DESIGN TALKS (2013)

Episódio 1 - Episódio 1

04 de abril de 2013 • 30 minutos

As a sign of spring, cherry blossoms have been cherished in Japanese culture for ages. Numerous designs were born, inspired by this beautiful Japanese flower called "Sakura". In our show we will be introducing some of the very special "Kimono" designs with layers of delicate colors to recreate the flower blossoming and artistic "Wagashi" inspired by scenery of spring mountains.

Episódio 2 - Episódio 2

11 de abril de 2013 • 30 minutos

At the studio we welcome Toemon Sano, a legend botanical garden designer from Kyoto with 16th generations' experiences that carries over 400 years of traditions, will guide us through the deep history and thoughts of Sakura designs that carried over for ages.

Episódio 3 - Episódio 3

02 de maio de 2013 • 30 minutos

Origami, the world-famous Japanese art of folding paper, is perhaps the best known example of folding design, which is deeply embedded in Japanese culture. Today, exciting new frontiers in folding design are being explored. Computer-aided origami is leading to the creation of complex shapes from simple folds, and renowned Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake is using folding to create garments. Our studio guest is Nobuhiro Yamaguchi, a graphic designer who studies the origins of origami in Japan's samurai-era gift-wrapping etiquette. In his own designs, he combines these traditional practices with some very contemporary flourishes. On this edition of Design Talks, we explore the many facets of Japanese folding design.

Episódio 4 - Episódio 4

16 de maio de 2013 • 30 minutos

In Japan, the sounds of nature—the pitter-patter of rain, the trickling of a stream, blowing wind, chirping birds—are often associated with the changing seasons. Japanese in past ages would listen to these subtle sounds as they observed their surroundings with great sensitivity—they created a distinctly Japanese world of sound. Join us as we explore the history and tradition that gave birth to modern Japanese sound design. Our guest will be Hiroaki Ide, a sound space composer who is continually exploring the possibilities of sound.

Episódio 5 - Episódio 5

23 de maio de 2013 • 30 minutos

Today's topic on Design Talks is the art of mitate. In a mitate work, one object is used to visually represent another seemingly unrelated object. Examples of mitate include traditional Japanese gardens in which rocks and sand are used to represent water. The world of the Japanese tea ceremony is also full of mitate artistry. On this edition of Design Talks, we explore this unique Japanese art form with Yasuhiro Suzuki, an artist whose own works are often inspired by mitate.

Episódio 6 - Episódio 6

06 de junho de 2013 • 30 minutos

Affected by the East Asian monsoon, Japan receives twice as much rain as the global average. Since ancient times, rain has been an important part of daily life in Japan. It is something to give thanks for, yet also something to fear. This week we take a look at some unique Japanese rain-related designs, and talk with guest John DiCesare, a designer from Canada who will join us as we take a deep look at the unique world of Japanese umbrellas, from ones made using traditional construction methods to more modern ones made of reusable plastic. We'll also hear from world famous architect Kengo Kuma about his views on the changing role of roofs in Japan. He'll also describe how he took inspiration from the depiction of rain in a famous Japanese woodblock print by Ando Hiroshige when he was designing the roof of Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art, a prominent art museum.

Episódio 7 - Episódio 7

13 de junho de 2013 • 30 minutos

Our theme this time is Japanese typography. The Japanese writing system is exceptionally diverse. There are kanji -Chinese characters- and there are also hiragana and katakana, two syllabic scripts. All three are used constantly when writing Japanese, and the result is uniquely beautiful. Even people who do not understand the Japanese language simply love the look of Japanese writing. We welcome typeface designer Osamu Torinoumi into the studio to discuss how typeface design is all around us in everyday life, and what the Japanese people think about their remarkable writing system.

Episódio 8 - Episódio 8

04 de julho de 2013 • 30 minutos

The unique evolution of washi (Japanese paper) took place amid Japan's rich natural surroundings and temperate climate. The unusual texture and strength of washi gave it a prominent role in daily life, and also made it an integral part of Japan's spiritual culture. This time, we are joined by washi designer Eriko Horiki, who shows us how she uses traditional handmade washi techniques in her work. In this age of electronic media, rediscover the beauty of paper.

