DESIGN TALKS plus Season 3, Episode 17: Samurai Icons

Harmony in Contrast

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.

30 min

Washi

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.

30 min

Design Hunting in Kanagawa

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.

30 min

Treasure Every Encounter

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.

30 min

Shaping Experiences

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.

30 min

Transience

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.

30 min

Design Hunting in Kumamoto

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.

30 min

Basics

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.

30 min

Innovation

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.

30 min

Tokyo Workshops

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.

30 min

Meticulous Detail

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.

30 min

Quirky Design

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.

30 min

Physical Sensations

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.

30 min

Decorative Design

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.

30 min

Design Hunting in Nagano

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.

30 min

Manga

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.

30 min

Flexibility

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.

30 min

Celestial Connections

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.

30 min

Asymmetry

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.

30 min

Stationery

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.

30 min

Design Hunting in Shimane

30 min

Sports

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.

30 min

Sharing

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.

30 min