Archinect - Nipponesque

Golden Lion goes to Japanese Pavillion

2012-08-29T16:42:42-04:00

The 13th Venice Biennale Architecture Golden Lion goes to Japanese Pavilion. Toyo Ito curated the pavilion with Kumiko Inui, Sou Fujimoto, Akihisa Hirata and Naoya Hatakeyama. This is the second time for Japan to receive the award since the exhibition Arata Isozaki curated in 1996.

The theme of the pavilion was, "Architecture, possible here?", and they designed "House for All" which is a community place for Tsunami victims. (completion expected in October) Japan Pavilion introduced the process with such as models and photos.

photo via mainichi.jp

House na by Sou Fujimoto

2012-01-20T12:49:00-05:00

Casa's first issue of the year cover photo is House na by Sou Fujimoto. Look at this complete transparent glass house! Sou Fujimoto says "In one way the house is like a single space, but each room is also a tiny space of its own. The clients said they wanted to live like nomads within the house - they didn't have specific plans for each room. The house looks radical but for the clients it seemed quite natural."

すごい素敵な家！見るのには・・・この家に住むだけの感性と勇気が備わってない私のような一般人には住めないけれど。でもホント、子供が大喜びしそうな家で見てるだけでワクワクしてしまいます。

via Casa Brutas, metalocus

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Makoto Tanijiri　"You make the Rule"

2012-01-10T02:26:00-05:00

Exhibition "You make the Rule" by Japanese rising star Architect Makoto Tanijiri is currently running at Design Center OZONE in Tokyo.

By creating windows, tables and so on in this huge Styrofoam box, he re-creates "Home". Tanijiri says, " What is table? What is Shelves? This is an exhibition to think about such a simple theme with everyone." You can actually dig into this Styrofoam with your fingers! (I checked his Twitter, and he says ok to do so :)

今をときめく建築家、谷尻誠さんのエキシビジョンが始まりました。発泡スチロールの家なんて子供にとっちゃたまらんだろうなー。子供の頃は何でも家に見立てて遊んだことを思い出す。建築の基本に戻れるようなおもしろさがありそう！

image via excite, suppose biyori

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R.I.P Mr. Sori Yanagi

2011-12-25T21:30:27-05:00

The Japanese product designer Sori Yanagi died at the age of 96 on Christmas day,2011.

He had received a gold medal at the 1957 Milan Triennale for his Butterfly Stool and White Porcelain Teapot.

In 1954, Yanagi designed the famous Butterfly Stool, which consists of two curved-shaped plywood elements, which are held together by a metal rod. In his sweeping, almost delicate form it recalls not only a butterfly, but also to a Japanese character. In the same year was also the Elephant Stool is also a simple but beautifully shaped stools made of fiberglass reinforced polyester resin. Both seats were originally manufactured by the Japanese company Tendo Mokko, nowadays, the stool produced by Vitra. In 1964, the Butterfly Stool by Sori Yanagi and other works at the documenta III in Kassel in the Department of Industrial Design was issued. 1960 to 1961 was Sori Yanagi for two semesters a guest lecturer at the National Art School in Kassel. (Wikipedia)

Personally, I always th...

Automata

2011-12-16T14:58:07-05:00

Automata is self-automated machines which were invented in Western Europe in 18th century as toys, religious idols, or tools. Here, I introduce this Japanese Automata Artist Mr.Kazuaki Harada.

Uber precise craftsmanship and all of his works are tremendously witty.

Matryoshka (click the photos to see videos)

Air Sculpture

Decoy

Chopsticks (In Japanese expression, " you can laugh at rolling chopsticks" means when you are very young, everything makes you laugh.)

Spoon in Space (Also in Japanese expression, "throwing spoons" means giving up or surrender.

He consistently creates Automata with no consistent theme.

via Nizosha, Hobonichi

オートマタというのを初めて耳にし、目にしました。もう一発でやられちゃいましたよー。videoを見てクスッと笑わされてしまいました。素敵素敵。こんなウィットに飛んだアイデアを思いつきそして形に出来るなんて素晴らしい。「一貫性のない作品を一貫して作り続ける」ってフレーズがまさにアーティスト！

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Kengo Kuma for Starbucks Coffee

2011-12-08T03:25:42-05:00

The starbucks designed by Kengo Kuma will be opening on December 16, 2011 in Fukuoka, Japan. This will be the very first Starbucks Coffee which is on the historical entrance path to a shrine. (Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine)

via Starbucks Japan

隈研吾デザインのスターバックスが太宰府天満宮の参道にオープンするそうです。まだレンダリングしかないのですが、写真を見てみたい。

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Uniforms for Tokyo Sky Tree

2011-11-04T22:23:39-04:00

Tokyo Sky Tree grand opening day is May, 2013. As many of you already know, this is the tallest free-standing tower in the world! The Tokyo Sky Tree employs Japanese cutting-edge technology in reproducing the traditional architectural know-how of the "Shimbashira-Seishin" (Center Column Vibration Control) used in the five-story pagoda.

