Archived Design Headlines

Mika Ninagawa Interview with DAZED Digital
December 3, 2012
DAZED Digital interviews Mika Ninagawa, the photographer turned filmmaker delving into the savage heart of Tokyo's teen-idol industry. Read more>

Sayuri Shoji, The Woman Behind the Package Design of 'Dot Marc Jacobs Eau de Parfum'
November 9, 2012
The Japan Post talks to Sayuri Shoji, the woman behind Marc Jacobs' eye-catching 'Dot Marc Jacobs Eau de Parfum' pop package and bottle design. Having worked in the past with Eiko Ishioka and Shu Uemura, 'Dot' was the first project she has coordinated for Marc Jacobs. Read more>

Turning Plain Paper Into An Erasable, Shareable Digital Display
November 9, 2012
In the rapidly developing field of paper-based computers, Japanese researchers are working on a new system for drawing, editing, and copying digital notes using thermo-sensitive inks. Read more>

Tokyo to NYC Street-Life Shines in Tate Photo Show
November 9, 2012
A toy gun-wielding child, New York high society at play and bored Tokyo commuters are just a few of the startling images at the new Tate modern exhibition "William Klein + Daido Moriyama," exploring the relationship between two of the 20th century's leading street-life photographers. Read more>

Bottleware - A Collection of Tableware Made of Recycled Coca Cola Bottles
November 9, 2012
Japanese design studio Nendo got together with Coca Cola to collaborate on a nifty range of blown glass tableware. The set of five dishes and bowls is made of recycled Coca Cola bottles, retaining the characteristic greenish stain and featuring the same dimples found on the iconic bottle bottoms. Read more>

Hiroshi Sugimoto for Herm?s: Polaroid Carr?s
November 9, 2012
Renowned Japanese photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto has created a limited edition of 140 scarves for Herm?s as part of the 'Couleurs de L'ombre' exhibition - with each one a redesign of the famed square scarves known as carr?s. The striking gradient aesthetic for each piece was informed by Sugimoto's interest in the complex prismatic system of Polaroid photographs that captures the first rays of sunlight in the morning. Read more>

Uniqlo Launches 'Space Invaders'-Inspired Game
November 9, 2012
To celebrate Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo and Bic Camera's partnership, the two brands created a video game called Bicqlo Vader. The game is accompanied by a translated version of Bic Camera's catchy song, with lyrics edited to reflect the partnership. Read more>

Yoshimoto x SOPH.TOKYO 13^th Anniversary Soy Sauce
November 9, 2012
In celebration of its 13^th anniversary, SOPH.TOKYO has partnered with Yoshimoto who also happen to be celebrating 100 years of providing manzai comedy. The collaborative soy sauce features co-branding on both the bottle and packaging. Read more>

METI Releases Promotion of the Cool Japan Strategy and Creative Tokyo Project
October 22, 2012
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) released its promotion strategies for Cool Japan and the Creative Tokyo Project. Read more>

ArtReview Releases List of Top 100 People in Art
October 22, 2012
ArtReview has released its annual Power 100, a list of the 100 most influential people in the art world. Check out the full list here: Read more>

COMME des GAR?ONS Unveils "Launching Six" iPad App
October 22, 2012
COMME des GAR?ONS unveiled its new iPad app dedicated to exploring the highlights of the brand's former magazine Six. Printed between 1988 and 1991, the magazine was dedicated to the sixth sense, hence the title, and at the time designer Rei Kawakubo said "This [magazine] is the next step: visual representation of the collection, purefly for image." Read more>

Francfranc Launches New concept Store 'LOUNGE' - Collaborative Products with Jed Root of New York
October 22, 2012
Interior specialty store Francfranc opened its new concept store 'LOUNGE by Francfranc' in Minami Aoyama. The new flagship store is based around the theme of 'Time, Material and Handmade.' In celebration of the launch of the store, Francfranc has collaborated with 3 artists from Jed Root, an acclaimed creative agency in New York, and has produced collaborative products. Read more>

New ACNE PAPER Launches
October 22, 2012
The 14^th issue of ACNE PAPER launched on October 15, 2012. It is the biggest issue of the magazine and is dedicated to New York City. For the first time, ACNE PAPER has 3 different covers that feature portraits of legendary New Yorkers: Fran Lebowitz, artist Richard Serra, and dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov. Read more>

