Spoon & Tamago

Page 28 of 409

RAKKU’s New Jacket is a Wearable Bag

February 9, 2023 / Kushal Jain / Comments Off

‘Rakku’ is a project initiated to revolutionize the mundane and tiring work culture. The word ‘Rakku (楽)’ means ‘Comfort’ in Japanese and the project’s objective is to question the current way of working, contemplating what really is necessary and also delving into new possibilities of doing the very same things in a relaxed, fun yet efficient way. Hence the motto ‘Work freely, fun and easy.’

Graphic Design Kamishibai Tell Visual Fairytales

February 7, 2023 / Johnny / Comments Off

“Snow White” retold using only graphic symbols

The kamishibai (literally “paper play”) is a Japanese form of storytelling that involved a narrator using illustrated paper boards to tell stories. As the story would progress, a new board would replace the previous board, propelling the story forward. This concept served as the inspiration for graphic designer Katsuhiko Shibuya and his class of students at Joshibi University of Art and Design. The task, however, was to deconstruct fairy tales even further using only graphic symbols.

Interiors for ONIBUS Coffee Made From Discarded Wood and Beans

February 6, 2023 / Kushal Jain / Comments Off

images ©Katsuhiro Aoki

Onibus Coffee has brewed up their first location outside Tokyo. Designed by Torafu Architects and located in Nasu, Tochigi, the coffee shop joins Good News Neighbors, a group of environmentally conscious businesses.The idea was to establish the coffee brand’s identity while blending in with the surrounding neighbourhood and nature.

Artist Hikari Asano Experiments with Traditional Japanese Rooms By Spinning a Kotatsu

February 1, 2023 / Johnny / Comments Off

”marui chikyu no moyogae” / 丸い地球の模様替え (2023) by Hikari Asano

Artist Hikari Asano is currently a graduate student at Tokyo University of the Arts. Over the years, she’s developed a practice of experimenting with washitsu, or traditional Japanese rooms, in surreal and unexpecting ways. As part of her graduating thesis project, she’s created a tatami mat base and kotatsu that spins in the air like a child-propelled merry-go-round.

Marc Newson’s New Tokyo Toilet Takes Cues from Vernacular Tea Houses

January 30, 2023 / Kushal Jain / Comments Off

images ©Satoshi Nagare courtesy Nippon Foundation

Joining the likes of Architects Tadao Ando, Fumihiko Maki, Shigeru Ban and many other renowned names, Marc Newson’s Toilet is the latest addition to the Nippon Foundation’s Tokyo Toilet Project in the hip neighbourhood of Shibuya. It is the only one to be contributed by a designer based outside Japan.

Tofu Specialty Shop Hirakawaya’s New Restaurant in Takeo Onsen

January 27, 2023 / Johnny / 1 Comment

unless otherwise noted all photos by Ben Richards courtesy Keiji Ashizawa Architects

Hirakawaya is a tofu restaurant that has been serving a local specialty for over 60 years. Known as onsen tofu, the dish (as the name implies) is cooked and served in pristine, mineral-rich water sourced from onsen, or natural hot springs. Their new, stylish space located in front of the historical tower gate of Takeo Onsen is a perfect place to enjoy this staple from Saga prefecture.

Wearable Bean Bag Pillow from Japanese Brand Hanalolo Let’s You Rest Anytime, Anywhere

January 25, 2023 / Johnny / Comments Off

Are you like us and finding yourself perpetually tired, in need of quick naps and rests several times a day? Well then you’re in luck because we have the perfect attire for you. Meet the wearable bean bag pillow. Is it comfortable? Yes. Cozy? Sure. Will it make you look ridiculous? Absolutely.

Our Favorite Student Artwork From Japan’s Graduating Class of 2023

January 22, 2023 / Johnny / 1 Comment

In Japan, early spring is graduation season, which means it’s the time of year art students across Japan are proudly displaying their years of hard work in the form of senior thesis exhibitions. Here at S&T we have a tradition of highlighting some of our favorite work by the young artists who are heading out into the real world. From paper sculptures and oil paintings to glass cranes, this year’s class is brimming with creativity.

Glass Artist Genki Hirano Crafts Tentacle Earbuds

January 21, 2023 / Johnny / 1 Comment

all images courtesy Genki Hirano

Genki Hirano is a Japanese glass artist based in Iwate prefecture who creates delicate works that range from glass cups and vases to more whimsical designs like glass clothing hangers and pens. For a design festival last year in May, Hirano decided to respond to the theme of sea life by creating glass octopus tentacle earbuds.

Waguya: a 300-Year Old Cavernous Arts & Crafts Shop in Mie Prefecture

January 17, 2023 / Johnny / 1 Comment

image courtesy google maps

Waguya is a seemingly nondescript shop on a quiet residential street in Mie prefecture. With small, potted plants outside and several porcelain vases in the window, it would be easy to pass right by. But do so and you would be missing out on the secretive, cavernous interior that reveals itself only to those who decide to venture deep inside.