Currently, the global interior trend is "Japandi," fusing "Japanese" and "Scandi" (Nordic).
Common points are "Functional Beauty," "Natural Materials," and "Negative Space (Yohaku)."
The Japanese style of "living low (sitting on the floor)" and wooden furniture crafted by artisans blend surprisingly well with Nordic textiles and lighting.
Rather than filling space with flashy decorations, carefully displaying only a few favored items. That is becoming the global standard for "rich living."
The room is a mirror reflecting the heart. "Japanese tools" living harmoniously with "attachment".
Are you surrounded by things chosen "just because"?
Your home is where you can be your most honest self. That's exactly why you want to pick items you won't throw away, but rather grow old alongside.
Washi lightings letting light pierce through, Igusa (rush) rugs washing the air, Magewappa (bentwood) storages aging gracefully into an amber hue.
Japanese interior setups embrace a "stripped down beauty (Japandi)" resonating heavily alongside Nordic designs. Originating here, begin curating deliberate rooms reclaiming silence and tranquility.
How to choose Home & Interior
Breathing Materials. "Wood, Bamboo, Paper, Earth"
Japanese goods are "breathing interiors" born from a hot and humid climate.
・Washi Lighting (AKARI, etc.):
Even sharp LED light diffuses softly like sunlight when passing through Washi paper. Just by placing it in the corner of the room at night, you should feel your tense nerves unraveling.
・Igusa (Rush) Rugs:
Called natural air purifiers, "Igusa." Absorbing moisture when humidity is high and releasing it when dry. Its forest-bath-like aroma is the ultimate relaxing scent. "Oki-tatami," which you just place on flooring, is also popular.
・Akita Cedar Magewappa:
Excellent not just as lunch boxes, but as accessory cases or bread bins. The moisture absorbency absent in plastics and the sterilizing effect of cedar protect the contents.
Holy Lands of Furniture. "Hida" and "Asahikawa"
Japan has world-class producing regions for "legged items" (chairs and tables).
・Hida Takayama (Gifu):
The wood-bending techniques inheriting the skills of "Hida Artisans" are the world's finest. By steaming and bending hard solid wood, sturdy yet beautifully curved chairs are born without breaking the wood grain.
・Asahikawa (Hokkaido):
The northern land where high-quality timber gathers. Boasts many modern, sophisticated designs, winning numerous international design awards.
Japanese chairs are often made with the "seat slightly lower" to match the physique of Japanese people who live without shoes, ensuring the legs and lower back don't tire even remaining seated for long periods.
Don't Hide It, Show It. "Raising Storage"
Japanese storage tools do not need hiding. Rather, show them off.
・Kiri (Paulownia) Boxes:
Used for rice bins and clothing boxes, Paulownia is a miraculous wood resisting fire and repelling insects. The plain wood surface changes over time to a deeply flavorful silver-gray.
・Brass Hardware:
Hooks, trays, etc. They are shiny at first, but oxidize as they are used, settling into an austere antique gold.
While plastic "deteriorates" when dirtied, Japanese natural materials gain "character (Patina)" even holding stains traversing scratches.
Tips for Displaying with Style and Q&A
Q. How can I make a small room look spacious?
A. Incorporate the ancient Japanese wisdom of "living low." By reducing tall furniture and choosing low sofas and low tables, the ceiling looks higher, creating an unobstructed line of sight. This is called the aesthetics of "Negative Space (Ma)."
Q. Solid wood furniture seems hard to maintain...
A. It's actually easy. For "oil finished" furniture, simply rub in dedicated oil or beeswax once every half year. This process becomes a time to "feed the wood," making it surprisingly lustrous. Being able to fix scratches by sanding them with sandpaper is another merit unique to solid wood.
Yamanishi Shoten — Shido Kiri Geta
Kyoto Suzuemon
Shobido Honten
Tezukuri Kobo Kyotoya
Ryukyu Glass Village
TAJIMA GLASS
Fukagawa Seiji
ZOHIKO, Kyoto Lacquerware
Hoshizuna Glass Studio
Shimadzu Satsuma Kiriko
KORANSHA
Wajima Lacquerware Taigadou
Shiroma Bingata Studio
Satuma Vidro Kogei
Minoyaki Traditional Craft Cooperative
KASYOAN
Chinen Bingata Laboratory
SHOHO
TOKI MINOYAKI
Shuri Dyeing and Weaving Museum suikara
Sumida Edo Kiriko-kan
MINORU TOUKI
TOYO-SASAKI GLASS
HORIGUCHI KIRIKO
ZOHO-GAMA
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