Hello Kitty, Hello Art! Pop-Up Event in LA
October 22, 2012
Coinciding with the release of the hardcover collectible book "Hello Kitty, Hello Art!" which features one-of-a-kind artistic interpretations of Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters from dozens of high-profile international artists including: AIKO, POSE, 64 Colors, Kenton Parker and more, KNOWN Gallery in Los Angeles was the stage for a celebratory exhibition. Read more>

fragment design x Medicom Toy Worldwide Tour 2 Osaka Bearbricks
October 3, 2012
As part of Medicom Toy's Worldwide Tour 2, the brand has teamed up once again with Hiroshi Fujiwara's fragment design for an exclusive Bearbrick. Read more>

Designer Mihara Yasuhiro's Tokyo Home
October 3, 2012
Fashion designer Yasuhiro is known for his eponymous line and ongoing collaboration with PUMA. Read more for a look at Yasuhiro's extensive kaiju collection alongside a slew of vintage electronics, footwear, skateboards and rock 'n' roll paraphernalia. Read more>

Top Design Bloggers Select "Urgent, Odd, Delightful" Designs from NY Show
September 21, 2012
A group of bloggers from noted design and trend-watching sites have awarded products designed in Argentina, Japan, NY and Sweden as part of the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) which wrapped up August 22^nd. Read more>

Creativity & Technology - TOKYO DESIGNERS WEEK
September 21, 2012
TOKYO DESIGNERS WEEK will be held in Japan from October 30^th to November 5^th, 2012. The show is based on Creativity & Technology, offering a place to showcase artists' sensibility. This year's themes are "HOUSE" and "PLAY." Read more>

Vivienne Westwood and docomo Collaborate on Limited-Edition Smartphone Coming out This November
September 6, 2012
Vivienne Westwood has teamed up with Japan's leading telephone operator docomo in order to produce their collaborative Smartphone. Vivienne Westwood's original camouflage pattern will be applied to the design and feature the label's signature orb. Read more>

12 Companies from Tohoku and Ibaraki Exhibit at the 74^th Tokyo International Gift Show
September 6, 2012
The Japan Institute of Design Promotion will exhibit booth products from 12 companies focusing on design during the 74^th Tokyo International Gift Show. Read more>

Taro's Origami Studio - A Business That Wants to Fold
September 6, 2012
An origami studio in New York seeks to teach people of all ages how to master the traditional Japanese craft. Read more>

2012 IDEA Winners Reflect Best in Design; Honorees Foretell Future Trends
August 1, 2012
The Industrial Designers Society of America unveiled winners of the 2012 International Design Excellence Awards - a celebration of design excellence in products, sustainability, interaction design, packaging, strategy, research and concepts. Read more>

Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries - New Designations
August 1, 2012
On May 21, 2012, The Designation Subcommittee of the Traditional Craft Industry Committee, Industrial Structure Council, after careful consideration decided to newly designate Chibana-Hanori textile (made in Okinawa Prefecure) and Edo-Kiriko Cut Glass as traditional crafts. Read more>

Good Design Award 2^nd Screening End
August 1, 2012
This year's Good Design Award carried out its 2^nd Screening in Makuhari Messe. The results will be released on Good Design Award's official website by October 1^st, 2012. Read more>

10 Incredible Looking Video Game Offices
August 1, 2012
Ever wonder what the inside of some of your favorite video game offices look like? Read more>

ICFF Editors Awards Announced
June 19, 2012
Each year, the ICFF awards the "best of the best" of the year's design crop. Kaikado, as part of JETRO's Japan by Design pavilion, was awarded the 2012 ICFF Craftsmanship Award. Read more>

Japan Institute of Design Promotion commences "Tokyo Business Design Award" competition
May 14, 2012
The "Tokyo Business Design Award," organized by the Metropolitan Government began on May 9^th, 2012. The event is a design and business proposal competition with the aim of connecting companies and designers, began on May 9^th, 2012. Read more>

Call for Entry - Registration for Good Design Award 2012
May 14, 2012
The Japan Institute of Design Promotion is accepting applications for the 2012 Good Design Award through June 1^st, 2012. Read more>

Japanese Exhibitors Find Success @ NYIGF 2012
May 14, 2012
With over 36000 visitors and over 2700 exhibitors in attendance, this year's New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) was, once again, a huge success for the 26 Japanese exhibitors under JETRO's 14th annual Japan Pavilion. Read more>

Good Design Award 2011 winners are announced
January 20, 2012
Good Design Award is a comprehensive product evaluation program organized by Japan Institute of Design Promotion (JDP). This year "Internavi," the information service of Honda's car navigation system, won the grand award. Check out other products that received G-mark here.

FY 2011 awards to recognize contribution to Japan's traditional craft industries
January 20, 2012
The ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (MEITI) announced 58th annual FY award recipients in recognition of their contribution to the traditional craft industries. You can see the recipients work here.

Watch Creative Tokyo Forum videos on Ustream
January 20, 2012
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced the 58th annual FY award recipients. Read more >