Happi=happy

It has been very important for me to understand that everything about Japanese design -from buildings to fashion- follows a deeper meaning, rather than just the shape itself.

Happi is a traditional straight sleeved Japanese coat that firefighters wore during the Edo Period, as they were made out of a very resistant cotton which they sprayed with water. It has a reversible design: on one side it is dark, meant for protection during their duty. On the other, it has a beautiful Japanese scene which may include a dragon or a tiger. The firefighters would wear happi on this side after the fire has been extinguished, so the crowd could receive them.

Practical and beautiful, that is how design should be.

Kansai Yamamoto

A few weeks ago, I went to Tokyo to visit an exhibition at the Edo Museum from a designer called Kansai. I didn't know his work, but I loved it because he is a very talented and creative Japanese artist.

The guide of the museum explained me that Kansai comes from a very humble environment, but since early age he was determined to be succesful. At his time, after World War II, everything that Japan did was a copy of the Occident, but he decided to stand out as a proud embassador of the Japanese culture, of course, from his own particular perspective. He was the first Japanese Designer to have a fashion show in London. And, yes, he designed David Bowie's first world tour's wardrobe. Ziggy Stardust!

He takes the escence of Japan, transforming it into something new, fresh, contemporary and he certainly is very proud about it.

As a restless artist, he now moved from fashion into big performing scenarios.

http://www.kansai-inc.co.jp/ky/fashion/index.html

Shinsetsu

There is something -among many other things- that I love from Japanese people: they are absolutely kind, "shinsetsu". If you get lost -which is quite easy- they will show you, with every possible detail, how to get to your destination (as long as you know it, of course). Sometimes this may not be so convenient because they assume that you speak Japanese fluently, so you may only understand the sign language part.

I did little fish of paper with Koinobori shape (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koinobori) and I wrote on their back "Arigatougozaimasu" to give to all the shinsetsu people that I meet. I already gave a few...

Le fabuleux destin d'Amelie Poulin

I was surprised to see that many Japanese houses have gnomes in their gardens, such as those of Amelie poulin. Then, I read that they simbolize knowledge and I even found that there is people who think they should be liberated http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_Gnome_Liberation_Front

Mirror, mirror

In Japan, you will always be aware of your looks since every street, station, building, construction is full of mirrors, inside and outside.

There are two types of mirrors: those that are meant for warning, so people can see where they are driving, either a car, a motorcycle or a bicycle (we must remember that in Japan people drive on the left side), and there are also those created especifically for vanity. In the stores there are mirrors everywhere, even in the roof.

In the bathrooms -at least women's- there are many mirrors displayed specially for women to get gorgeous. I have never seen a Japanese young woman who doesn't look outstanding. Every single detail of her looks is very well thought: hairstyle, makeup, clothes, shoes, handbag. Everything has an intention and a relationship with the rest of the outfit. Men do also care about fashion and good looks, as well.

In Japan, everywhere you look at, there is you!

Irashiaimase!!!!!

Irashiaimase is the welcoming phrase that you will hear when you enter every store in Japan.

This blogg is about the stories of good design in everyday life in Japan.