From the editor

Even for those who have never visited Japan, it’s a country that has a firm hold on the collective imagination, from the ancient traditions of sumo and geisha to the iconic centuries-old red torii gates and the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji. But it’s not just visions of historic Japan that have been successfully exported. We’ve also been initiated into the subcultures of Harajuku fashion and anime, as well as the country’s rich and varied culinary traditions.

Japan is also often a country of contradictions. It’s not uncommon to see a kimono-clad woman using a smartphone, or a charming, perfectly preserved neighbourhood temple next to a striking architectdesigned contemporary building. It’s a unique culture that feels immediately foreign to anyone not from there, making it one of the most exciting, intriguing experiences for any visitor, no matter how many times you visit.

My own relationship with Japan began in my midtwenties when I travelled there — with every intention of eventually getting to London — and ended up staying for three years. And while the experience was often somewhat fraught (it was, admittedly, my very first overseas experience), it’s a place that has taken up permanent residence in my heart. So this issue, the ninth in our series of country-focused editions, is dedicated to a place that will always feel like one of my homes.

You may be wondering why it’s taken us nine years to produce an issue about a country that’s renowned the world over as a design powerhouse, but it’s precisely for that reason that we waited so long. Traditionally, we’ve saved these issues of Design Anthology for countries that fly a little under the radar and are deserving of more celebration that they get. However, we felt the time was right to focus our attention a little further north and dedicate an issue to the Land of the Rising Sun, taking the opportunity to remind ourselves of all that Japan has to offer from a design and architecture perspective, and dig a little deeper for some lesser-known names and places. Plus, it seems that the Japanese aren’t as aware of their prowess and influence as you’d think.

Another deciding factor was the relocation of one of the team to Tokyo, meaning we now have an outpost in the Japanese capital and we’ll hopefully all be spending a little more time there over the coming years!

While this issue was never intended to be an exhaustive overview of the design scene in Japan, or even Tokyo, we are excited to share a broad range of stories — from an introduction to some of the country’s most exciting emerging product designers, to an essay on craft from a place that still reveres ancient traditions; from a feature about Tokyo’s zoning laws to another about small independent art galleries. We’ve also gathered homes from a few cities around the archipelago — all representative in their own way of how people live today.

We sincerely hope you enjoy the 37th issue of Design Anthology. To everyone on the ground in Japan who helped to make this issue possible, we offer our utmost gratitude. Arigatou gozaimashita!

Suzy Annetta Editor-in-Chief