DESIGN TALKS plus

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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!