Episódio 9 - Episódio 9

11 de julho de 2013 • 30 minutos

Japanese robot technology leads the world, and this is especially true for humanoid robots - no other country can produce robots that move with such grace and sensitivity, inspiring affection by the way they look. Robot research today is advancing rapidly, not only for industrial applications, but also to develop robots for new fields such as medical treatment and caregiving. On today's program we welcome Tatsuya Matsui, a leading proponent of the importance of design in building a future where robots will live with us as an integral part of society.

Episódio 10 - Episódio 10

18 de julho de 2013 • 30 minutos

Ever feel that we're losing our appreciation for the full, immense range of colors found in nature? It worries Dai Fujiwara (Designer, Creative Director), and he's set out to reverse the trend. In this week's Design Talks we visit "Color Hunting", an exhibition in Tokyo directed by Fujiwara that reveals new possibilities in color and design. "Color-hunting" is Fujiwara's term for a process he developed of capturing undefined color variations he finds in the environment by mixing watercolors on the spot. We'll see how his "color-hunting" has inspired new creativity in the world of design.

Episódio 11 - Episódio 11

15 de agosto de 2013 • 30 minutos

Japan is a floral superpower. It is one of the world's top producers of fresh flowers, and plants from around the globe pass through its borders. Clearly marked seasons and a rich natural landscape have made plants a vital part of daily life in Japan. Flower artist Azuma Makoto joins our presenters in the studio to unravel the world of Japanese plant design. Discover traditional arts such as ikebana and bonsai, and learn about how they've influenced exciting new plant designs.

Episódio 12 - Episódio 12

22 de agosto de 2013 • 30 minutos

Japan is an island nation surrounded by ocean, and since ancient times the Japanese has been fascinated by the constantly changing face of the sea, created by the restless action of the waves. Artists strove to express the ever-changing form of the wave, and this had a great influence on Japanese design. In this issue, the artist Hiroko Takahashi reveals some of the design secrets used to depict waves in famous historical artworks by Katsushika Hokusai, Ogata Korin and others. We see the Japanese aesthetic sense in the use of geometrical design to capture the fleeting, transient nature of the wave.

Episódio 13 - Episódio 13

05 de setembro de 2013 • 30 minutos

The act of cutting gives life and motion to a material. Cutting tools themselves also have aesthetic appeal: the Japanese katana sword evolved over hundreds of years into a kind of fine art. This time on DESIGN TALKS, we're joined by cut-out artist Risa Fukui, who explains how cutting can create beautiful designs. We'll also look at kaiseki cuisine, in which seasonal vegetables are cut into shapes that evoke the natural world, and at a blacksmith who creates beautiful scissors. Prepare to explore the centuries-long history of Japanese cutting designs.

Episódio 14 - Episódio 14

12 de setembro de 2013 • 30 minutos

Since it began in April, DESIGN TALKS has featured a fascinating variety of designs from Japan and explored the artistic qualities that make them uniquely Japanese. Today we bring you highlights from all the episodes up until now. What discoveries did our hosts Andy and Shaula make during the program's first episodes? Join us as we take a second, deeper look at a wide range of Japanese designs.

Episódio 15 - Episódio 15

03 de outubro de 2013 • 30 minutos

The Japanese verb "matou" means "be clothed in." It doesn't simply mean to wear something-it means to wear something beautifully. This time, our guest is Genbei Yamaguchi, the 10th-generation head of a store that has sold obi, the sashes worn with kimono, for over 270 years. He will help us unravel the mysteries of how designs are made with matou in mind. From traditional Japanese clothing to the latest high fashion, we'll show you how today's designers are rediscovering the meaning of matou.

Episódio 16 - Episódio 16

10 de outubro de 2013 • 30 minutos

Wagashi, Japanese confectionery, features designs that reflect the seasons - cherry blossoms in spring, for example, or the changing leaves in autumn. Even though most wagashi are made with the same basic ingredients (mainly sweet beans and rice powder), they exist in endless variety. Today's guest is Soshin Kimura, a tea master whose work is intimately connected with wagashi. Join us as we explore the world of wagashi, from traditional techniques to the latest designs.

