Wow, it’s actually back. DesignTide Tokyo, the annual design event held each fall from 2005 to 2012, is returning to Tokyo this week to reclaim it’s rightful title of “A Place to Trade Ideas.” The last time we wrote about DesignTide, London had just hosted the Summer Olympics and Obama had been reelected as U.S. President. Japan, though, was still reeling from the 2011 tsunami and nuclear fallout, which crippled tourism and travel. And a slew of unfortunate events, from a tragic fire to a pandemic, cast doubt on the future of design festivals in Tokyo. But with DesignArt Tokyo filling the vacuum and now DesignTide being restarted, we are so back.
Starting on November 27th and running through December 1, 2024, the event will host 30+ exhibitors who will present their most recent projects, along with various panel discussions and even a selection of student artwork, all on display at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall. Here are just a few things we’re excited to see.
“Moment” by Shizuka Tatsuno
Collaborating with Nagasaki-based Benex, which specializes in precision sheet metal processing, art director Shizuka Tatsuno is unveiling “Moment.” The sculptural steel wall art was made by bending steel to 1mm thickness. “It captures a sense of lightness as if a sheet of paper has been gently placed on a table, while the geometric forms create shadows that bring a serene, poised presence to the space.”
Photos by Masaaki Inoue, Styling by Yumi Nakata
Atelier Matic’s Explorations with Akiu Stone
Sho Sotoyama of interior design studio Atelier Matic has been focused on natural materials such as marble and other types of stone. At DesignTide Tokyo he will will present the studio’s work utilizing Akiu Stone, a unique, volcanic material mined near a hot spring resort in Sendai. The collection incudes a high table, bench, side table and box light.
Pixel Weaving by Hana Mitsui
Textile designer Hana Mitsui will resent Pixel Weave, an exploration into new possibilities utilizing igusa grass and kakegawa-ori, a traditional tatami weaving technique that has been handed down from ancient times in the Chikugo region of Japan.
Drawing on inspiration from similarities between the weaving pattern and digital pixels, Mitsui succeeded in replicating visual imagery by mixing the colors of igusa grass. The work intentionally features one of the most-famous images in the world, The Mona Lisa, in order to convey the possibilities of igusa weaving.
The Colors of Microalgae
Will algae change the world? The sea plant seems to be on the minds of many forward-thinkers, including Japan’s most-beloved mascot character. We+, comprised of Toshiya Hayashi and Hokuto Ando, are also keen on the microorganism’s vast potential, and are unveiling “SO-colored,” a series of furniture utilizing the diverse hues of microalgae.
Generally associated with the color green, depending on the specis and environment microalgae can exhibit hues that vary from reds and yellows to blues. “These vibrant, natural colors unique to algae reveal a richness and depth that cannot be found elsewhere,” explain the designers. “By mixing powdered microalgae with naturally derived resins, we have developed an original material and created seating, exploring new possibilities for natural colors.”
Student Exhibition
Although there are lots of other designers and exhibitors we’re looking forward to seeing, we did want to highlight the Student Exhibition. In the past, DesignTide has distinguished itself from other design events by putting less emphasis on the commercial and trade show components, so it’s good to see that spirit is still alive and well.
This year, in addition to numerous panel discussions that will reflect on issues in contemporary design, DesignTide is featuring the works of students selected from four prominent art universities in Japan. “Through the innovative perspectives and approaches of these students, the exhibition explores new possibilities in contemporary design and art, offering visitors the chance to engage with the creativity and energy of emerging young creators.” Seen below is the work of Yuta Kikuchi from Tokyo Zokei University whose is exploring ancient pottery and its potential as building materials.
