Spoon & Tamago
Enjoy Sakura Safely from the Comfort of Home
The cherry blossoms are in full bloom now across Japan. But given the uptick in confirmed coronavirus cases across Japan, there’s an organized effort to encourage folks to stay home this season.
Astounding Origami Tea House
Come check out Shi-an, a mobile tea house constructed entirely from origami without the use of bolts or adhesives.
Hako in Hiroshima: Thinking Outside the Box
Take a look at this innovative home of stacked boxes, designed to overcome the challenges of building on the side of a cliff.
Nihonbashi's Neighborhood Noren Gallery
Over 30 Nihonbashi-based businesses came together to create noren (the curtains that hang in shopfronts) that symbolize their own identity.
Drawing out the Japanese Spirit of Epidemics
The people of Kumamoto have a legendary spirit that comes in time of epidemics. All you have to do is draw a picture of it.
A Music Video Perfect for Social Distancing
Over 10 years ago, art director Masashi Kawamura teamed up with Japanese band Sour to produce a music video for "Hibi no Neiro." Needless to say, this was before our current reality, in which millions are staying home due to the coronavirus outbreak.
A Pitcher that Looks Like Running Water
A Norwegian and Japanese design team worked together to produce a clear glass pitcher that looks like running water.
Yusuke Asai's New Exhibit Uses Wild Materials
Tokyo-born artist Yusuke Asai travela the world, creating wild and unrestrained art with whatever canvas and materials are available to him locally: soil, water, dust, flour, tape, and pens.
Unique Home Design Takes Steps Into the Future
When Akihiro Ito, half of the design team Nendo, wanted to build a home for his family and in-laws, he turned to his business partner to design it for him. And it features a set of stairs that appears to extend from the sidewalk through the house.
Travel to Toyama to Peek the Japanese Alps
Who knew Japan had its very own Alps? And they are right in the heart of the nation.
Tadao Ando's Library in Osaka Is Off the Wall
You simply have to check out Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest in Osaka, designed and built by master architect Tadao Ando, who donated it to the city's children.
Lay Around in Landabout Hotel in Uguisudani
A new hotel in the area of Uguisudani is bringing stylish charm and simplicity to its little part of Tokyo.
Student Merges Metal & Traditional Woodwork
Japanese student and bicycle enthusiast Hiroto has merged traditional Japanese craftwork with bicycle-making to create what he calls a "wa-modern" bicycle.
Bringing Natural Harmony to a Nursery School
A nursery school in Tottori is connecting children to nature with its award-winning design.
Kyushu Bank Redesigned Using Local Wood
The power of design was on full display when Higo Bank, a regional bank in Kyushu, opened its newest branch and completely transformed all our preconceptions of how a bank can make us feel.
Always Bounce Back with Rubber Band Fashion
Working entirely with rubber bands, which have limited functionality and are definitely not scarce, Rie Sakamoto created a line of garments that were on display at an exhibition in Tokyo.
Miniature Model of Shinjuku Made Only of Paper
Toshi is a Japanese office worker in his 20s who has a unique hobby: building miniature paper models of cities at a 1/2200 scale. And he has completed his most ambitious project to date: a mini model of Tokyo's sprawling area of Shinjuku.
Pop-up Shop Interior Made of Ziploc Containers
It was back in 2018 when Beams first announced a series of haute couture items with bag and storage maker Ziploc, but the brand is doubling down on the intriguing collaboration.
New Osaka Louis Vuitton Resembles Sailing Ship
On February 1, 2020, Louis Vuitton opened its new Osaka Midosuji store. Although not necessarily a flagship, it certainly resembles a sailing ship!
Photography Shows Life in Japan 100 Years Ago
Thanks to Eliza Scidmore, we can see images of everyday life in Japan, with some photographs over 100 years old.