Episódio 17 - Episódio 17

24 de outubro de 2013 • 30 minutos

For a very long time in Japan, wrapping an object has been a way of showing that it is valued. One emblem of Japanese wrapping culture is the furoshiki, a kind of traditional cloth wrap that was used to bundle all sorts of objects. These wraps not only made things easier to carry, but also served as gorgeous decoration. This time our guest is Keiko Hirano, who will talk about the beauty of Japanese wrapping designs. Wrapping offers some deep insights into unwrapping the Japanese way of life.

Episódio 18 - Episódio 18

07 de novembro de 2013 • 30 minutos

The Setouchi Triennale is an art event held on 12 islands in Japan's Seto Inland Sea every 3 years. At each Triennale, there are Spring, Summer and Fall shows. This year, the island of Shodoshima is the stage for a number of experimental projects that all share the theme of "design for revitalizing local areas". In a 3-part series, host Andrea Pompilio will visit the art installations there - this first installment will focus on "community design". Join us as we take a close look at projects that are using design to change towns, and the lives of local residents, for the better.

Episódio 19 - Episódio 19

14 de novembro de 2013 • 30 minutos

The Setouchi Triennale is an art event held on 12 islands in Japan's Seto Inland Sea every 3 years. At each Triennale, there are Spring, Summer and Fall shows. This year, the island of Shodoshima was the stage for a number of practical projects that shared the theme of "design for revitalizing local areas". Our host Andrea Pompilio visited the island to see these projects, and we are presenting his report as a 3-part special. In this program, the 2nd part, he looks at an innovative public space that's bringing people together: Umaki Camp. It's a self-build, low-cost design concept that is acting as a new style of town hall. Umaki Camp has helped enliven local residents - tune in to find out how!

Episódio 20 - Episódio 20

21 de novembro de 2013 • 30 minutos

The Setouchi Triennale is an art event held on 12 islands in Japan's Seto Inland Sea every 3 years. At each Triennale, there are Spring, Summer and Fall shows. This year, the island of Shodoshima was the stage for a number of practical projects that shared the theme of "design for revitalizing local areas". Our host Andrea Pompilio visited the island to see these projects, and we are presenting his report as a 3-part special. In this, the 3rd part, he looks at "The Island Lab", an art project initiated by a creative unit known as graf. The project began as an effort to reexamine the "shapes" of Shodoshima's history. Tune in to find out how graf is exploring a world of new and unique design!

Episódio 21 - Episódio 21

05 de dezembro de 2013 • 30 minutos

A full two-thirds of Japan is covered in lush forest. Trees and woods have played an integral role in Japanese society since time immemorial. It's said that the spirits and gods who made their homes in trees in ancient times continue to live in them to this day. This time we welcome designer Makoto Koizumi into the studio, as we take a look at a wide variety of woodwork. The beauty of wood can express warmth, tranquility, even nostalgia for simpler times. Join us as we explore the culture of woodworking, and discover what wood means to Japanese designers today.

Episódio 22 - Episódio 22

12 de dezembro de 2013 • 30 minutos

Cat is one of the most beloved animals in the world. In Japan, there is a long history of using cats in art, from the playful felines that often appear in ukiyo-e woodblock prints, to the famous "sleeping cat" carving found at the shrine Nikko Tosho-gu. On this episode of DESIGN TALKS, we investigate what cats mean to Japanese designers. Our guest, photographer Kanji Bando, has made a career of photographing cats. Why are cats so appealing? Is it their ever-changing moods? Is it that they seem so free? Is it their soft yet agile bodies? Join us as we look at all kinds of cute cat designs!

Episódio 23 - Episódio 23

02 de janeiro de 2014 • 30 minutos

Since ancient times, boundaries of shrines and other holy places in Japan have been marked off by sacred ropes called shimenawa. Mizuhiki is the custom - still followed today - of conveying sentiments ranging from congratulations to condolences by tying knotted designs in thin cords to seal the message. With our guest, knot scholar Miyuki Sekine, we look at the beauty that can be created by knotting a single cord, and explore the influences on Japanese design of old traditions connected with tying knots and ropes.

