japanese design
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Expo 86: Smiles
Converted from the holiday hangout of its CEO, this bucolic sanctuary for Tokyo firm Smiles offers a chance for staff to enjoy the best in modern Japanese living.
Inventory no. 81
From spicing up your lettercraft to adding class to your condiment cupboard plus timeless additions to your kitchen, wardrobe and workspace, here are this month’s most covetable commodities.
Glazing a trail
The enamelware coming out of the Noda Horo factory in Japan hardly has time to sit on the shelves. Meet the family firm that has forged a reputation for quality and creativity.
Top twenty five
The objects that fill our homes subtly affect our mood and creativity. Be nice to your subconscious and let the natural, simple and handcrafted surround you with our top 25 picks.
From the same tree
Maruni Wood Industry, a family business, faced shifting fortunes for years. A reluctant family member returned to his roots, only to discover he was the natural saviour of the company his great uncle founded.
The model maker
Amidst a British design scene of experimentalism, Tomoko Azumi’s furniture is striking for its elegance and simplicity, earning the Japanese designer a solo show in her adopted homeland.
Fonts of knowledge
Japanese font-maker Morisawa takes up to four years to perfect a typeface. This meticulousness has led its fonts to become as celebrated as Helvetica, adorning everything from signs to computer screens.
Talent spot
Tokyo Designers Week features key fairs 100% Design and DesignTide. Monocle visited last year and found a healthy ambition to champion fresh talent. Here is our pick of the best newcomers.
Bag for life
For 50 years, Inujirushi has supplied robust canvas bags with leather trimmings, thriving on customer loyalty. Only recently has it opened a shop in Asakusa, the Tokyo neighbourhood it has always called home.
