Ben Davis
Japanese craftsmanship finds a new stage in Kyoto’s Nishijin neighbourhood
The city’s historical craft district is blooming into a creative conclave, with a new generation of artisans, architects and retailers setting up alongside its textile makers.
Art, sound and a very small house: Three Tokyo exhibitions to see in October
This month’s highlights include an installation by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Shiro Takatani, a retrospective of Yoshihisa Tanaka’s works made on paper and reinterpretations of the 13th-century essay “Hojoki”.
Takashi Fukuchi is betting Japan’s foot health on zero-drop shoes
Drawing on centuries-old Japanese footwear, entrepreneur Takashi Fukuchi’s Stride Lab and Notace brands say that the best way forward is to let your feet move as nature intended.
‘Ritokei’ is Japan’s well-designed island newspaper connecting remote communities
Since 2010, the newspaper has been giving voice to the inhabitants of Japan’s remote islands. We meet its editor in chief to find out how its helping to unite disparate communities.
New approaches, old foundations: How Kyoto is establishing a fresh creative voice
Kyoto is undergoing a renaissance, as new fashion brands, restaurants, galleries and hotels open their doors. We meet the people weaving history and innovation into a new vision of the city’s future.
Running brands are going the extra mile as South Koreans take to the great outdoors
When James Lee McQuown started running along Seoul’s Han river some 15 years ago, pedestrians, speed-walkers and casual joggers were his main company. In recent years, however, the South Korean-American model, DJ and co-founder…
Does size matter? These compact Tokyo fashion boutiques don’t think so
Tiny shops in unlikely locations are helping innovative Tokyo retailers to stay ahead. We track down the compact outposts of Hereness and Graphpaper, which show us how it’s done.
Hida Sangyo unveils a beautiful renovation of Yuhokan Hida Gallery, Japan
With its refurbished gallery in Takayama City, woodworking brand Hida Sangyo is keeping ancient Japanese artisanship alive.
New pastures by the sea: Meet the transplants who call Hakodate and Aoshima home
We head to the northern and southern corners of Japan to chat to the newcomers who have escaped the big-city bustle and the locals who simply wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
How nature-focused lifestyle brand Sanu is shifting Japanese perceptions of second homes
The Tokyo-based company is luring city dwellers back to nature with its cleverly manufactured modular cabins.
