect Nagasaka Jo explores designs for traditional homes that bring new value to neighborhoods and residents.
Artist Daito Manabe uses computational design to create unique and extraordinary art. We visit Manabe's studio to explore the secrets behind his bold vision. Discover how the latest digital technology resonates and interacts with the human body, pushing new boundaries in Manabe's artworks and designs. Uncover the design potential of computational technology.
2023
Architect Tanijiri Makoto is known for his off-the-wall designs that both innovate and inspire people to rethink architectural conventions. Besides designing houses and business facilities, he also takes on landscaping, product design and various other projects. At the core of his thinking is a desire to make something that has never been done before. Venture into a world where the unconventional gives rise to new designs!
Fujiyoshida in Yamanashi Prefecture is a textile town benefiting from clean water from Mt. Fuji. In 2022, it held FUJI TEXTILE WEEK, a paean to the art of fabric. Artists from Japan and abroad collaborated with local textile makers to explore the potential of textile design through exhibits all around the town. Explore how this town is preparing to support its local industry into the future!
Ancient myths and legends abound in Shimane prefecture. Top quality minerals including silver, copper and iron have long been found here, hence the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and the development of tatara iron. Shimane's rich minerals and natural landscape have inspired an array of regional designs over millennia. Join us on a design hunt in Shimane!
Designers today are torn between the constant demand for something new and the requirements of sustainability. Some young creatives are turning to traditional craftsmanship and shining a new spotlight on old practices. The pandemic and the rejection of mass production, consumption and disposal has led to a new appraisal of the value of objects. Fashion designer Kishida Tomohiro explores young creators inspired by traditional craftsmanship and adding modern sensibilities to create new items and new aesthetics.
A standard classic commands a steady demand regardless of passing trends. In this episode, we explore designs can speak to the changing times but also appeal over the long-term. Such items hold onto historic threads while also drawing on necessary technology, humor or versatility. Product designer Suzuki Keita explores a wide variety of everyday items and examines the products users will consider the new standards of the future.
Cities around the world are reexamining their infrastructure. In response to the UN SDGs and environmental issues, cities are turning away from car-focused planning to models that put people first. Tokyo is part of this trend. New ideas and strategies are looking at streets. Architect Chiba Manabu rediscovers the charm of Tokyo's city streets and explores new designs for transport infrastructure and urban living.
Bonsai recreate vast natural landscapes in the confines of a plant pot. This unique Japanese culture is known by its original name around the world, and for many young people has become a byword of cool Japanese culture alongside manga and anime. From pieces painstakingly shaped over centuries to cutting-edge artworks shaped around new ideas, bonsai has an extraordinary diversity that's won fans at home and abroad. Rising international star and bonsai gardener Hirao Masashi explores the evolving world of bonsai.
2019
Andy and Shaula go design hunting, exploring the history and customs of the northern prefecture of Yamagata for new design discoveries. With 70% of the prefecture covered in thick forest, Yamagata has a long tradition of woodworking and wood-related crafts. The prefecture is also home to the Three Mountains of Dewa, where some of Japan's oldest mountain and nature-worshipping faiths originate. Explore Yamagata's untouched natural scenery and learn about the region's latest efforts to adapt traditional designs for a modern audience.
The amazing variety of natural phenomena such as rain, clouds, rainbows, and light have long inspired creators. Fleeting shapes and astonishing beauty have appealed to many designers. Explore architecture, designs, and artwork that focus on such phenomena. Designer Haruka Misawa explores the potential of these new designs.
Plastic is a vital part of everyday modern life, used in everything, and found everywhere we look. But the environmental problems caused by micro plastics have made global headlines. Many designers are now using plastic to overcome our expectations of this material. Product Designer Keita Suzuki explores designs that examine the future of plastic.
Japan is well known as a major player in the world of stationery! It's developed many creative and highly functional items, such as erasable pens. This time we go beyond function to explore the stationery that appeals to our emotions. Learn how stationery can provide entertainment and a hobby, becoming the focus of collections instead of mere tools. Guest Masayuki Takabatake is a stationery designer. He guides us through the world of stationery and design.
On Design Hunting, Andy and Shaula search for designs rooted in regional history and climates. This time they visit Yamanashi Prefecture, home to many mountains including Mt. Fuji, the Yatsugatake range, and the Southern Alps. Many traditional crafts and industries rely on the resources from such peaks. From inden, a historic craft using deer leather and urushi lacquer, Japan's biggest producer of jewelry and jewelry design, to new umbrella designs that use textile technology. Explore how Yamanashi's deep-rooted traditions are creating designs for a new generation!
Alarm clocks, phones, and car horns are all everyday sounds. We're surrounded by sounds that inform or influence our behavior. From stress-relieving music on hold to warning and alert sounds, even the sounds that we take for granted are designed with a clear intent in mind. Together with sound designer Takashi Kokubo, we explore how environment and purpose have led to a diverse and fascinating world of sound design.
As technology evolves and we have more information available than ever before, our values are also diversifying. The social role of design is also changing fast. Art director Kashiwa Sato, Toshiyuki Inoko of teamLab, and architect Tsuyoshi Tane are among the designers and creators who have examined their approaches to design on the show: take another look at what we need from designs today!
Social design provides a creative approach to issues of poverty, an aging population with fewer children, and many other social issues. The power of design can be leveraged to provide better social systems for everyone. Several projects are now pursuing this aspect of design's original role, helping to solve problems instead of pursuing profit. Design strategist Eisuke Tachikawa explores social design and its extraordinary future potential.
