Traditional Japanese craft-making truly became a high art during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (ca. 1575-1603), when Japan was unified by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, then the most powerful man in the country. Urban culture flourished, and a new importance was placed on architecture, painting, arts & crafts as well as the performing arts. It was also during this period that Japanese tea ceremony or "wabi-cha" became a high art, with Sen Rikyu (1522-1591) at the center of its development. The delicately crafted lacquerware, maki-e, porcelain and copperware items of the period lie behind the Japanese design of today.

These rich artistic traditions and craft-making techniques seemed to be almost forgotten during the last half of the 20th century, when post-war Japan focused its energies on mass production and strengthening industrial competitiveness. The influx of low-cost imports furthered the decline of traditional craft-making and other artistic traditions across the country.

But such traditions have been reawakened in recent years, as Japanese art and craft items found growing popularity in Japan and abroad. Inspired by this, artisans in Japan’s regions sought to rediscover the high standards of traditional craft-making techniques and blend this with modern design. The result of these efforts is embodied in "JAPAN STYLE".

This year’s Japan Pavilion, under the theme "JAPAN STYLE 2007 — design meets craft", showcases products made with materials very familiar to the Japanese and using techniques that express aspects of Japan’s history and culture—but blended with modern design. It is hoped that the event will offer a valuable opportunity for visitors to see for themselves the value of Japanese workmanship and gain a sense of the richness of Japanese tradition and culture, and also inspire future generations.

You are cordially invited to experience "JAPAN STYLE 2007 — design meets craft" at this year’s Maison & Objet, and I sincerely look forward to welcoming you!

Toshiki KIRIYAMA
General Producer
"JAPAN STYLE 2007 – design meets craft"