Design X Stories - Season 2 / Year 2023

The Jomon period began around 15,000 years ago and lasted for over ten thousand years. In recent years a host of Jomon-themed exhibitions have been held in Japan and elsewhere. A key feature of Jomon culture is that people lived in fixed settlements, coexisting with nature over millennia. They produced astonishingly beautiful objects, and mysterious, primitive designs. These have inspired many creators today, forming a well of creative energy. Our presenters Andy and Shaula visit these people at work, explore the world of Jomon designs and discover how they lasted for ten thousand years!

Our relationship with nature has been changed by our experiences during the pandemic. Many feel a strong desire to bring the natural world into their everyday lives. Interest has risen in designs that are more than shallow ornamentation, offering coexistence with nature, and conservation of our environment. Such designs shape our living spaces and architecture. Our presenters visit gardener and green director Saito Taichi on his plant farm where they experience his designs that bring people and nature closer together, and explore their potential!

Fukui Prefecture lies on the coast of the Sea of Japan, in the central area of Japan's main island. A wide array of projects are building communities, and promoting regional craftsmanship. We visit the foot of Zen mountain temple Eihei-ji Temple, and coastal scenic spot Wakasa to explore the unique creative work in both locations. Presenters Andy and Shaula are on the scene to learn how Fukui designs are bringing tradition into the future.

Fukui Prefecture lies on the coast of the Sea of Japan, in the central area of Japan's main island. 90% of Japan's eyeglasses are made here, along with Echizen lacquerware, which has a 1500-year history. It's also the home of Echizen washi paper, one of Japan's three major washi varieties. This is a hub for Japanese craftsmanship, and it's drawn a group of next-generation designers eager to respect tradition while adding value to new items. In Part 2, learn how tradition is leveraged to shape a creative region and join us on a design hunt in Fukui Prefecture!

The Japanese custom of snack time led to regular Japanese creating a unique culture around sweets. Since late 1800s, the mixture of western culture and Japanese sensibilities has led to an incredible variety of treats. Today, flavor, form and packaging all reflect deeply original designs, and many items are popular abroad. Dagashi stores that offer cheap sweets are much loved places for children to gather. Explore Japan's wonderful world of snack-time designs!

This Design Hunt takes us to Fukuoka prefecture in the north of the island of Kyushu. With urban hubs, a coastline and mountains, the local culture draws on the natural world and city sophistication. Long a key trade junction, it flourished through its connections to Asia, and was often the first place to accept new ideas and inventions from other countries. Join us on a design hunt for the many cutting-edge, original designs of Fukuoka.