Japanese retirees invigorate their post-work lives by making their community debuts
Some municipalities in Japan have implemented ordinances aimed at building a society where senior citizens can live happily in their local communities.
Rie Hayashi
Tokyo-based plant dye brand brightens everyday items with nature’s colours
Based in Tokyo’s Kuramae district, Maito Design Works offers a range of plant-dyed items for everyday use, such as socks, scarves and small bags.
Japanese brass foundry retains lustre; delights eyes with unique ornaments, decorations
The Shibazaki alloy foundry in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, uses brass to craft everything from trophy handles to building hardware such as door components.
Simple, elegant beauty of ‘Kusakizome’ soothes; artist specialises in dyeing with plant-made dyes
The flowers and plants depicted on the many wooden boxes are created using the roketsu kusakizome technique — dyeing with natural dyes made from plants — and they are…
‘Inclusive food’ for people with swallowing, chewing difficulties gain popularity in Japan
Meals prepared for people with chewing and swallowing problems are not always appetizing to people, and are often unknown to people who have no problems with eating.
Designs diversify as schoolbag makers compete to attract parents
A recent trend is genderless bags, with companies like Tsuchiya Kaban offering five colors in its catalogue of backpacks, promoting them with the slogan “colors regardless of…