Designtide Tokyo: A Celebration of Innovation and Emerging Design Trends
Table of Contents
- 1. Designtide Tokyo: A Celebration of Innovation and Emerging Design Trends
- 2. A Platform for Fresh Ideas
- 3. Empowering Emerging Talent
- 4. Looking Ahead
- 5. How do Japanese designers balance tradition and innovation in thier pursuit of enduring design solutions?
- 6. SO-Colored Research Project by We+
- 7. Point Line Plane Shelving by Hiroaki Kawanami
- 8. Rebuilding Ocean Hue ceramics by Sae Honda
- 9. Washi Paper Furniture by Yuma Takata
In the heart of Tokyo, a groundbreaking event has redefined the future of design. Designtide tokyo,a platform dedicated to independent designers,made a triumphant return after a 12-year hiatus. The event, held at Nihombashi Mitsui Hall, showcased over 30 innovative projects from designers across Japan, south Korea, Taiwan, and the UK. Each piece was a testament to creativity, offering a glimpse into the future of design.
A Platform for Fresh Ideas
Designtide Tokyo is more than just an exhibition; it’s a movement. The organizers aimed to “platform new ideas and forthcoming design trends,rather than commercial design.” This vision was evident in the carefully curated displays, where each project stood on white plinths, free from branding or marketing distractions. Visitors where invited to explore the works purely for their artistic and innovative value.
One standout piece was a slender bamboo chair, a perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern aesthetics. Another highlight included furniture made from electrolytically colored steel, showcasing the fusion of technology and design. Tiles pigmented with micro-algae also caught the eye, reflecting the growing trend of lasting materials in the industry.
Empowering Emerging Talent
The event’s co-founder, Yuta Takeda, emphasized the importance of supporting young designers. In an interview, he noted, “the corporate side doesn’t have the knowledge of commissioning young designers or the courage to assign young talents that they don’t know.” Designtide Tokyo aims to bridge this gap by providing a stage for emerging creatives to showcase their work and connect with industry leaders.
This focus on nurturing talent was evident in the diversity of the projects. From experimental furniture to eco-amiable materials, the exhibition highlighted the bold ideas of designers who are shaping the future. The event not only celebrated their work but also encouraged collaboration and innovation within the design community.
Looking Ahead
designtide Tokyo’s return marks a pivotal moment for the design industry. By prioritizing creativity over commerce, the event has set a new standard for exhibitions. It serves as a reminder that design is not just about functionality but also about pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities.
As the design world continues to evolve,events like Designtide Tokyo will play a crucial role in shaping its trajectory. They provide a space for experimentation, collaboration, and inspiration, ensuring that the industry remains vibrant and forward-thinking.
For design enthusiasts and professionals alike, Designtide Tokyo is a must-see event. It’s a celebration of creativity, a hub for innovation, and a glimpse into the future of design. As the industry continues to evolve,platforms like this will remain essential in fostering talent and driving progress.
Dolmen Stone Tiles by Aatismo: A Fusion of History and Innovation
In a remarkable blend of sustainability and artistry, design studio Aatismo has transformed discarded Oya stone into stunning, functional tiles. Oya stone, a volcanic pumice tuff formed approximately 15 million years ago, is known for its unique composition of volcanic ash and pumice. Over time,organic impurities like wood chips trapped within the stone decayed,leaving behind irregular cavities.
These natural voids rendered the stone unsuitable for conventional commercial use. However, Aatismo saw potential where others saw waste. By filling the cavities with vibrant blue gypsum and water-based acrylic, the studio not only strengthened the stone but also gave it a striking new aesthetic. The result is a durable, visually captivating material that can now be repurposed for modern construction projects.
YamamotoColorwave Blankets by Yuri Himuro: A Textile Masterpiece
Yuri Himuro’s YamamotoColorwave blankets are a testament to the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship. These textiles, showcased at Designtide Tokyo, feature a mesmerizing gradient of colors that mimic the iridescent sheen of an oil slick. the blankets are not just visually stunning but also a celebration of sustainable design, as they are crafted from recycled materials.
Flow Painting Series by Daisuke Yamamoto: Redefining Waste as Art
Daisuke Yamamoto’s Flow Painting series is a bold exploration of sustainability and creativity. Launched in 2022, the series repurposes lightweight gauge steel (LGS), a material commonly used in construction framing but often discarded after demolition. Yamamoto transforms this overlooked waste into elegant furniture pieces, proving that beauty can emerge from the most unexpected sources.
What sets the Flow series apart is its unique surface treatment. Instead of applying paint, Yamamoto uses an electrolytic charge to create a rainbow-like finish on the steel. This innovative technique not only enhances the material’s visual appeal but also highlights the potential for recycling in the construction industry.
