Design Week Kyoto Unlocks Your Creativity
While many people have heard about the rich tradition of Kyoto handcrafts, little do they know what local artisans are up to these days. Here is something to get your creative juices flowing!
Design Week Kyoto is an annual event linking creativity with visitors and the local community. It engages Kyoto artisans, designers and anyone interested in craftsmanship in a collaborative process, where new ideas and artworks can emerge. The aim is not only to strengthen a network of craftsman, but also to help those wishing to explore the role of design in culture and society.
During the Design Week Kyoto 2018, many factories, studios, galleries and cafes opened their doors for visitors showcasing their artworks and revealing stories behind the creations. A diverse one-week program of exhibitions, festivals, factory tours, workshops and more served as a rich introduction to the design scene in Kyoto.
Going into its 3rd edition, Design Week Kyoto 2018 transforms the city into a hub for creativity taking design out of the artisan's place into the urban sphere.
Design x Interact x Kyoto
Promoting monozukuri culture, Japanese term used to talk about craftsmanship work, Kyoto Makers Garage also became a venue for the Design Week Kyoto 2018 activities. Design x Interact x Kyoto event held on 18th of February gathered students, researchers, manufacturers and designers to talk about new ideas and build a bridge between creativity and manufacture.
An event kicked off with talks on Japanese design delivered by Aichi-born Herbert Keisuke Johnson, who is now residing in Los Angeles. Given a chance to see Japan from the outside, he grew interested in a Japanese craftsmanship and devoted his efforts to link both American and Japanese cultures. Working as a manager for Tortoise General Store, he stocked its shelves with contemporary Japanese products and home design elements. Now Herbert provides support for Japanese companies looking to expand their business to USA.
Next speaker Akihiro Sato, who serves at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Physics of Kyoto University, amused the audience with his researches about Data Design. He introduced his paper on Grid Square Statistics on job opportunity ads collected from the Japanese job matching website.
Last but not the least, UX and Service designer Mandy Meissner explained why service design could be a driving factor in growing your impact and getting important ideas heard. Making digital services easy and intuitive for target users is truly a customer-oriented service, she says.
Here is your last chance to attend Kyoto Design Week 2018! Head to the events below:
Nishijin Area Tour
When and where: Feb 19–22, 25, Kyoto Shinkin Bank Nishijin branch
Nishijin Area Tour is perfect opportunity to take a look at the traditional weaving industry in Kyoto in depth. Join a workshop to leave your footprint behind Nishijin and create a logo for Nishijin Salon.
Exhibition by Kai Linke
When and where: Feb 18–25, Villa Kamogawa
Exhibition by Kai Linke, a German product designer, features his artworks from ceramics, copper, wood, foil and other materials. His designs produce unique shapes and new methods and materials which goes back and forth between practicality and functionality, earnest and fun, familiarity and stimulation.
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