But, it's not the story I wanna talk about today. Today's theme is "Uniform". Yes, Tokyo Sky Tree staff's uniform design is just announced today. And it's AMAZING! The designer is Akira Minagawa of minä perhonen. What his design makes stand out is a mixture of Japanese traditional woven style and beautiful textile design with danish modern style.

Ticket counter staff

Gift shop staff

Information counter staff

Facility Guide staff

Cleaning staff

東京スカイツリーの従業員の制服が発表になりました。ミナのデザインなんですね。カワイイ！！うちの旦那はこの写真を見て「本気？髪型もこれにしないといけないの？」笑　と言っておりました。いやー女心をくすぐるデザイン～。でも多分男性には理解されないでしょうね。はは。いや、オサレとはいつもそんなもの。誘導係のワンピ欲しい～。

vi...

humidifier + design

2011-11-01T01:06:17-04:00

Japanese electrical appliances have to be functional and beautiful at the same time.
Amadana, plusminus zero, Doshisha, and MUJI are creating designy electrical appliances a lot. I introduce you their humidifier here. It's not typical blue body or animal shaped humidifier you can find at Walmart.

via Doshisha

via プラスマイナスゼロ

via amadana

この加湿器もう日本じゃ定番中の定番なのだろうけど、やはり日本のプロダクトデザインについて書くならこれをと思いまして。私、なんやかんや２台も加湿器を購入したのですがいかんせんデザインが不細工すぎですよ＠アメリカ。いやー部屋に置くものだからね、家電というよりもインテリア物としてデザインしてみてはどうですか？＠アメリカ

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iPhone case

2011-10-27T17:33:08-04:00

sorry, I can not resist posting about it... if you have been to Japan at least once (or Koraku, Los Angeles Downtown), you had noticed the fake wax food samples at restaurants, right?

And, also have you noticed that Japanese LOVE to decorate their cell phones? Although you can even see those bling-bling phone in the US lately, I still think it's ridiculous.

Then I found these iPhone cases, awesome mixture of Japanese culture /food and craftsmanship. Japanese are beyond ridiculous. They always like "over-the-top" or you could say, Japanese are "keeping it real".

Matsutake mushroom

Oden (fish cake hot pot)

Eel rice bowl

via Strapya you can see more iPhone cases from here :)

あまりにふざけた商品だったので、つい。ってか、携帯使いにくいだろ！しかも秋冬専用だよね。おでん夏に見たら暑いし。（そういう問題じゃない）　いや、でも正直こういうもの作っちゃう日本の人たち素晴らしい！だって、これ採算度外視じゃ・・・売ろうというよりも、職人技見せたいってほうが強そうだ。

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Chance for Free trip to Japan

2011-10-26T15:15:32-04:00

The education ministry plans to invite 150 foreign university students who are interested in studying in Japan to join free "trial study trips" to this nation. According to the source, after 3.11 incident, 600 students cancelled their plan studying in Japan. It might be a chance for those who want to study in Japan. http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111012006453.htm

or, 10,000 Free Flight for Foreigners! (maybe) It is not confirmed by the government budgetary, but it might happen. You should keep checking @ Japan Tourism Agency site.

Good luck to y'all! I wanna apply this....

Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture

2011-10-14T03:34:11-04:00

Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture just opened in July 2011, Imabari-shi, Ehime. This is the very first architecture only museum in Japan. This museum is consisted of two buildings: "Silver Hut" and "Steel Hut". Steel Hut houses Toyo Ito's original architectural works, and Silver Hut is the relocated and rebuild house he used to live. This space is used as a workshop space for kids to learn and play with architecture.

There are some steel models of his famous buildings.(This is Sepentine Pavillion's model.)

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There is another museum nearby and is also designed by Toyo Ito: Iwata Ken Hahatokono Museum.

Those buildings are beautifully blended in this beautiful small island which is surrounded by the Setouchi Sea.

By the way, this is right next to my hometown. Oh, and Kenzo Tange's hometown, too :) If you have a chance to visit Japan, skip Tokyo and go to Shikoku instead. Shikoku is no...

For food lovers

2011-10-12T01:47:07-04:00

Do you love food and movies? Then this is the best event for you. The 2nd Tokyo Food Lovers Film Festival is currently running in Tokyo. They are playing 17 "delicious films" from all over the world, which have really memorable food scenes. For example, "Kramer vs Kramer". What food? Of course, French Toast! Who does not know the famous scene?