Episódio 24 - Episódio 24

23 de janeiro de 2014 • 30 minutos

Japan's highest and most famous peak, Mt. Fuji has inspired artists and poets since time immemorial. It occupies a special place in the hearts of Japanese people, and it holds great religious significance. These are some of the main reasons why Mt. Fuji was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This week together with our guest, the well-known translator and artist Peter MacMillan, we'll be looking at the multitude of designs inspired by Mt. Fuji as we investigate the Japanese fascination with this majestic mountain.

Episódio 25 - Episódio 25

06 de fevereiro de 2014 • 30 minutos

The cultural effects of the design concept known as 'kasane', or layering things, can be seen everywhere in Japan, visible in the sliding doors, windows and folding screens of traditional houses, and in everyday items such as nesting sets of dishes. Our studio guest, architect and designer Emmanuelle Moureaux, helps us explore the special beauty produced using kasane and the aesthetic philosophy behind this focus on layered design.

Episódio 26 - Episódio 26

13 de fevereiro de 2014 • 30 minutos

Washoku, traditional Japanese cuisine, is characterized by its uncompromising attention to seasonal ingredients, taste and presentation. In 2013, it was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. On this episode of DESIGN TALKS, our hosts visit a restaurant owned by celebrity chef Toru Okuda to explore the exquisite beauty of Japanese design as reflected in washoku. They'll also learn how to prepare a basic meal of ichiju-sansai (1 soup and 3 side dishes) that tastes as good as it looks. Bon Appétit!

Episódio 27 - Episódio 27

20 de fevereiro de 2014 • 30 minutos

Since ancient times, the Japanese have believed in that gods, or kami, exist everywhere in nature. Prayer was a way to express gratitude for the sun, rain and other blessings of nature, and this prayerful spirit manifested itself in many traditional designs. Our guest this week on DESIGN TALKS is Nobuhiro Nishitakatsuji, deputy chief priest of the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Kyushu. Together with this young and dynamic priest, who is full of ideas for making his centuries-old shrine relevant to people today, we'll explore the concept of prayer in Japanese design.

Episódio 28 - Episódio 28

06 de março de 2014 • 30 minutos

Too much stuff. Too much information. Constantly consuming. Constantly needing to know what's happening right now. Sound familiar? In response to our current lifestyles, a man named Kenmei Nagaoka has created a new concept that he calls "long life design". It seeks to redefine our relationship with our possessions, and to reevaluate how we experience design. This time, we focus on how Nagaoka is pursuing his innovative philosophy in Japan.

Episódio 29 - Episódio 29

20 de março de 2014 • 30 minutos

DESIGN TALKS has featured a fascinating variety of designs from Japan and explored the artistic qualities that make them uniquely Japanese. Today we bring you highlights from all the episodes since September 2013. What discoveries did our hosts Andy and Shaula make during these first episodes? Join us as we take a second, deeper look at a wide range of Japanese designs.

Episódio 1 - Episódio 1

03 de abril de 2014 • 30 minutos

"Adeyaka" is an ancient Japanese word that covers a broad range of meanings, especially if we include the various readings of the character used. When pronounced "adeyaka", it expresses a colorful elegance and grace, when read as "tsuya" it describes the luster of objects like lacquered bowls, and as "tsuyayaka" it can mean the look of a landscape covered in a thick layer of snow. This is often the word of choice to describe the fresh, vibrant complexion of a young woman. Our guest Ichiro Tsuruta, an artist who specializes in portraits of beautiful women, helps us explore the world of esthetic sensibility contained in this expression.

Episódio 2 - Episódio 2

17 de abril de 2014 • 30 minutos

The kawaii aesthetic is one of Japan's best-known exports, and the Japanese themselves are finding new and innovative ways of exploring it. The word "kawaii" is often translated as "cute", but the idea goes much deeper, and it has been an important part of Japanese art and design for centuries. Why does Japan love kawaii? Guests Yoshie Watanabe and Ryosuke Uehara, the artistic directors of the KIGI design studio, discuss on today's show.

