Kokeshi are traditional, artisanal Japanese dolls, characterized by their lack of arms or legs. They have become iconic; they reflect simple Japanese aesthetic sensibilities with their simple, elegant and minimalist designs. Kokeshi looks at this culture in depth. It profiles 23 artisans in the remote hot spring villages where they are made and highlights many aesthetic theories and sensibilities that are prevalent in contemporary design, even today. With rare interviews, it will delight fans of wooden crafts and Japanese culture.
Blurry, out of focus, streaked with light and distorted. While these are adjectives you might not associate with quality photography, these are the quintessential characteristics of photography produced by toy cameras.While generic, commercial, travel photography based on stock has become the norm, Toy Tokyo captures the exhilaration of travel photography and life on the road, in one of the worlds most intense and photogenic locations.First in a series of location specific photography books using toys cams. Included are introductions, interviews with the founders of, and photos of factory visits with makers of the most iconic toy and simple system cameras, such as the Holga, Zero pinholes and the original Diana in Hong Kong, the LOMO LC-A and Horizon in Russia, Japan's Fuuvi, Impossible films and of course, the folks at lomography.
An inside look at kokeshi dolls: from the skilled woodworkers behind their design to their important cultural significance.Kokeshi are the simple and charming traditional Japanese dolls characterized by their cylindrical shape and lack of arms and legs. Historically made as children's toys in Japan's northern region of Tohoku, they have now become a popular collector's item and have even inspired famous architects and artists.In this visual guide, readers will find:Filled with artist interviews, gorgeous photos and firsthand travel experience, author Manami Okazaki has created a book to be enjoyed by all--from serious collectors to woodcrafters, interior designers, architects, armchair travelers and anyone with an interest in Japanese culture and travel.
Das erste Buch zum internationalen Design-Trend: so süß! Wer bei japanischer Kultur bislang nur an Teezeremonie und Hokusai-Holzschnitte dachte, kennt Kawaii noch nicht! Der Begriff bedeutet im Japanischen so viel wie süß, niedlich, reizend und steht für ein ästhetisches Phänomen, das seit den 1970er Jahren den Weg bis nach Europa gefunden hat: den Kindlichkeitskult. In Japan werben Monchichi und Hello Kitty nicht nur für ihre große Produktfamilie, sondern kommen in allen gesellschaftlichen Bereichen, von der Behördeninformation bis zur Gestaltung von Flugzeugen der Japan Airlines, zum Einsatz. Das Buch zeigt in den Schnappschüssen des Fotografen Geoff Johnson, wie weit der Einfluss von Pokémon, Tamagotchi und Co. in der japanischen Gesellschaft reicht.
From the refined homes of Tokyo to the nightclubs of Kyoto; from gangster chic
to Harajuku street style; from ateliers and catwalks to city sidewalks and
religious festivals - this generously illustrated volume shows how the kimono
has continued to be one of Japan's most exciting wardrobe elements.
Creative Sole, Japanese Sneaker Culture is a book that looks at Japan's prolific presence in sneaker culture globally. Creative, covetable and cool, Japanese sneakers are some of the most highly sought after in the world today, with an incredible amount of designers, collaborators, artists and makers, all infusing their creative energy into this multi-billion dollar industry. This book includes hundreds of sneakers from the hottest Japanese designers, and collaborations ranging from the crazy to the chic, to vintage, rare and Japan exclusive items. From Asics / Onitsuka Tiger's Olympic archival items, to the entire portfolio of mita sneakers collabs, to historic Japan-made sneakers sourced from the vaults of Tokyo's super collectors, this comprehensive book will thrill all lovers of design and fashion. Included are over 350 sneaker photos, including collaboration kicks with a wide range of creators, from designers such as Comme des Garçons, street wear label BAPE, Nintendo game characters, artist Takashi Murakami, Hello Kitty to skaters like Christian Hosoi. Interviews with famous designers, artists, creative directors, athletes and ad agency W+K provide exclusive contextual information into the world of kicks.
Takumi: Downtown Tokyo Artisan Culture looks at 32 artisan ateliers in the shitamachi district of Tokyo; the traditional commoner and merchant region of the Edo era. The book will feature craftspeople working out of small studios across downtown, creating exquisite items by hand. This is a rare glimpse into these spaces; from screen makers, kimono dyers, washi paper makers to glass blowers, presented in an accessible, lavish tome. With hundreds of photos, Takumi: Downtown Tokyo Artisan Culture offers a visual tour into downtown artisan life, with a focus on places that even a casual tourist can also visit as well. Interviews with the craftspeople also provide insight into the philosophy of the Japanese artisan. While many travelers will visit the Asakusa area to marvel at Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest temple, most visitors are unaware of the rich culture that is present beyond the tourist areas. The region has retained many of the craft traditions of the Edo era, and the book also looks at aspects of urbanism such as bathhouses, shotengai shopping streets and nagaya architecture to highlight the inter-connectivity of all aspects of "old Tokyo" life.
