Trend

A fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian influences creates a style colloquially referred to as “Japandi.”  A quick search on Pinterest or Instagram alone will prove how popular this term and style are becoming. There are 500k (and growing) example posts to choose from.

Ever since the pandemic in 2020, there has been a growing interest in home design and private spaces. Combined with the stress of technological advancement which overwhelmingly surrounds us, this led to a renewed appreciation of simplicity.

In this cultural environment, Japandi seems to be the answer for many interior lovers. The trend has received attention in the US from international fashion magazines, with Hollywood actress Jennifer Garner taking to the internet to show off her japandi kitchen. An American fashion and lifestyle magazine explains the Japandi style as “a merging of two historic ‘less-is-more’ cultures (…) It is about creating uncluttered spaces accented with functional objects like vases and mugs over decorative ones. Natural light, too, is prioritized.”

Despite the trend having risen mostly outside of Japan, domestic furniture and lifestyle stores were also quick to pick up on it and make the trend their own by recommending new furniture accordingly. It’s easy to recognize the common values in Japanese and Scandinavian lifestyles, which see depth in modesty (think neutral color palettes such as beige), as well as comfort in natural materials (think wood, stone, and bamboo).

The Japanese and the Scandinavian philosophies with their roots in simplicity seem to merge effortlessly in this trend: the “wabi-sabi” in Japan and “hygge” in Scandinavian, have been part of people’s lives for centuries, and it is predicted many more to come.

Photo: Don Kaveen

In 2018 , the Nippon Foundation collaborated with Shibuya City and its Tourism Association to launch “The Tokyo Toilet.”

The project, which has since attracted a lot of media attention, domestic and international alike, aims to eliminate the negative stigma of public toilets and realize a society that recognizes a diversity of users.

17 Public Toilet Renovation Projects in Shibuya City

Since its start, they have renovated 17 public toilets in Shibuya City. 16 world-renowned architects and designers participated, challenged to solve social problems with their creative power, improving the toilet’s maintenance as well. To know more about the projects’ philosophy, we recommend you view this cinematic advertisement.

“The Tokyo Toilet” Inspired Award-winning Feature Film “Perfect Days”

German filmmaker Wim Wenders was also invited to Tokyo to take a look at the uniqueness of each facility. First introduced to this project by Koji Yanai, president of Fast Retailing, Wenders imagined a feature film, co-written by Takuma Takasaki and starring Yakusho Kōji, who won best actor at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival for his lead role in “Perfect Days”.

In Japan, it’s long been important to always keep toilets clean, to the point they’ve come to represent the symbol of Japan’s world-class “omotenashi” hospitality culture.

The Importance of Improving Quality of Life Through Inclusive Design

In Japan, toilets are ubiquitous. However, due to the stereotype that many public toilets are dark, dirty and smelly, people’s use has been limited. Since the renovations, it was reported in a survey conducted by Nippon Foundation that the project is having its effect, improving the image of public toilets.

Compared to before the restrooms were renovated, use of the Public Toilets have increased sevenfold and fivefold in two locations, while the number of people voicing aversion to public toilets shrank from some 30% to a mere 3%.

The hope of Nippon Foundation is that access to attractive and clean public toilets will boost the image of surrounding areas, with the facilities becoming tourist attractions in their own right.

Our hope as designers is to have succeeded in shedding some light on how important public design for public spaces is, and the positive effect that it can have on society, always keeping in mind the users first and foremost.

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Photo: Satoshi Nagare, courtesy of the Nippon Foundation
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THE TOKYO TOILET
This project by The Nippon Foundation aims for the realization of a society where all kinds of diversity are accepted, by building public toilets. With the full cooperation of Shibuya city, 17 toilets that are accessible for anyone regardless of gender, age, or disability will be created. Through the power of design and the creativity of 16 creators who support the objectives of this project, The Nippon Foundation is demonstrating what this new society can achieve. The toilets will be constructed by DAIWA HOUSE INDUSTRY CO., LTD., and TOTO LTD. will advise on toilet equipment and layout.