The library: a silent temple of learning, with thousands of books lining its shelves. This traditional idea is starting to change. New spaces are coming forward that also provide community spaces, workshops, and places for people to meet. Book director Yoshitaka Haba explores new library designs and how books can create open spaces to attract visitors.
On Design Hunting, Andy and Shaula search for designs rooted in regional history and climates. This time they visit Niigata Prefecture, where clean water and mountains create rich soil that's the foundation for a food culture of rice and sake. The prefecture is home to Tsubame-Sanjo and other manufacturing towns. We also visit the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field which has grown into an international art festival. Explore a new perspective on Niigata's charms and on its designs!
Today is part of our Tokyo Cityscapes series. Although new skyscrapers are constantly being built, work is also underway to make Tokyo a sustainable city. Buildings are surrounded by green, forests planted near communal housing, and the city is getting a re-design through plants. Landscape architect Tatsuya Hiraga, and gardener and landscape designer Michio Tase both explore the new cityscape of Tokyo as it evolves a new co-existence with plant life.
Many people are discovering the pleasure of making what they need instead of relying on manufactured items and pre-existing services. The self-sufficiency of DIY has become a trend. As users turn from buying to making, professional creators are changing their own approach to design. Guest architect Jo Nagasaka explores the world of new designs inspired by DIY.
Japan's rural landscapes are changing as the population ebbs. Meanwhile cityscapes are also in flux during the lead up to the Tokyo 2020's big events. The views we see as part of our everyday lives can change in moments during natural disasters. Landscapes are deeply interwoven with human life and evolve alongside us. Civil engineering is a key factor in shaping them. Join studio guest and architect Hiroshi Naito as he explores landscape engineering in the city and the countryside.
On Design Hunting, Andy and Shaula search for designs rooted in regional history and climates. This time they visit Hokkaido Prefecture. The indigenous Ainu have a deep respect for nature which is reflected in their traditional designs. The island's sweeping vistas are the product of landscape design, while wooden furniture from Asahikawa has won international attention. Explore the Hokkaido designs shaped by a harsh and snowy climate.
Japan has a long history of forms and conventions that form the foundation of everything from martial arts to the tea ceremony and calligraphy. They're a deeply rooted part of the techniques and dedication required to master a craft. Creators in the design world are cherishing the heart of these traditional forms while also coming with new and original ways to express them. Architect and artist Fumihiko Sano explores these unconventional ideas and the philosophy behind them.
Japan is one of the world's rainiest countries with a monsoon in June, fierce summer storms, and mellow autumn showers. Traditional homes evolved to cope with heavy rain and high humidity, using deep eaves, verandas, and rain screens. A culture developed that doesn't fight the rain, but keeps us dry enough to admire it. Architect Takeshi Hosaka explores designs that help us enjoy the rain.
The colors, textures, biology, and behavior of insects reveal a world far more diverse and extraordinary than we could ever have imagined. Insects had been evolving for tens of thousands of years before humanity ever emerged and they offer glimpses of amazing creative potential. A new exhibition on insects examines them from a design perspective. Its director is graphic designer Taku Satoh; join him on an exploration of the weird and wonderful and what that means for design.
Green spaces have become all the rage and new and old Japanese designs are in the spotlight. A "mixed-planting unit" is designed to provide seasonality in an urban setting. It draws on the planting of Japanese gardens 400 years ago in its goal of greater greenery. A historic plant market in Asakusa is a centuries-old summer tradition. Landscape designer Michio Tase explores the ways Japanese incorporate plants into their everyday lives, and new potential green lifestyles.
On Design Hunting, Andy and Shaula search for designs rooted in regional history and climates. This time they visit Nagasaki Prefecture and its unique culture colored by trading with China, the Netherlands, and many other countries. Regional crafts from glassware influenced by European stained glass to 400-year-old ceramics are still alive today. Join us on a hunt for the cosmopolitan and always evolving designs of Nagasaki!
Around 70% of Japan is covered in forests. Japanese cedar is an indigenous species that's been used in everyday life for centuries. It's easy to work with and has a beautiful grain that's perfect for many designs. Cedars that grew to enormous size have even become objects of worship. However, falling demand means cedars are starting to destabilize forest environments and their pollen has become a major problem. Join designer Katsushi Nagumo as he explores new ways to bring the culture of Japanese cedars into the future.
The development of new materials has played a key role in human evolution and economic growth. At the same time, it has often led to environmental issues, some of which are only now coming to light. Some are coming up with solutions through design, shaping new approaches to fashion, architecture, and everyday products. Join fashion designer Yuima Nakazato as he explores new materials, and the relationship between humanity and nature. Discover designs with a new vision for our future.
Traditional crafts and manufacturing have a long and proud history in Japan. But lifestyle changes and a lack of successors mean that many who work in these traditions face grave challenges. Yet designers have fallen in love with the extraordinary work of these skilled artisans and have created updated designs to appeal to a new generation. Explore how traditional skills and materials are being kept alive through revolutionary young designs. Discover the future of tradition!
Designs have long used optical illusions and tricks, but new creators are putting them front and center to educate and entertain. Kokichi Sugihara is a university professor and leading illusion researcher. Our presenters experience illusions, learn their mechanisms and explore their social potential!
Concerns about health and sustainability mean that many people today are looking for new approaches to eating. Technology has led to exciting new developments in food. Fermentation plays a key role in Japanese cuisine leading to the diverse flavors of miso, tofu and pickles. Dashi stock is in the spotlight for its rich umami. Fermentation designer Hiraku Ogura is passionate about Japan's fermentation technology and history. Join him as he explains the art of eating through design!
Andrea Pompilio
Self - Presenter
Shaula Vogue
Self - Presenter