WA, The Essence of Japanese Design

Through some 300 objects this book explores contemporary Japanese design: from everyday objects and packaging to interior design and lighting elements. Ultimately the book aims to explore the way in which Japanese design manages to harness its materials - whether natural or synthetic - and at the same time combines respect for tradition with forward-thinking and experimentation.

The objects featured were chosen because of their strong Japanese character and the influence this ‘Japaneseness’ has had on Western culture. Rather than following a chronological order or concentrating on the designers, this book focuses on the objects and is categorized by material, highlighting the strong link between design and material in Japan.

There is a general introduction and each section has its own individual introduction:

• Wood, Bamboo & Lacquer

• Paper

• Metal

• Fabric & Textiles

• Ceramic

• Synthetic/new materials

The book includes examples from some of the most important Japanese designers from Sori Yanagi and Shiro Kuramata to Naoto Fukasawa and Tokujin Yoshioka and there will be an introductory essay about Japanese design by Kenya Hara.