Episódio 3 - Episódio 3

08 de maio de 2014 • 30 minutos

Since ancient times, bamboo has played an important role both in the everyday life of the Japanese and in the nation's culture and art. Bamboo can be seen everywhere, not only as the material for many kinds of products, but as a widespread motif in arts and crafts symbolizing, for example, auspicious events. Even today, bamboo is integral to life in Japan, used in everything from food to clothing and housing. Our guest, Tatsuyuki Kosuga, 5th generation owner of a 116-year old bamboo craft shop (founded 1898), will be our guide to the traditional bamboo designs still seen today and the innovative uses bamboo has inspired in modern designers.

Episódio 4 - Episódio 4

15 de maio de 2014 • 30 minutos

These days, you can buy books online 24/7/365, including digital versions. Despite, or perhaps because of this change, many are reassessing the value of printed books and brick-and-mortar bookstores. In Japan, people appreciate books, including the designs on their covers, in some unique ways. This time our guest is Yoshitaka Haba, a "book director" who specializes in the artful arrangement of books. He talks about the history and the future of printed books, and what they mean to the Japanese.

Episódio 5 - Episódio 5

29 de maio de 2014 • 30 minutos

Time, the way we mark each moment of each day. Countless works of art and commercial products are made with time in mind. On today's program we welcome lighting designer Kaoru Mende, and take a look at designs that express the temporality of life, and discuss how people in Japan think about the passage of time.

Episódio 6 - Episódio 6

19 de junho de 2014 • 30 minutos

This time, Andy leaves the studio and heads to Shobu Gakuen, a support center in Kagoshima Prefecture for people with intellectual disabilities. The center's motto is, "To create is to live", and the impressive works of art and design created there are garnering a lot of attention, both in Japan and abroad. As Shin Fukumori, the center's director, gives Andy a tour of the facilities, we discover how Shobu Gakuen has become a breeding ground for sensational art.

Episódio 7 - Episódio 7

26 de junho de 2014 • 30 minutos

Soaking in a hot spring, eating great food, exploring a different local culture, making new friends - many Japanese lodgings offer all of this under one roof. Today's guest is Toru Iwasa, an editor of a lifestyle magazine who has spearheaded the creation of a "natural inn" in Niigata Prefecture. From the excellent service to the relaxed environment to the gardens that showcase the subtlest changes of the seasons, we look at Japanese lodgings, and how they intersect with the world of design.

Episódio 8 - Episódio 8

17 de julho de 2014 • 30 minutos

In olden times, when the people of Japan faced natural disasters, disease or other misfortune whose cause they could not understand, they sought to attribute it to something ayashi... to anything that felt unsettling or frightening... the supernatural. And so in their imagination they conjured ayashi creatures like ghosts and goblins. This time on DESIGN TALKS, guest Koichi Yumoto, a leading researcher on the Japanese fairies known as yokai, discusses how the concept of ayashi is reflected in design.

Episódio 9 - Episódio 9

31 de julho de 2014 • 30 minutos

Japan is home to innumerable steams, rivers and lakes, and images of water hold a special place in the hearts of the Japanese. From a single drop of dew falling into a pond, to the spectacular spray of a waterfall, to the quiet quiver of a gentle breeze over the surface of a lake, water can evoke both the beauty and the fragility of life. Today's guest, garden designer and Buddhist priest Shunmyo Masuno, discusses the aesthetics of designing with water.

Episódio 10 - Episódio 10

07 de agosto de 2014 • 30 minutos

The evocative, energetic curves found in Japanese design - in the roofs of temples and shrines, in swords and in family crests - reflect an admiration for the curving forms of nature. Contemporary Japanese designers exhibit a unique mastery of the curve. Today's guest is Shoryu Hatoba, a painter of family crests who employs traditional methods passed down through generations of his family. Join us as we explore the role of curves in Japanese design.

Episódio 11 - Episódio 11

21 de agosto de 2014 • 30 minutos

Children are overflowing with creativity and uniquely sensitive to new experiences. A child's schooling environment is an important part of her formative years - it's no exaggeration to say that what happens at school will change the course of her life. This week, architect Reiko Tomita discusses the schools that define our communities, and how design is shaping new educational trends in Japan.