You might be familiar with the Japanese culture of capsule hotels, just think of the recently demolished Nakagin Capsule Tower, an iconic piece of architecture from 1972 once located in the luxury shopping district of Ginza.

Most recently, a new type of capsule, or better, a pod, has sparked conversation on both YouTube and TikTok, where influencers first started reporting their experiences. Very quickly, design magazines have picked up on “giraffenap”, the sleeping pod.

Different from capsule hotels, this special pod is not meant to be used at nighttime. The creators advise not taking a nap after 3 pm as it can interfere with nighttime sleep. Instead, the pod is designed for a refreshing 20-minute power nap at midday.

By a combination of the Japanese eye for detail and design technology, each giraffenap standing sleeping pod consists of cushioned parts that support the head, buttocks, shins, and soles. By targeting these four points, users can enter a nap state without compromising relaxation and posture.

The pods also come in two styles to best support different surroundings: Spacia, with a sleek and futuristic design; and Forest, with a Japanese aesthetic of lattice-style woodwork. Both are equipped with dimming lights, ventilation, and power outlets to charge devices while napping.

As companies increasingly focus on employee wellbeing, we believe this is an interesting solution to implement in offices. It’s recommended to have a safe space where people can take a brief rest when needed, by recharging creative batteries and without compromising nighttime sleep.

Photo: giraffenap

An auditory interior called “Synclee” was successfully completed through the joint development of three companies: the media lab “Laatry”; the brand “LinNe,” created by the collaboration of “Nanjo Kobo” (Nanjo Workshop) known for producing Kyoto Buddhist bells (“orin”); and “Bench Work Tatenui,” a company with expertise in Kyoto woodwork techniques.

Driven by Laatry’s concept of “transmitting and harmonizing” and the combination of “traditional techniques and the workshop’s unique materials”, the sound produced by “LinNe” aims to harmonize with modern lifestyles, encouraging people to enjoy music freely. The result of this collaboration is “CYCLEE,” which has already been showcased in various environments such as galleries, museums, hotels, temples, and public spaces.

“Synclee,” derived from this sound installation artwork, is designed and crafted by an atelier with expertise in Kyoto woodwork techniques. This made the product gain attention both domestically and internationally for it seamlessly fits into any space.

Likewise, GARDE has brought various collaborations to life in its previous space design projects. Harmony in design, varying from classical to modern spaces, is crucial, and the choice of “appropriate design” for audio equipment is sought after in this case.

In this regard, Synclee’s aesthetics harmonize effortlessly regardless of Japanese or Western, classical or modern influences. This product, which places emphasis on the harmony of sound quality and form, is therefore to be considered a rare and exceptional creation.

Furthermore, integrating the latest audio equipment into a traditional Japanese room poses challenges, making Synclee an outstanding product. Its digital yet analog operability, its collaboration with a workshop specializing in the important Buddhist instrument “orin,” and other aspects make it an endlessly fascinating creation.

For further information, please visit the following link.
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000118010.html

OpenFashion, Inc. has announced the results of its design contest with the theme of “Attire for Countdown Parties in the Metaverse.”

The three selected designs will be released as avatar-wearable items on the metaverse platform “ZEPETO” by the AI-powered fashion brand “accelerando.Ai.”

COCO WARP, the metaverse space produced by GARDE, allows users to control a similarly future-themed avatar. It is made for activities like art appreciation, audio-visual experiences, music, and virtual conferences. In this virtual space, you can enjoy creations that incorporate designs and functionalities that would not be possible in the physical world.

The metaverse, with its acceptance of diversity, is becoming an integral part of our culture and lifestyle. It is transcending the virtual realm, blurring the lines between “virtual” and “real.” A future in which we increasingly utilize this new space is coming.

For further information, please visit the following link.
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000075.000012284.html

Image credit: OpenFashion, Inc.