Conclusion: A New era of Sustainable Design
From Aatismo’s revitalized Oya stone to yamamoto’s electrifying steel creations, these projects exemplify the transformative power of sustainable design. by reimagining discarded materials, these Japanese designers are not only reducing waste but also pushing the boundaries of creativity. Their work serves as a reminder that innovation and environmental duty can go hand in hand, inspiring a new generation of designers to think outside the box.
Colorwave Blankets by Yuri Himuro
Textile designer Yuri Himuro unveiled her innovative Colorwave blankets at the Designtide Tokyo exhibition. These textiles feature dynamic patterns that shift and transform depending on the viewer’s viewpoint. By weaving wool and cotton yarns into dual layers and washing them in warm water, Himuro achieved a unique textured surface. The wool shrinks under heat, while the cotton remains unchanged, creating raised ridges. two colors are woven side-by-side on these ridges, revealing their interplay only when the angle of view changes.
Bamboo Chair by Syunnosuke Sannomiya
Syunnosuke Sannomiya,a recent graduate of Musashino Art University,has redefined furniture design with his Bamboo Chair.Drawing inspiration from the natural strength and flexibility of bamboo, Sannomiya crafted slender yet robust components by cutting and bonding the outer edges of bamboo.The result is a lightweight yet durable chair that retains the organic beauty of its material. Held together with precision dowel joints, the chair was showcased at the Class of 2024 student exhibition during Designtide Tokyo, highlighting the potential of sustainable design.
SO-Colored Research Project by We+
The SO-Colored project by design studio We+ explores the intersection of color, material, and perception. Presented at Designtide Tokyo,this research initiative delves into how colors interact with different surfaces and textures,creating immersive visual experiences. By experimenting with innovative techniques, we+ challenges traditional notions of color submission, offering fresh perspectives for designers and artists alike.
Pixel Weave Tatami Rugs by Hana Mitsui
In an effort to revive the fading tradition of tatami in Japan, textile designer Hana Mitsui has reimagined the ancient Kakegawa-Ori weaving technique using igusa grass. Mitsui noticed that the grid-like patterns created by this method bear a striking resemblance to digital pixels, inspiring her to explore its artistic potential.
By experimenting with various shades of igusa grass, Mitsui successfully translated the pixelated aesthetic into woven art. For her showcase at Designtide Tokyo, she chose to recreate the iconic Mona Lisa, leveraging its universal appeal to draw attention to the innovative possibilities of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Time-Created Series by Rikuo Takata
Emerging designer Rikuo Takata explores the intersection of time and materiality in his captivating “Time-Created” series. By allowing natural processes to shape his designs, Takata creates pieces that evolve over time, reflecting the beauty of impermanence and the passage of time.
His work challenges conventional notions of design, emphasizing the dynamic relationship between human creativity and the natural world.Each piece in the series tells a unique story, inviting viewers to contemplate the transient nature of existence.
SO-Colored research Project by We+
Renowned design studio We+ has embarked on an innovative journey to develop sustainable materials through their “SO-Colored” project. By collaborating with a laboratory specializing in microalgae cultivation,the studio has created resin tiles infused with powdered algae pigments.
contrary to the common association of algae with green hues, the project reveals a spectrum of vibrant colors, including red, yellow, orange, and blue.These shades are influenced by both the species of algae and their growing conditions. The designers combined these pigments with dammar tree resin to produce tiles, which were then used to craft prototype stools and benches, showcasing the potential of algae-based materials in modern design.
Point Line Plane Shelving by Hiroaki Kawanami
In a world where most of our interactions with products happen through screens,Hiroaki Kawanami sought to challenge the limitations of digital representation. His creation, the point Line Plane shelving system, is a minimalist masterpiece designed to defy the flatness of photography.
Constructed from a grid of 3mm-thick aluminum sheets interconnected by delicate blue parachute cords, the shelving system is a study in tension and balance. While its functionality is instantly clear, the design’s true essence—its weight, texture, and interplay of light and shadow—can only be fully appreciated in person. Through this work, Kawanami underscores how digital images often strip away the tactile and dimensional qualities of physical objects, leaving behind only a simplified “point, line, and plane” representation.
Rebuilding Ocean hue Ceramics by Sae Honda
Sae Honda brings the ocean to life in her Rebuilding Ocean Hue ceramic collection. By incorporating sea urchin shells into the glaze, Honda creates a unique finish that captures the essence of the sea. When fired, the shells produce ash with trace elements, resulting in a glaze that is both organic and visually striking.
this innovative approach not only highlights the beauty of natural materials but also reflects Honda’s commitment to sustainability. Each piece in the collection tells a story of change, blending traditional ceramic techniques with contemporary environmental consciousness.
Washi Paper Furniture by Yuma Takata
Yuma Takata’s furniture series is a tribute to the traditional craft of washi paper, a material deeply rooted in the culture of Fukui Prefecture, his hometown. Collaborating with the Osada Washi factory, Takata applied textured washi paper to geometric wooden blocks, creating stools and side tables that are both functional and artistic.