Well, obviously I can not go to this film festival... So I asked myself what movie I'm gonna pick ??? The most memorable food movie for me is definitely "Tanpopo". I believe I watched the movie when I was 10 or so, but I still remember some of the food scenes vividly. Awesome Omurice, Chinese drunken shrimp, Ramen, Fried rice... If some of you guys have never watched this movie yet, yes you MUST watch this!!

東京ごはん映画祭なんてのがあるんですねー。ロゴもサイトのデザインも素敵☆かもめ食堂まだ見たことないんですよねー。見たいのに。クレイマークレイマーのフレンチトーストも良いシーンですよねー。私は何と言っても「タンポポ」です。見たのが25年近く前だってのに未だにはっきりと覚えてる料理の数々。＆伊丹十三は我が故郷の出身でしたからね。うーん、また見たくなってきましたよん。

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fireworks

2011-10-11T01:18:47-04:00

Fireworks(Sparklers) are Japanese Summer tradition. Young and old, men and women everyone loves fireworks(sparklers) in summer. Not only big fireworks event, but at home we light sparklers. Every time I think of sparklers, I got the flashbacks of an end of summer. It makes me so nostalgic/melancholic...

Here's super cute and simple design sparklers from The National Art Center Tokyo Souvenir shop.

すごくクールでポップな花火デザイン。ブログお友達のサイトで見つけました。なんで、もーこんなにかわいいの？？かわいすぎて使えません。そしてそのまま湿気てしまうのでしょう。お部屋に飾っておきたいわー。

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Nekomimi

2011-10-09T02:37:10-04:00

Nekomimi (猫耳） means Cat ears. New from Neurowear: Wearable cat ears that react to human brainwaves, perking up and wiggling around in tune with the wearer’s current emotional state.

Is this creepy or what?

猫耳かぶって、それが動くって。素晴らしい～。こういうことを思いついて商品化出来る、する、っていうのは日本の素晴らしいところだと思いません？遊び心と技術力が伴うという。う～ん、変なもの大好き日本人あっぱれ～。

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Eel's bed

2011-10-06T12:40:07-04:00

As you may already know, we Japanese love everything tiny. Tiny car, tiny phone, tiny purse, tiny boo... :) anyway, specially in old town Kyoto, there are still lots of this kind of style houses called Unagino Nedoko (うなぎの寝床）, means Eel's Bed. They are only 5.4 to 6 meters wide, but about 20 meters deep. That is why, Eel's bed! How cute.

And, you must have heard Kyosho Jutaku （狭小住宅）before,right? It means narrow/tiny house.There is no specific size to be called as Kyosho jutaku, but most of them are built on less than 500 SF properties!

The one of the most famous Kyosho jutaku, designed by Tadao Ando.

This was built 45 years ago, designed by Takamitsu Azuma.

This one is my favorite.

The building area is 24㎡ and 17m height! Ka-pow!!

狭小住宅素晴らしい！実は昨年、日本に帰った時に電車から見た風景に衝撃を受けました。あの住宅がひしめき合ってお隣さんに手を伸ばせば届くという感覚が新鮮でした。　しかも、そのひしめき合うビルディングの間を走る高速道路に線路。それはまさにテレビゲームの世界！（特に私は日本の田舎出身なので都会のそれに衝撃を受けた）それにしてもいろいろ調べてると本当に素晴らしいデザインの狭小住宅がありすぎてどれもこれにも目が輝いてしまいます。いやー、素晴らしい...

"Sample" - a little good thing

2011-10-05T02:06:38-04:00

Sample is a product line which is the result of Sukoshi ii koto (少しいいこと）, doing "a little good thing".

Sukoshi ii koto could be anything, for example using recycled materials, donation, or supporting traditional crafts or local manufactures which are in danger of going out of business.

Wooden iPhone/ iPad stands:

There are many problems for Japanese forestry. Sample purchases these materials(wood from improvement cutting) at the right price and therefore does "a little good thing" for the local forestry business.

サンプルは「少しいいことをして作るプロダクト」の集まり。
「少しいいこと」は何でもよくて、たとえば廃棄されてしまう素材を使ったり、寄付をしたり、
または廃業すると伝統が途絶えてしまうような工場に安定的に仕事を出すことだったりするかもしれません。デザインの仕事を続けるなかで、変わって欲しいと思うところに少し手間をかけて物づくりをしていきます。

というコンセプトのもとデザインされたものたち。シンプルかつ機能的であり、「ちょっといいこと」のお手伝いが出来るとはなかなか素晴らしいアイデア＆デザイン。

image via Sample

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Japanese mobile phone TV commercial

2011-10-04T12:56:54-04:00

This is the Japanese craftsmanship.

これぞ日本の職人技

Karuizawa Senju Museum

2011-10-04T02:44:16-04:00

Karuizawa Senju Museum in Karuizawa, Japan will open October 10, 2011. (Designed by Ryue Nishizawa)

西沢立衛氏デザインの軽井沢千住美術館が10月10日に開館

images via ism