Episódio 12 - Episódio 12

28 de agosto de 2014 • 30 minutos

Since ancient times, the color black has been an integral part of design in Japan, from samurai armor and lacquerware to the plaster walls of buildings. Today's guest, the calligrapher Sisyu, describes how she uses traditional black ink to explore new forms of expression, and helps us answer the question of what exactly the color black means to the Japanese.

Episódio 13 - Episódio 13

18 de setembro de 2014 • 30 minutos

Zipangu, the Land of Gold. Around the 13th century, that was the name by which many Westerners knew Japan. In the 16th century, the development of gold mining in Japan made possible the construction of golden temples, golden teahouses and even solid gold Buddha statues. Gold is expensive, but also soft and easy to process, and it is still used today in a wide range of fields. Today we welcome Hakuga artist Takuro Noguchi into the studio to help us explore the world of designing with gold!

Episódio 14 - Episódio 14

25 de setembro de 2014 • 30 minutos

"Aqua design" involves filling a tank of water with plants, animals, and other living things to create a stunning work of art. In Japan, an island nation with lots of aquariums and a variety of unique craft skills, the field of aqua design has blossomed. This time, our guest is Hajime Nakamura, an "aquarium producer" who will give us a firsthand demonstration of how he creates his beautiful aqua designs.

Episódio 15 - Episódio 15

15 de outubro de 2014 • 30 minutos

DESIGN TALKS has featured a fascinating variety of designs from Japan and explored the artistic qualities that make them uniquely Japanese. Today we bring you highlights from all the episodes since April 2014. What discoveries did our hosts Andy and Shaula make during these first episodes? Join us as we take a second, deeper look at a wide range of Japanese designs.

Episódio 16 - Episódio 16

22 de outubro de 2014 • 30 minutos

As interest grows in living a richer, more enjoyable life, something called "Seikatsu Kogei" - lifestyle or living crafts - have gained increasing attention. These crafts that are not traditional handcrafts, nor mass produced wares, are imbued with the spirit of their makers, who in a typically Japanese way, create by hand, select materials with care and aim to come up with new designs suited to contemporary lifestyles. We welcome as our studio guest, woodwork designer, Ryuji Mitani, to explore the roots of the beauty that dwells in form.

Episódio 17 - Episódio 17

05 de novembro de 2014 • 30 minutos

The moon has played a huge role in human culture, and Japan is no exception. The Japanese language is rich with words that describe the moon's phases and its mysterious beauty; the moon is often spoken of in Japan as more of a "friendly neighbor" than a celestial body. Today's guest, Akihiko Toto, is working to bring new life to the ancient art of karakami, a form of traditional papercraft that originally came from China. Join us as we take a look at works of art that incorporate the moon.

Episódio 18 - Episódio 18

19 de novembro de 2014 • 30 minutos

Clay has been deeply connected with human life since ancient times thanks to its ease of collection and use. In Japan, the development of the tea ceremony led to discovery of the wabi-sabi aesthetic in such things as tea ware and the earthen walls of the tea room, thus fostering its own clay culture. This time we invite plaster craftsman, and seasoned clay handler, Shuhei Hasado, to join us as we explore the many clay designs that have been passed down to our day, as well as the new possibilities there are for clay.

Episódio 19 - Episódio 19

03 de dezembro de 2014 • 30 minutos

Eating has always been a central part of human existence - our kitchens may be the best indicator of how we live day to day. As lifestyles in Japan grow increasingly diverse, the very concept of "the kitchen" is being reevaluated. Architect Naomi Tanaka joins us as we delve into the designs and philosophies behind today's kitchens.

Episódio 20 - Episódio 20

10 de dezembro de 2014 • 30 minutos

In the Buyo style of traditional Japanese dance, the act of dancing expresses not only emotions such as joy and sorrow, but also concepts such as respect for nature. In Noh and Kyogen, each movement has been refined over centuries, reduced to its simplest and most beautiful form so that its symbolic meaning is clear to every member of the audience. Today we welcome dancer and choreographer Yukio Suzuki to the program as we discover the beauty of movement in Japanese culture.

Episódio 21 - Episódio 21

31 de dezembro de 2014 • 30 minutos

Nukumori is a Japanese word which means "warmth". And like the English word warmth, nukumori can express physical heat as well as "warm" feelings of gentleness and security. In parts of Japan where the winters are especially cold, various items and methods devised in ancient times to keep warm are still used today. This time, we invite industrial designer Fumie Shibata into the studio to discuss the concept of nukumori and designs that warm the body and soul.