The use of Sumi Japanese black ink adds depth to the designs, allowing the dark wood to subtly show through the semi-translucent paper. At frist glance, the furniture appears to mimic the texture of stone, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Takata’s work not only celebrates the beauty of washi paper but also reimagines its potential in contemporary design.
In a world increasingly shaped by environmental challenges, innovative solutions are emerging from unexpected places. One such example comes from Honda, which is tackling the dual crisis of seabed desertification and the overpopulation of sea urchins. These spiny creatures,known for their voracious appetite for seaweed,are contributing to the depletion of underwater ecosystems. As seaweed beds vanish, sea urchins often develop poor-quality flesh, making them unsuitable for commercial use. This has led to a decline in fishing efforts, allowing their populations to grow unchecked and further exacerbating the problem.
Honda’s response to this ecological imbalance is both creative and practical. By repurposing materials and exploring sustainable practices,the company aims to address the issue while creating something of value. Their evolving collection not only highlights the urgency of the situation but also offers a tangible way to contribute to the restoration of marine ecosystems.
Shinkokyu by Kensho Miyoshi
At the recent Designtide Tokyo event, designer Kensho Miyoshi unveiled a captivating device called Shinkokyu. drawing from his extensive research into the aesthetics of movement, Miyoshi has created a small, bowl-shaped object that mimics the rhythm of healthy breathing. This innovative design stems from his PhD work at the Royal College of Art in London, where he explored how modern life—especially our reliance on screens—has disrupted natural breathing patterns.
“The pervasive presence of screen-based devices is causing humans to breathe less regularly and often with shallow breaths,” Miyoshi explains. His prototype, which gently rises and falls like a living organism, serves as a visual and tactile reminder to breathe deeply and mindfully. By encouraging restorative breathwork, Shinkokyu aims to counteract the stress and distractions of contemporary life.
Designtide Tokyo took place at Nihonbashi mitsui Hall, Tokyo, from November 27 to December 1. For more facts on global architecture and design events, visit the official events guide.
How do Japanese designers balance tradition and innovation in thier pursuit of enduring design solutions?
Where sustainability and innovation are increasingly intertwined, Japanese designers are leading the charge with groundbreaking projects that merge tradition, technology, and environmental consciousness. From algae-infused resin tiles to ocean-inspired ceramics, these creations not only push the boundaries of design but also highlight the importance of rethinking materials and processes for a more sustainable future.
SO-Colored Research Project by We+
We+, a renowned design studio, has taken a bold step into sustainable material progress with their “SO-Colored” project. By collaborating with a microalgae cultivation laboratory, they’ve created resin tiles infused with powdered algae pigments. Contrary to the typical green hues associated with algae, this project reveals a vibrant spectrum of colors—red, yellow, orange, and blue—shaped by the species of algae and their growing conditions. Combined with dammar tree resin, these pigments form tiles that have been used to craft prototype stools and benches, showcasing the potential of algae-based materials in modern design.
Point Line Plane Shelving by Hiroaki Kawanami
Hiroaki Kawanami challenges the limitations of digital representation with his point Line Plane shelving system. Constructed from a grid of 3mm-thick aluminum sheets interconnected by delicate blue parachute cords, this minimalist design emphasizes tension and balance. while it’s functionality is clear, the true essence of the shelving—its weight, texture, and interplay of light and shadow—can only be fully appreciated in person. Kawanami’s work underscores how digital images often strip away the tactile and dimensional qualities of physical objects, leaving behind only a simplified “point, line, and plane” representation.
Rebuilding Ocean Hue ceramics by Sae Honda
Sae Honda’s Rebuilding Ocean hue ceramic collection brings the ocean to life by incorporating sea urchin shells into the glaze. When fired, the shells produce ash with trace elements, resulting in a glaze that is both organic and visually striking. This innovative approach not only highlights the beauty of natural materials but also reflects Honda’s commitment to sustainability. Each piece in the collection tells a story of change,blending traditional ceramic techniques with contemporary environmental consciousness.
Washi Paper Furniture by Yuma Takata
Yuma Takata’s furniture series pays homage to the traditional craft of washi paper, a material deeply rooted in the culture of Fukui Prefecture, his hometown. Collaborating with the Osada Washi factory, Takata applied textured washi paper to geometric wooden blocks, creating stools and side tables that are both functional and artistic.The use of Sumi Japanese black ink adds depth to the designs, allowing the dark wood to subtly show through the semi-translucent paper. At first glance, the furniture appears to mimic the texture of stone, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Takata’s work not only celebrates the beauty of washi paper but also reimagines its potential in contemporary design.
These projects exemplify how Japanese designers are redefining the boundaries of design by integrating sustainability, tradition, and innovation. Through their work, they invite us to reconsider the materials we use, the processes we follow, and the stories we tell through design.