Episódio 22 - Episódio 22

14 de janeiro de 2015 • 30 minutos

Kyoto is the birthplace of countless design styles that have evolved over centuries. Now, Kenmei Nagaoka, a designer known for a concept he calls "long life design", is leading a new project there. In November 2014, Nagaoka set up a select store at a temple in the heart of Kyoto, which he manages with a team of students from the university where he teaches. As we look at this inspiring new project, we'll take a journey through the fascinating world of Kyoto design.

Episódio 23 - Episódio 23

21 de janeiro de 2015 • 30 minutos

In traditional Japanese belief, every object in the world contains a divine spirit. A constant awareness of these invisible presences is deeply embedded in the Japanese consciousness. Recently, more artists have been creating designs that focus on this collective memory. Joined in the studio by photographer Everett Brown, we'll discuss designs which shed light on Japan's memories of itself - in doing so, we'll visit an ancient world, and explore the question of whether there is a universal sense of beauty.

Episódio 24 - Episódio 24

28 de janeiro de 2015 • 30 minutos

From production to processing, Japan has developed a unique culture around metal. The sharpness and beauty of Japanese swords are forged by pushing the material to its limits. Metal is also essential to cookware, including pots, pans and kettles. Our guest this time is Nobuho Miya, a caster who is designing a new kind of traditional Nambu ironware. Together, we'll discover the many facets of metal, and explore the metal designs which figure in everyday life in Japan.

Episódio 25 - Episódio 25

18 de fevereiro de 2015 • 30 minutos

Textile design, including brightly patterned silks and dyeing techniques such as yuzen-zome, is an important part of Japan's kimono culture. Japanese textiles also feature in a wide range of other craft items - furoshiki cloths, noren curtains - many of which are still very popular today. We'll explore both the history and future potential of textiles in Japan with our guest, textile designer Reiko Sudo.

Episódio 26 - Episódio 26

25 de fevereiro de 2015 • 30 minutos

In Japan, there's a bento - a box packed with delicious seasonal foods - for almost every occasion. Maku-no-uchi bento are enjoyed at events like kabuki theatrical shows and sumo matches, whereas eki-ben are sold at train stations to hungry travelers. These days, people are even arranging the food in bento boxes into cute character designs. Art director Mitsuhiro Tomita is our guest this week as we take a look at Japan's long tradition of bento.

Episódio 27 - Episódio 27

04 de março de 2015 • 30 minutos

In Japanese, "sake" can refer to any alcoholic beverage, and this time, we're focusing on a variety of sake-related designs. Japanese bars and pubs are a treasure trove of fantastic design: red lanterns, noren curtains, casual counters and tables. The Japanese have also honed the design of sake glasses and cups that enhance the flavor of your drink. We'll explore the world of sake design with Kazuhiko Ota, a designer who's visited Japanese-style bars all across the country.

Episódio 28 - Episódio 28

11 de março de 2015 • 30 minutos

Japan is a mountainous country with a rugged coastline. This terrain is an important factor in the country's wide range of seasonal winds, which have had a strong impact on Japanese designers. Carp streamers, wind chimes and the architecture of traditional homes all make use of the flowing wind. On this episode of DESIGN TALKS, we look at the presence of wind in Japanese design with guest Susumu Shingu, who is famous for his "wind sculptures".

Episódio 29 - Episódio 29

18 de março de 2015 • 30 minutos

The power of design is changing prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Today the goals are functionality and beauty in new devices that are designed to be seen. Meet special guest and designer Shunji Yamanaka, and see the creations of designers working to change our view of disability. Discover a new world of design.

Episódio 30 - Episódio 30

25 de março de 2015 • 30 minutos

DESIGN TALKS has featured a fascinating variety of designs from Japan and explored the artistic qualities that make them uniquely Japanese. Today we bring you highlights from all the episodes since October 2014. What discoveries did our hosts Andy and Shaula make during these first episodes? Join us as we take a second, deeper look at a wide range of Japanese designs.